A source has told ESPN 1500 that the Vikings are not interested in free agent MLB Brian Urlacher. The Vikings have a hole at middle linebacker, but they have an in-house candidate in Audie Cole and are also expected to address the position early in the draft. Urlacher's pricetag would have to plummet for the Vikes to show interest.

Free agent Brian Urlacher was looking for $3.5 million to $4 million from the Bears on a one-year deal. Urlacher likely considered that a hometown discount, but in reality that's far too much for a broken down soon-to-be 35-year-old. He hasn't ruled out a return to the Bears this offseason, but it seems unlikely that he'll be back. Urlacher will be lucky to find the $2 million Chicago was offering on the open market.

Free agent Brian Urlacher has no "immediate plans" to retire. Urlacher says he'll look into joining "one of the teams he's spoken with." It's unclear whom that might be, but he's been connected to the Vikings and Cowboys since the start of free agency. Adding Urlacher would be more about leadership and intangibles than production, as his athleticism has all but vanished after 13 seasons of giving and taking hits.

Free agent Brian Urlacher confirms the Bears made him a "take it or leave it" offer of one-year, $2 million. "It was a ultimatum, not a negotiation,'' Urlacher said. "I wanted to be in Chicago. I wanted to finish here." The Bears were cold and calculating with one of the best players in franchise history, but based on Urlacher's 2012 performance, $2 million was generous. Urlacher looked ancient on the field, particularly when attempting to defend the pass. Unless an owner is interested in selling tickets, it's unlikely Urlacher finds a better deal on the open market. Retirement is a very real possibility.

The Bears have announced they were unable to reach an agreement with free agent Brian Urlacher, and "both sides will move forward." "He showed great leadership and helped develop a winning culture over his time with the Bears," GM Phi Emery said in a statement. "We appreciate all he has given our team, on and off the field. Brian will always be welcome as a member of the Bears." It's the end of one of the best football relationships of the 21st century, but not a surprising one after the sides failed to come anywhere close to an agreement. Per ESPN Chicago, the Bears aren't believed to have offered Urlacher more than $2 million for 2013. He made $7.5 million in 2012. Urlacher can still be useful against the run, but his lateral agility was almost nonexistent last season. Going on 35, it's possible Urlacher decides to hang up his cleats.

Speaking Wednesday, Bears coach Marc Trestman said he believes free agent Brian Urlacher can still "help our football team," and that the team's interest in a new deal "(isn't) just from a locker room perspective." They're Trestman's most glowing comments about the future Hall-of-Famer, and suggest the sides are finally closing in on a new deal. Trestman did hint Urlacher may be phased out on passing downs, but at this point it would be a surprise if an accord isn't reached.

Bears president Ted Phillips stated at the NFL Owners Meetings Monday that the club hopes to sign free agent Brian Urlacher to a contract allowing Urlacher to finish his career with Chicago. The Cowboys and Vikings were rumored to have interest in Urlacher last week, but officials from both teams downplayed their pursuits on Monday. Phillips wants Urlacher back. "We would like nothing more than for Brian to finish his career as a Bear," Phillips said. "I still remember the day we drafted him. He played safety in college and he's turned into one of the best middle linebackers and Chicago Bears in history. I hope his career ends with us."

Owner George McCaskey is staying out of the Bears' Brian Urlacher situation. "As a fan, of course you want him back," McCaskey said. "But I've tried to assure Bears fans since I became chairman that I don't involve myself in player personnel decisions." It's bad news for Urlacher, who could have used a meddlesome owner pounding the table for his return. Instead, McCaskey is leaving a football decision up to his football people, and they appear very lukewarm on retaining the face of the franchise.

ESPN 1500 Twin Cities reports it's a "long shot" the Vikings would have more than just "cursory interest" in free agent MLB Brian Urlacher. We agree. It doesn't fit GM Rick Spielman's profile to go out and blow big bucks on an aging veteran, especially one that has slowed down as abruptly as Urlacher has. Free agent MLB Jasper Brinkley isn't likely to return, and the Vikings are aiming for a young linebacker who can cover tight ends.

Free agent MLB Brian Urlacher has been in touch with the Vikings in recent days. A Vikings source confirmed the news to the Chicago Tribune, but said Minnesota was just "monitoring" the situation. The Vikings have a gaping hole at middle linebacker with Jasper Brinkley being a free agent. Chicago has yet to offer a counter proposal to the two-year contract Urlacher's camp brought to the team last week, and GM Phil Emery says it is an "ongoing process." The Cardinals and Cowboys also have a level of interest in Urlacher, but the feeling among them is that Urlacher returns to the Bears at some point.