Chicago Bears, Urlacher Part Ways; Reed Heads To Texans

Bears Parting Ways With LB Urlacher

(Lake Forest, IL)  --  Bears General Manager Phil Emery says they have been unable to agree to a new contract with linebacker Brian Urlacher and are parting ways.

Urlacher has spent his entire 13-year career with Chicago. Urlacher was the team's first-round draft pick in 2000.  He has nearly 1,800 tackles, 41 1/2 sacks and 22 interceptions in his career.

Reed Reportedly Agrees To Deal With Texans

(Houston, TX) -- Ed Reed is moving on from the Super Bowl champions. CBS Sports reports the longtime Ravens safety has agreed to a two-year contract with the Texans.

The 34-year-old Reed has spent his entire 11-year career with the Ravens and is the franchise's all-time leader with 61 interceptions. He had four picks this past regular season and added another in the Super Bowl win over San Francisco.

Bears Sign DE McBride

(Lake Forest, IL) -- The Chicago Bears signed free-agent defensive end Turk McBride to a one-year deal Wednesday. McBride spent the past two years with the New Orleans Saints, appearing in 15 games and recording two sacks. McBride has totaled 119 tackles and nine-and-a-half sacks in 66 career games with Kansas City, Detroit and New Orleans.

Owners Approve Helmet Rule, Eliminate Tuck Rule

(Phoenix, AZ) -- NFL owners are approving a pair of noteworthy rule changes. It will now be a penalty if an offensive player leads with the crown of his helmet when outside the tackle box. The league is also getting rid of the infamous tuck rule. According to NFL Network, both rule changes passed by an overwhelming margin.