CHICAGO, Feb. 19 -- The Chicago Bears completed a trade with the Seattle Seahawks Tuesday, sending their first-round 1997 draft choice to Seattle for quarterback Rick Mirer. The Bears said Mirer has agreed to a three-year contract with the team, bleieved to be worth $3.6 million a year.
Chicago Vice President Ted Phillips says the trade, which was delayed by contract negotiations, came together Tuesday afternoon. The Bears also sent the Seahawks an undisclosed draft choice. Mirer and the Bears agreed to continue negotiations on a possible fourth year for another 48 hours. Mirer, a 4-year NFL veteran, started the first five games for the Seahawks last season before being benched in favor of John Friesz. He also started four of the final five games after Friesz went down with a season-ending injury. 'We believe Rick has the qualities to be an outstanding player and help us get to the next level,' said Bears Coach Dave Wannstedt. 'We've had some misfortune at quarterback with Erik's (Kramer) injury, but this trade gives us a chance to solidify the position.' The terms of the deal were not disclosed. Mirer had one year left on his Seattle contract which would have paid him $2.488 million. The Bears had been negotiating with Mirer for at least two weeks prior to the trade. Late last week, reports surfaced which indicated the Seahawks were getting impatient and were entertaining trade offers from other teams, including the San Francisco 49ers.
