The Chicago Bears have $16 million in 2008 salary cap space.  And they’re likely to devote a nice chunk of it to defensive tackle Tommie Harris, who is signed through 2008, and linebacker Brian Urlacher, who is under contract through 2011.

So when will the deals be done?  “Obviously, the sooner the better, so I don’t have to keep answering these questions for the next three months,” team president Ted Phillips recently said.

An extension for Harris is understandable, since he’s nearing the completion of his rookie deal.  For Urlacher, however, he’s still got four years left under contract.

And it’s not clear that the Bears plan to do much to re-do the long-term deal Urlacher signed in 2003.  “I never said we were talking about an extension,” Phillips said.  “I never said that.  I said we were talking to his representatives about how to look at his contract and try to educate them on the value of his deal. He signed a long deal, so . . . .”

So . . . what?  Live with it?  Honor your commitment?

As to the notion that the Urlacher deal reflected good money when it was signed, Phillips said, “It was.  It still is.” 

Yeah, this Urlacher thing could get ugly.  He’s already boycotting voluntary workouts.

As to Harris, the real question is how much he’s worth?  If Raiders defensive tackle Tommy Kelly gets $18.1 million guaranteed, Harris arguably is worth $28 million, maybe more.

“I would love to be a Bear,” Harris said.  “I’m patiently waiting.  I’m very optimistic.  I’ll leave the negotiations to the front office and my agent.  I feel like they’re going to do a great job, so right now I’m just staying focused on the off-season workouts and get my body in the best shape possible.”