Unhappiness Won't Put A Dent in Bears' Draft Situation

Bears president Michael McCaskey said defensive end RichardDent's unhappiness will have "no impact" on the team's draft plans,and the Bears' health problems on the offensive line also are notexpected to change strategy.

"I expect him to be on the team," McCaskey said of Dent.

In the past, the Bears' policy always has been to want onlyplayers who want to play for them. Others who have requestedfreedom, such as Wilber Marshall and Willie Gault, were given it.But the policy has changed with the times.

"Conditions surrounding the formation of the team have changedwith the new collective bargaining agreement," McCaskey said. "Likeevery team in the league, we're going to have a number of playersunhappy because free agents join the team at what looks to be ahealthy salary. Folks still under contract are saying, `What's goingon here?' They want a bigger piece of the pie.

"The Bears have to make it very clear we're not going torenegotiate contracts. What free agency means is when a guy'scontract is up, he's free to explore his options."

Dent has two years remaining on a contract that will pay him$1.2 million a season. He has been the Bears' highest paid defensiveplayer the last two seasons, but Dent is seeking "back compensation"because he believes the Bears have caused him to miss out on numerousendorsement opportunities.

A source said Dent has asked for "millions of dollars" from theBears.

Two offensive linemen had surgery in the last few weeks, but theBears aren't panicking. Tackle Keith Van Horne, who had anklesurgery, and guard Tom Thayer, who had back surgery, are expected torecover without problems.

Personnel director Bill Tobin said there might be three or fouroffensive linemen worthy of the No. 7 pick. And it's possible nooffensive lineman will be taken before the Bears select.

But the Bears appear intent on addressing another position.They didn't invite a single offensive lineman to visit Halas Hall butbrought in 12 other players.