The Chicago Bears rejected the Washington Redskins’ trade request for linebacker Lance Briggs on Tuesday. The trade consisted of the Bears giving up the disgruntled Briggs and their first-round pick (31) for the Redskins’ first round pick (6). The Bears had until Tuesday to accept or reject the offer as it was without any chance to counter.

Briggs and agent Drew Rosenhaus, who also represents Terrell Owens, have been attempting to shop the Pro Bowl linebacker after he was given the franchise tag early this offseason.  The Redskins were the only team to make a serious offer to the Bears.

Briggs originally threatened to sit out the 2007 season and forgo the $7.2 million he will earn under the tag, but has now said he will play the final six games of the season, the minimum required to earn his full salary. Lovie Smith is still optimistic Briggs will play for the Bears next season.

“Lance is a part of the Chicago Bears. He has a contract with us. There’s nothing more to say that that,” Smith said at the fan convention. ”I’m a father and from time to time my kids don’t like me a lot, but they always come back around. I assume Lance will do the same.”

The only difference is Briggs is a grown man with on of the stingiest agent in all of sports. He can afford to sit out because he will be paid big bucks after the 2007 season. I don’t think thinks Smith’s kids’ allowances are over $7 million per year. But, if the Bears honestly think Briggs will play and that by drafting at the six spot they would have taken a big salary cap hit or would not be able to trade the pick and move down in the draft, then maybe they made the right decisioin. By drawing the hardline, GM Jerry Angelo avoids similar situations in the future. Still, it would have been nice to go after someone with early-first round talent, especially with how old the O-line is getting and a need for a consistent big play wide receiver.