Derrick May Just Be Done

September 15, 2009 at 10:22am by Scott

The Bears talked to Derrick Brooks yesterday and after briefly considering the future Hall of Famer and one of the best linebackers of all time not to mention his leadership and off-the-field contributions, decided to go with a couple guys you probably don’t know.

Hunter Hillenmeyer, a seventh-year player from Vanderbilt, will start at middle linebacker Sunday against Pittsburgh. Nick Roach is expected to start on the strong side if Tinoisamoa can’t play.

Tim Shaw, who adds linebacker depth and can play special teams, was signed Monday. Shaw, in his second year, was recently released by Jacksonville.

This is the third team so far that has considered Brooks only to pass him over for relative unknowns. And it’s not like these were teams just looking for some veteran leadership; they really needed some linebackers. I don’t know if Brooks is making some kind of money or playing time demands that these teams aren’t willing to meet, but something is causing all of them to pass him over despite his credentials. Teams are going to lose more players throughout the season, so someone may be willing to finally sign him if they get desperate enough, but it’s sure looking to me like he’s about done with playing football. I mean, who the fuck is Tim Shaw and why is he better than Brooks?