The Bears agreed to terms on a one-year contract with LB Geno Hayes and released WR Max Komar. Hayes has started 42 of 56 games played at weakside linebacker for Tampa Bay over four seasons (2008-11) after being selected by the Bucs in the sixth round (175th overall) of the 2008 NFL Draft. In 2011, Hayes started 13 of 16 games played, finishing third on the team with 86 tackles and seven tackles for losses, adding one interception and two forced fumbles. Komar appeared in two contests for the Bears last season after spending 10 weeks on their practice squad, but did not record a catch.

Ray Rice, Matt Forte and Drew Brees are not expected to report to the start of their team's voluntary workouts Monday, according to sources. All three players received their team's franchise tag this offseason and are still looking for long-term contracts. All players under contract are expected, although not required, to participate in the voluntary workouts. Brees, Forte and Rice have refused to sign their franchise tenders and play under one-year contracts.

The Bears have agreed to terms with linebacker Lance Briggs on a one-year extension that will lock up the veteran through 2014. "We're very excited for Lance and for the Bears," general manager Phil Emery said in a statement. "Lance has been a very valuable and productive member of our team; seven straight Pro Bowls is quite a record of success. This is a very positive step for our team in our efforts to win championships."

Matt Forte is not expected to take part in workouts with the Bears as his contract status remains unresolved. Chicago extended a franchise tender to the running back and a long-term contract doesn't appear close. There have been no hints at major progress between the two sides.

The Bears addressed their depth at cornerback, agreeing to terms on one-year contracts with Kelvin Hayden and Jonathan Wilhite, the team announced on Thursday, according to an ESPN.com report.

Bears GM Phil Emery provided updates Wednesday on the potential return of injured tackle Gabe Carimi and receiver Johnny Knox during a conference call with season-ticket holders. Back in February, Carimi said his surgically repaired right knee was pain free, and he's expecting to participate in the team's first offseason camp later this month. "[Carimi] has been working tremendously hard," Emery said during the conference call, excerpts of which were posted on the team's website. "I have had a chance to visit with him a couple times and watch him rehab. We're very excited that he's coming back. He's going to really help solidify our offensive line." Knox, meanwhile, appears to be facing a more difficult rehabilitation process. Knox suffered a fractured vertebra when he absorbed a hit during a December loss to the Seahawks. The damage from the collision resulted in Knox undergoing surgery to stabilize a vertebra in his back.

Brian Urlacher isn't concerned about the fashion change provided by the NFL's new Nike jerseys, but he did notice that they fit tighter than the Reebok ones. Urlacher believes the sleeker style will mean good things for teammate Julius Peppers. "Julius is going to get 50 sacks next year," he said with a smile. The belief is that the sleeker fit will prevent offensive lineman from holding and grabbing at Peppers as he rushes the quarterback. In his second season with the Bears after eight with the Panthers, Peppers racked up 11 sacks, tied for 11th-best in the NFL and his most since 2008.