Bears Claim 49ers Tampered With LB Briggs

The San Francisco 49ers are dismissing allegations by the Chicago Bears that they tampered with linebacker Lance Briggs last season.

According to a Yahoo! Sports report first published Thursday afternoon, the NFL is investigating the charges and the 49ers face either a fine or possibly the loss of a draft pick if they are found to have been in violation.

The NFL and the 49ers declined to comment on the record when asked about the investigation. A team official, who asked not to be identified, said there was “no truth” to the allegation. After failing to reach a long-term deal with Briggs, a former Elk Grove High School standout, last year, the Bears retained him for the 2007 season by making him their franchise player. The 49ers reportedly showed interest in Briggs before last season’s trade deadline but couldn’t strike a deal.

According to the report, the Bears claim the 49ers illegally negotiated with Briggs’ agent, Drew Rosenhaus. The 49ers say they first discussed a trade with the Bears before contacting Rosenhaus and the league’s Management Council about signing Briggs to a long-term contract.

When asked in December whether the 49ers had tried to trade for Briggs, coach Mike Nolan replied: “That player’s on another football team, guys. I don’t comment on players on other teams.”

Briggs, 27, long has been unhappy with his compensation in Chicago, and the team has yet to sign him to a long-term deal. He is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent Friday and will draw considerable interest.

Last year, the 49ers inquired about cornerback Nate Clements at the trade deadline and ended up signing Clements when he became a free agent.

The 49ers, however, are not expected to be one of Briggs’ suitors. The team already has a marquee player, Patrick Willis, at its featured linebacker position and has bigger needs along the defensive line and at wide receiver.

- Matthew Barrows, Sac Bee