Kramer Signs With the Bears

Quarterback Erik Kramer, a former Burroughs High and Pierce College standout who helped Detroit win the NFC Central title last season, signed a three-year contract with the Chicago Bears on Monday, worth a reported $8.1 million.

“This was the perfect situation,” Kramer said. “I couldn’t have drawn it up any better. It was an opportunity to come to an organization with a rich tradition. I’m coming to an offense I consider suited to my strengths and I’m moving in a direction to where the whole organization wants to win.”

The Bears have indicated they would like to trade Jim Harbaugh.

“The quarterback position is solidified, obviously,” Bear Coach Dave Wannstedt said. “We got the guy we wanted.”

Kramer will receive a $900,000 signing bonus, and salaries of $2.1 million, $2.3 million and $2.5 million in each of the next three seasons, along with a $100,000 rostersigning bonus, the Chicago Tribune reported.

The Bears evaluated over 15 free-agent quarterbacks, including Chris Chandler of Phoenix, Chris Mitchell of Atlanta and Scott Mitchell of Miami before settling on Kramer.

“There was no question the No. 1 guy we were focused on was Erik,” Chicago Coach Dave Wannstedt said, calling Kramer “a winner in every situation.”

Kramer said he had been sought by other teams, and that Detroit made him a competitive offer, but he felt it was time for a change.

A Bears spokesman said Kramer’s signing will lead to the start of trade talks regarding Harbaugh, the team’s starting quarterback for the past three seasons.

The 29-year old Kramer began his professional career in 1987, signing with the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted rookie out of North Carolina State.