Kreutz’s agent says Bears made Pro-Bowl center feel unwanted

BOURBONNAIS — Olin Kreutz never got the feeling the Bears wanted him back.

That’s what Mark Bartelstein, the six-time Pro Bowl center’s agent, told reporters Sunday.

Kreutz didn’t receive an offer from the Bears until Thursday, even though they were permitted to contact him as soon as there was agreement on a new collective bargaining agreement.

The Bears initially offered $3 million, about half the $5.8 million Kreutz made last season. Bartelstein initially wanted a multi-year deal but agreed to one year, although Kreutz wanted $4.5 million. The Bears countered with a $4 million, take-it-or-leave-it proposal that demanded an answer in one hour.

“The way the whole thing was handled made Olin feel he wasn’t wanted,” Bartelstein said. “The way the whole thing went down gave Olin the feeling that he really wasn’t valued much by the Bears. It was all very unpleasant. For them to give him an ultimatum just 48 hours after their first offer is incomprehensible.”

In between the Bears’ first offer and their ultimatum, Bartelstein spoke to Lovie Smith and the coach was confident that a deal would be worked out.

But when Kreutz wouldn’t jump at the Bears’ final offer, they went after Seahawks center Chris Spencer, a first-round pick who has never lived up to his draft status. Tim Ruskell, who’s now the Bears director of player personnel, drafted Spencer in Seattle.

“I can’t put myself in their heads, but it makes no sense, when you know you can get Olin signed,” Bartelstein said of the Bears’ rush to get an answer from Kreutz, who couldn’t practice until Thursday anyway, because he’s a free agent, just like Spencer. “The whole thing is nonsensical. Why the ultimatum?”

There is interest in Kreutz from other teams, but he’s also considering retirement.

“He’s hurt by the whole thing,” Bartelstein said.