Negotiations continue between the Bears and free-agent center Olin Kreutz, but the San Francisco 49ers have emerged as a serious threat to end the Pro-Bowler's 13-year run in Chicago.
An NFL source said that the Niners sent Kreutz a contract proposal Wednesday night. Although the Bears and the center have talked numbers as well, the source said that Chicago's offer doesn't reflect how important he is to the team. For a squad that allowed a team-high 56 sacks, Kreutz was seen as a constant as the Bears try to rebuild the rest of the offensive line.