This is a very good thing. Our O. is nothing to write home about, but he's one of the few bright spots.
Booker agrees to 7-year deal
By Larry Mayer
Senior writer
June 21, 2002
LAKE FOREST, Ill. - Bears wide receiver Marty Booker, who in 2001 became the first player in franchise history to catch 100 passes in a season, has agreed to a seven-year contract extension, the team announced Friday night. Terms were not disclosed.
Booker was slated to become an unrestricted free agent following the 2002 season after being tendered a one-year deal worth $1.227 million. However, the 6-0, 209-pounder will now be under contract through the 2008 season.
Booker, a 1999 third-round draft pick, shattered Johnny Morris' single-season team record of 93 receptions by catching 100 passes for 1,071 yards and 8 TDs for the 2001 NFC Central Division champion Bears. The Northeast Louisiana product finished second in the NFC in receptions and was Chicago's leading receiver in 11 of 16 games.
In a 27-24 win at Tampa Bay last Nov. 18, Booker set career receiving highs with 165 yards and three TDs. He scored on passes of 66, 44 and 28 yards from quarterback Jim Miller. Booker twice separated from cornerbacks and outraced them to the end zone, proving that Marcus Robinson isn't the Bears' only deep threat.
Booker enters the 2002 season with 166 career receptions for 1,780 yards and 13 TDs.
Friday's agreement was the latest in a series of moves that will keep the core of a resurgent Bears team intact. Other players who've signed long-term contracts since last December include quarterback Jim Miller, center Olin Kreutz, defensive end Bryan Robinson, linebacker Warrick Holdman and cornerback R.W. McQuarters.
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