The Chicago Bears have given offensive lineman Roberto Garza a two-year contract extension that will keep him with the team through 2013, the team announced Tuesday.
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Garza, in his 11th season out of Texas A&M-Kingsville, originally was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons, but he has been with the Bears since 2005. He replaced longtime Chicago center Olin Kreutz this season.
Garza was set to become a free agent after this season. The Chicago Tribune reported that Garza's new deal is worth $6.55 million and includes $2.6 million guaranteed.
The Bears have been criticized this season by star running back Matt Forte and linebacker Lance Briggs for not awarding its players lucrative multiyear contracts, although general manager Jerry Angelo said Monday that the team made Forte an offer that was rejected in training camp.
