A number of Bears players , including Butkus , expressed interest in being traded or cut by the team , but he signed a multi-year contract extension prior to the 1970 season to remain in Chicago .
Additionally , Butkus ' five - year contract had reached its end .
A number of Bears players , including Butkus , expressed interest in being traded or cut by the team , but Butkus signed a multi-year contract extension prior to the 1970 season to remain in Chicago .
Additionally , Butkus ' five - year contract had reached its end .