Bears Finalize Deal and Sign Julius Peppers, Bolstering Once Prominent Defense

The Chicago Bears have finalized the biggest deal of 2010 NFL free agency, signing former Panthers DE Julius Peppers. According to reports on espn.com (Chicago), Julius Peppers received a contract that could be worth upwards of $40 million in the first three years alone of a six-year contract. The Peppers signing is definitely out of character for the Chicago Bears organization, one that has been criticized in recent years for not actively and aggressively pursuing pieces that could reestablish a team that has seen a significant drop-off since a Super Bowl run in 2007.

Although 30, Julius Peppers has still proven that he is a relentless pass-rusher off the edge. As a formidable defensive end, the Bears are hoping that Julius Peppers will be a key component to restoring the defensive swagger that carried this team to the Super Bowl in 2007. The Julius Peppers signing does not solve the team's lack of offensive weapons, but it certainly gives Bears' fans something to look forward to. In the last two years alone, and under disgruntled circumstances, Peppers still accumulated 25 sacks. Last season, apart from 10.5 sacks, Julius Peppers recorded two interceptions and five forced fumbles.

Julius Peppers is a freakishly sized defensive end and athlete, for that matter. Standing 6-foot-7 and weighing a listed 283 pounds, Julius Peppers is Pro-Bowl player who still has the potential to play well for several years. While Peppers still has many skeptics, those who have doubted his love for the game and whether or not he takes plays off, he has the opportunity to prove fans wrong in Chicago. I personally believe that the change in atmosphere may be reason enough, as Julius Peppers wanted out of Carolina for several years.

Will Peppers prove to be the missing piece for the struggling Bears? While he is far from the last thing they need, he will be such a valuable addition. I like the pairing that Chicago now has up front with Julius Peppers DT Tommie Harris, and it will be interesting to see how Brian Urlacher returns after missing last season. While the Julius Peppers signing and all the subsequent scenarios are only speculations for now, Bears fans are certainly rejoicing at the moment. Now the Chicago Bears can focus on adding offensive weapons, namely receivers, to aid Jay Cultler under a new Mike Martz offense.

In other 2010 NFL free agency news, the Bears signed running back Chester Taylor this morning as well.

Source

Espn.com (Chicago)