The Chicago Bears kicked off an uncharacteristic spending spree over the weekend by signing long-time Carolina Panthers defensive end Julius Peppers -- the plum of this year's free-agent class -- to a six-year deal that is expected to pay him about $40 million over the first three years of the contract. And while the Bears will undoubtedly be criticized for overpaying a 30-year-old defensive end who tends to disappear at times, there's no denying he's a huge improvement over what they had in 2009.
In fact, it can be argued that Peppers is the best pure pass rusher the Bears have fielded since Richard Dent suited up for them in the 1980s.
Granted, this move shows more than a hint of desperation from head coach Lovie Smith and general manager Jerry Angelo, both of whom will get their walking papers if Chicago fails to make the playoffs for the fourth year in a row. But it also fills a big need, created partly by the untimely death of Gaines Adams, who the Bears had penciled in to take the place of free agent Adawale Ogunleye.
In addition to Peppers, the Bears also signed former Minnesota Vikings running back Chester Taylor to compete with Matt Forte, who was a disappointment in his second season. And they also brought in a solid blocking tight end in Brandon Malumaleuna, who is a better fit for new offensive coordinator Mike Martz's offense than incumbent Greg Olsen and should help out somewhat in the run game.
So while the Bears still have holes to fill -- safety, offensive guard and to a lesser extent wide receiver come to mind -- it's hard to argue they haven't already improved in three areas of need.
Comments
Can anyone explain whats about that ball? it looks like an elephant smashed it? and all that going around touching the ball and each other with the hands? aaaa…. american football! cant you find an original name?