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NFL News, Top PostsBears sign free agent DE Julius Peppers
Lovie Smith and the Bears have landed Julius Peppers, the crowning jewel of the 2010 NFL free agent class.
Peppers signed a 6-year, $91.5 million deal, with $40.5 million front-loaded in the first 3 years of the deal and $42 million guaranteed.
If Peppers meets certain incentives — Pro Bowls, sacks, defensive player of the year, he could make $110 million over 7 years, according to ESPN.
Peppers, the best pass rusher available, immediately upgrades the Bears defense and caps an impressive day for Chicago which also signed two other free agents, RB Chester Taylor and TE Brandon Manumaleuna.
But there’s no doubt Peppers, with10.5 sacks in 2009 and 81 in his 8-year career, was at the top of their wish list.
According to the Chicago Tribune, Smith flew to Charlotte N.C. to meet with Peppers at the midnight hour and escorted the Panthers’ career sack leader back to the Windy City.
Then they wouldn’t let the 30-year-old, 6-6, 283-pound specimen leave without dotting the i in Julius.
The Bears signed Taylor away from division-rival Minnesota with a 4-year, $12.5 million contract that includes $7 million guaranteed.
In doing so, the Bears trumped division doormat Detroit, which jumped out and signed WR Nate Burleson and DE Kyle Vanden Bosch earlier in the day.
