The Chicago Bears appear to be the big winners in the offseason.
On the first day of free agency the Bears reportedly have landed prized players Julius Peppers, a vicious defensive end widely considered the best free agent on the market, Chester Taylor, a talented third-down back, and Brandon Manumaleuna, a bruising 300 pound tight end, sources say.
Peppers, from Carolina, Taylor, from the Minnesota Vikings and Manumaleuna, from the San Diego Chargers, have signed.
All three players are reportedly undergoing physicals – which makes Peppers' signing a near foregone conclusion – and Bears officials have scheduled a press conference for 2 p.m. to announce the acquisitions.
The team reportedly offered Peppers a six-year, $72 million deal with the first three years guaranteed, according to sources. Peppers should sign this afternoon. Taylor grabbed a four year $12.5 million deal, which includes $7 million guaranteed.
Coach Lovie Smith traveled to North Carolina Thursday night to personally escort Peppers back to Chicago for an interview.
