Chicago Bears Strike First in Free Agency!

By Gayle Saunders
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The Chicago Bears and Julius Peppers finalized a six-year deal to bring one of the top Defensive ends in 2010 to Chicago.

Peppers was looking for at least $12 million a year in the early part of the contract. The agreement could be worth $40 million over the first three years.

The 6-foot-7, 283-pound Peppers is a five-time Pro Bowler who recorded 10.5 sacks with two interceptions and five forced fumbles last season.

“If we bring in Julius Peppers, that could help us a lot,” Bears defensive end Alex Brown said Thursday on “The Waddle & Silvy Show” on ESPN 1000. “The guy’s a monster, he’s an animal. He’s the biggest guy and fastest guy I think I’ve ever seen.

“He’s as gifted as Urlacher, I think. He’s just about 30 pounds heavier. He’s unbelievable.

The Chicago Bears have also agreed to terms with free agent TE Brandon Manumaleuna.

Manumaleuna is not only known for having one of the most difficult names in the NFL to type and pronounce (perhaps only second to T.J. Houshmandzadeh in Seattle), but also for being one of the premier blocking tight ends in the league.

The 6’2″, 295-lb. 10-year veteran has prior experience in Bears offensive coordinator Mike Martz’s system. Manumaleuna played under Martz with the St. Louis Rams.

Financial terms of the deal have not yet been disclosed; however, the deal is reportedly for five years.

Signing Manumaleuna may seal the deal on rumors circulating that the Bears might ship TE Greg Olsen out of town.

Olsen is not the right fit in for a receiving tight end in Martz’s offensive scheme, which primarily calls for tight ends to remain in as blockers, while running backs are called upon to catch the ball more often ( which is basically the main reason for bringing Chester Taylor in for an interview).

The Bears will most likely have to cut (or lose) another TE after signing Manumaleuna. They also have Desmond Clark on the roster, who is slated to make about $1 million in the upcoming season.

The Bears continue to attack this offseason aggressively, going after the free agents they had targeted and getting them locked down fairly quickly.