Source: Peppers, Bears finalizing deal

[JonLP24]

The Bears and Julius Peppers are in the process of finalizing a six-year deal to bring the top free agent in 2010 to Chicago, according to a source.

After agreeing on the numbers on the deal, both sides are having the language of the contract reviewed by the league and the NFLPA. If the language is approved, the source said, Peppers will be a Bear.

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.

http://sports.espn.go.com/chicago/nfl/news/story?id=4969071

[joeybee12]

1. Updated...deal is done...he signed...n/t

[Auggie]

2. Chicago might have something when Urlacher gets healthy...

though Urlacher is 32 and Peppers 30.

Da Bears are making their move now.

[ProfessorGAC]

6. Tommie Harris Too

This is the first off season that Harris DIDN'T need surgery. If they get their middle linebacker back, Harris is close to the player he was, Peppers takes the right side, and they can rotate the left side, they should get the rush they need to make cover2 really work. Cover2 is useless with no pressure on the passer.
GAC

[nickinSTL]

3. the Bears also got Chester Taylor and Brandon Manumaleuna

I'm wondering how many more good years Peppers has in him...getting Taylor is fine - having another back to block/complement Forte is a reasonable move - Manumaleuna - don't know a lot about him, he's described as a blocking TE.

All I know, is if they don't shore up the O-line, none of it's going to matter.

Forte can't run if there's no blocking, and Cutler can't have the time to make better decisions if there's no blocking.

[JonLP24]

4. He is a force

Good D-lineman such as he is often have solid seasons til they are around 37,38. He is 30. Good move by the Bears if you ask me

[ProfessorGAC]

5. Don't Be A Negative Nellie, Nick

Man, i love alliteration!

First of all, the draft is DEEP in O linemen and the Bears do have picks after the 2nd round. Secondly, there are lower cost O linemen available as free agents, and while that won't make front page news, the Bears still have money.

Lastly, the O line wasn't that bad in the last 5 games of the season. Not world class, but not horrible. It took them too long to find a good combination and to sit Pace down. Also, Williams will get moved to LT, which is where he belongs. And, adding a 290# tight end IS shoring up the O line!

I also think that having a pass rush (and Peppers is only 30 btw) might take pressure off the offense because they won't feel they need to scrore 28 to win a game.

Be patient, Nick! I think this ship is being righted.
GAC