Bears coach Lovie Smith arrived in Charlotte early Friday morning and is expected to return to Chicago later in the day with Julius Peppers and his agent, Carl Carey.
No team was allowed to have contact with the defensive end until the free-agent period officially began at 11:01 p.m., but Peppers had a strong interest in joining Brian Urlacher, Lance Briggs, and Tommie Harris on the Bears' defense. The Bears were the first team to call Carey and extended a "substantial offer'' that was good enough to get Peppers on the plane.
Peppers could command up to $15 million per season. He might need at least $34 million over the next three seasons.
Other teams, such as the Redskins and Seahawks, were expected to make a late push for Peppers as well, but the Bears emerged as the front-runner. He could visit other teams depending on what happens in Chicago.
Photo: Julius Peppers walks off the field. (AP / Chuck Burton)
The Bears were expected to be active in free agency and there is a strong chance they could land restricted free-agent running back Chester Taylor, Adrian Peterson's backup with the Vikings, as well. Adding Peppers, Taylor, and blocking tight end Brandon Manumaleuna would show how serious the Bears are about winning in this pivotal 2010 season.
Peppers, 30, brings 81 career sacks to the Bears following eight seasons with Carolina. Some have questioned his work ethic, but his teammates in Carolina as well as other observes around the league believe he can have an instant impact for the Bears.
Right end Alex Brown said during a radio interview Thursday that he would be willing to switch to left end in order to accommodate Peppers. Both Urlacher and Briggs have voice their support of Peppers in recent weeks.The Bears managed 35 sacks last season, 24 by the defensive line, and the five-time Pro Bowler Peppers could be exactly what the Bears need to improve their inconsistent pass rush.
The Bears also could be looking to fill a void at safety and had discussions with Antrel Rolle, who was released by the Cardinals. Rolle is scheduled to visit the Giants Friday.
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I hope he signs for the bears man
apply for loans
The Bears are so cheap Lovie probably paid for the ticket out of his own pocket which meant no in flight meal but all the bags of honey roasted peanuts he wanted.
Although not as bad, this reeks of Benny the Bull showing up with a band.
Yes who am talking about fa Peppers on a blog about FA Peppers. As for what I said, that is what was reported by the times and Trib. Just repeating what was said idiot. Or did you not read any of the twitter updates? Everybody was talking about that.
Its also being reported by NFL.com that Peppers will visit 2 other teams. This may be the Peppers agent applying leverage.
See how that works, its called blogging on a blog. Da da da da. See how Randy is talking about it, because Randy like myself also read the reports like many people did. Just not you.
Creighton said:
Well reports are now comming in that Peppers is gogin to Washington, word is the Bears never made an offer. Looks like all the talk about their number 1 priority was a PR move and media hype. Philly and Hawks lead the Kampman race, not much mention of the Bears. Bears lead the Rolle race. Chestor Taylor no longer being considered by Texans.
Who are you Creighton? You talk like you have every NFL GM on the phone with you, before you breathlessly give the most up to date news on player movement.
Another breathless, up to the minute report by Creighton:
Creighton on March 5, 2010 12:02 AM
Wow looks like the Washington report was wrong. But it looks liek Rolle is going to the Giants, Taylor is also on his way in. Bears may be pulling up on role for the cheaper better Atogwe, why over pay for Rolle? Plus Bears can't afford both. Washington may have an offer on the table and its the Bears chance to outbid them. They got a real shot, don't blow it cause Kampman is on his was to seattle.
I would like to comment too on this next gem from you.
Creighton said:
Plus If the average is 15-16 million Peppers will try to get the most upfront rather than later. Just like Pace did, just like most do.
Hmmmmm Creighton.....That's what Peppers will try to do? Pace just did it? And most do???
Ummm yeah it does make a lot of sense to get your money upfront as in guaranteed money or nearer to the front end of the contract when you are more likely to get it than you are on the back end when there is a good chance you'll be cut before you get it.
Well stated Creighton!
Espn Insider reports it will only take a 3rd round pick for Boldin..and dont forget abour ryan clark..the safety that plays for the steelers.
I agree Creighton, they might just at that, and this is it, but you know Jerry is serious big time, and if so then I am thinking he will get r done - like Cutler. If we land these 3, then its done, stick a fork in it.
Adding 2 awsome blockers to the offense and a beast pass rusher.. will do it to it. Plus Taylor can do alot more than block.
Figure we will get a lesser Safety but still get one...maybe? Plus we have the 3rd,4th,5th Jerrys good draft positions :} Someone tie up the airport Friday so these guys cant leave town w/o a contract!
I can handle losing Rolle, with these 3 guys, but Jerry was all over Peppers so not sure about Rolle, maybe he wanted too much money so Jerry backed off.
Good Morning Chicago ! I'm already crazy for my Job, I only can wish to Smith and Angelo to make good work there...it's never easy, even if they could invest more money, I love Bears !
Peppers will be a Chicago Bear. There is no way they will let him leave Chicago tomorrow without a deal. I have no doubt now. Taylor will also be a nice sign, if they get him.
Bears win the Cutler sweepstakes last year and now the Peppers sweepstakes this year. This should refute the incorrect notion that the Bears are cheap.
Wow looks like the Washington report was wrong. But it looks liek Rolle is going to the Giants, Taylor is also on his way in. Bears may be pulling up on role for the cheaper better Atogwe, why over pay for Rolle? Plus Bears can't afford both. Washington may have an offer on the table and its the Bears chance to outbid them. They got a real shot, don't blow it cause Kampman is on his was to seattle.
Heck yes!! Break the bank on Peppers! You're probly getting a small window where Tommie Harris is actually healthy, so you should maximize that time! Pepp and Harris are gonna wreak havoc! Great job Bears!
Wow, Olsen for Boldin trade? That would be very interesting bearsfan75. If I am the Bears, I think I would have to do that one.
I am about ready to cry...
Peppers, Chester Taylor, and Manumaleuma visit on Friday. Now, if we can just get a safety or CB, things would be falling nicely into place. Rolle is out, but I would rather pay for Peppers...
What about Olsen for Boldin???
Go Bears go!!!
whooohoooo!!! Jerry got there FIRSTEST!!! YES!!! and made an Offer that couldnt be refused :P)
Jerry was THERE as the freakin bell was still resounding with the ring!! Woah, Jerry is WORKING!
Early Friday morning? Dude! Thats like a few minutes ago... woah, Dude was getin r done in the first feww minutes! Guess that Hotel sittin thang worked huh?
And is expected to RETURN WITH PEPPERS AND HIS AGENT! Thats the sh!t
Unfortunately, Rolle is visiting the NYG tomorrow. He'll sign with them or Miami.
It doesn't appear that the Bears even made a strong initial push for him. Maybe they were waiting for the initial response from Peppers?
Hey I being saying it all week if we get pepp and roll and may 1or2 more free agents we will make it to the playoffs playoffs did i say playoffs. but that means Lovie will get a contract for 3 more years good by bill cower.
I just made a mess in my pants.I'm so excited OMG!!!!!!!!
Peppers AND Taylor are visiting tomorrow!! The Bears are actually serious about winning! Peppers, Taylor, and Rolle make this almost as good an off season as last year!!
Here we go! Let's sign up Peppers AND Rolle. Why not? Virginia's got the money and we're uncapped this season. Go for it, Bears! Please!
The Bears will get him: Bank on it! The Bears defense finally comes out of its 3 year hibernation with Peppers and Rolle!