The bears are who we thought they were. Or are they? Historically reluctant to go after big name free agents the bears changed all of that by making one of the biggest free agent splash’s in the teams history. Julius Peppers and the Chicago Bears finalized a six-year deal to bring the top free agent in 2010 to Chicago, and the defensive end feels he hit a home-run with his new deal. "I'm excited to be here and looking forward to doing big things," Peppers said during a news conference. "Being able to come to a place with a deep-rooted tradition in winning is a great thing for me. It's a wonderful thing. It's one thing to play football in this league and make a living. But it's a totally different thing to come to a place with a great tradition and rich football culture like the Bears." According to sources, the contract totals $91.5 million and has $42 million in guarantees. Over the first three years of the contract, Peppers will make $40.5 million, but the number could be more if he makes the Pro Bowl, records a certain number of sacks or is Defensive Player of the Year. Peppers is a Five time Pro Bowler and is known as one of the most athletic and versatile players in the NFL. In his career, Peppers has 8 blocked kicks (extra points and field goal attempts). Peppers has had double-digit sacks in all but 2 seasons. In Chicago, he'll get to play alongside Lance Briggs, Brian Urlacher and Tommie Harris, and give a much-needed boost to a defense that ranked 17th overall and tied for 13th in sacks with 35.



However, Peppers was not the only big name free agent to sign. The Bears also signed perhaps the best running back in this years free agency in Chester Taylor. The 30 year old Taylor rushed for 1,214 yards in 14 games in 2006 before Adrian Peterson (the OTHER Adrian Peterson) arrived and reduced his role. Last year with the defending NFC North Champions the Minnesota Vikings Taylor had 42 catches for 389 yards and 94 carries for 338 yards and served as a valuable third-down player for the Vikings. Taylor would greatly help the Bears in short down and goal line situations where the Bears deeply struggled last year. He'll also challenge for time in the Bears backfield after Chicago's hallmark running game slipped last season, with Forte rushing for 929 yards after finishing with 1,238 as a rookie in 2008. Taylor also fits in perfectly under new offensive coordinator Mike Martz’s system which requires a blocking back and a running back who can receive; both areas Chester Taylor thrives in. Look for him to be a valuable player in the 2010 season. Taylor's contract is worth $12.5 million with $7 million guaranteed over 4 years.



In addition to Julius Peppers and Chester Taylor, the Bears also signed blocking tight end Brandon Manumaleuna from San Diego with a five-year deal. In Mike Martz new offensive system a blocking tight end is required which Manumaleuna does very well. This also opens up more possibility for tight end Greg Olson. Although the tight end has never been a significant part in Martz’s previous offense’s, Martz has never had a tight end like Greg Olson who is very athletic and has big play making ability. So the Bears are more stable on defense and their offense has significantly improved. With all the upgrades the Bears still don’t have a credible Offensive Line. An improved line would greatly improve the Bears playoff dreams; a dream thanks to these free agents is glowing much brighter.