Peppers Will Fly To Chicago on Friday
Defensive end Julius Peppers, the top agent on the market, has agreedto visit the Bears Friday, agent Carl Carey told the Tribune as freeagency began Thursday night.
No team was allowed to have contact with Peppers until the free-agentperiod officially began at 11:01 p.m., but Peppers had a stronginterest in joining Brian Urlacher, Lance Briggs, and Tommie Harris onthe Bears' defense. The Bears were the first team to call Carey andextended a "substantial offer'' that was good enough to get Peppers onthe plane.
Other teams, such as the ******** and Seahawks, were expected to make alate push for Peppers as well, but the Bears emerged as thefront-runner. He could visit other teams depending on what happens inChicago.
The Bears were expected to be active in free agency and there is astrong chance they could land restricted free-agent running backChester Taylor, Adrian Peterson's backup with the Vikings, as well.Adding Peppers, Taylor, and blocking tight end Brandon Manumaleunawould show how serious the Bears are about winning in this pivotal 2010season.
Peppers, 30, brings 81 career sacks to the Bears following eightseasons with Carolina. Some have questioned his work ethic, but histeammates in Carolina as well as other observes around the leaguebelieve he can have an instant impact for the Bears.
Right end Alex Brown said during a radio interview Thursday that hewould be willing to switch to left end in order to accommodate Peppers.Both Urlacher and Briggs have voice their support of Peppers in recentweeks.
The Bears managed 35 sacks last season, 24 by the defensive line, andthe five-time Pro Bowler Peppers could be exactly what the Bears needto improve their inconsistent pass rush.
The Bears also could be looking to fill a void at safety and haddiscussions with Antrel Rolle, who was released by the Cardinals. Rolleis scheduled to visit the Giants Friday.