Bears sign key trio
The Bears signed their top three free-agent targets Friday.
The team confirmed Friday evening that it had signed Julius Peppers, Brandon Manumaleuna and Chester Taylor to long-term contracts. Peppers signed a six-year deal, Manumaleuna signed a five-year deal, and Taylor signed a four-year deal to join the Bears.
The Bears have scheduled a news conference for just after 5 p.m. Fans can watch it on the team's Web site, www.chicagobears.com.
Peppers is a game-changer who could lift the Bears' defense to elite status. The 6-foot-7, 283-pound pass rusher has registered double-digit sacks in six out of eight seasons in the NFL.
Taylor spent the last three seasons as the primary back-up to Vikings running back Adrian Peterson. He has rushed for 4,396 yards and 22 touchdowns in his career, along with 2,094 receiving yards and six touchdowns on 265 career receptions.
Manumaleuna has started 90 games in the NFL, with 110 receptions for 965 yards and 12 touchdowns. He is almost 300 pounds and will serve as an extra blocker in offensive coordinator Mike Martz's pass-happy scheme.
By landing the trio, the Bears have made the biggest splash of any NFL team on the first day of the free-agent signing period. They have missed the playoffs in three consecutive seasons, and it is clear that general manager Jerry Angelo and coach Lovie Smith are willing to do what it takes to avoid a fourth consecutive disappointment.
Stay tuned to NWHerald.com for updates later in the day.
-Tom Musick
