Bears target Peppers
Bears defensive tackle Tommie Harris tried to deliver his best sales pitch to highly touted free agent Julius Peppers early Friday.
By "early Friday," we mean really, really early. Try 12:30 a.m.
"Pepp, let's roll brother I'm bout to go lift right now let's gooooooo!!!!!!!!" Harris wrote on his Twitter account.
It's easy to understand Harris' enthusiasm. Peppers is the top player on the NFL's free agent market, and NFL.com reported late Thursday that he would visit Halas Hall today.
That means the Bears have the first shot – and the best shot – at signing the dominant pass rusher to a long-term deal. He would cost tens of millions of dollars, but that would not affect the Bears' salary-cap picture because there is no salary cap heading into the 2010 season.
Peppers (6-7, 283) had 81 sacks in 122 games as a defensive end for the Carolina Panthers, and his presence would bolster a Bears defense that was exploited all too frequently last season. He had 10 1/2 sacks, five forced fumbles and two interceptions in 2009.
The Bears also will host running back Chester Taylor at Halas Hall today, according to NFL.com. Taylor (5-11, 213) is a dynamic player who would be especially valuable catching passes out of the backfield in offensive coordinator Mike Martz's new system.
If the Bears sign Taylor, he could split carries with third-year back Matt Forte. Taylor rushed for 338 yards and a touchdown in 2009, when he also hauled in 389 receiving yards with a touchdown. At 30 years old, he might be entering the down slope of his career.
Meanwhile, the Bears might be out of the running for another top defensive target, ex-Arizona Cardinals safety Antrel Rolle. He reportedly will meet with the New York Giants today, while the Miami Dolphins also have interest in adding the safety.
Check with NWHerald.com throughout the day Friday for updates.
-Tom Musick
