If you’ve been to Chicago, it’s understandable why anyone would want to spend time there. The Chicago Bears NFL franchise is banking on the fact that they can convince free agents to sign to play at Soldier Field.
Going into the free agency period, the Bears were going to have to sign people to bolster their squad from last year, as they don’t have early-round draft picks.
Not yet 20 hours into free agency, the Chicago Bears have made the biggest splash out of any team thus far with the following:
Julius Peppers – DE, formerly of Carolina – quite possibly the most highly sought-after free agent. Reports I’m hearing say that the Bears are currently in the final stages of negotiation on a six-year deal.
Chester Taylor – RB, formerly of Minnesota – not only did the Bears pick up a talented RB, but they also took him from a division rival, forcing the Vikings to look for a backup to provide relief for Adrian Peterson.
Brandon Manumaleuna – TE, formerly of San Diego
The Bears are not far behind in the NFC North division race to bolster their team. The Detroit Lions, who have the 2nd overall pick in the upcoming NFL draft, picked up Kyle Vanden Bosch (defensive end formerly of the Titans) and Nate Burleson.
I completely understand the Peppers deal given the defensive struggles the Bears have had the past couple of years, but I don’t totally understand the Taylor/Manumaleuna deals. Taylor I somewhat understand, but was the problem in Chi-town with the back up runners to Foote or the O-line? Is Olsen really not the TE they are looking for – he seemed to be starting to make his presence felt last year.