Not even an hour into NFL free agency, ESPN's Adam Schefter is reporting that big fish defensive end Julius Peppers and highly touted running back Chester Taylor will both visit the Chicago Bears on Friday. Brad Biggs is also reporting that tight end Brandon Manumaleuna will also pay a visit.
My quick reaction is that of complete shock. I'm not really sure who these Bears are. They're acting like Dan Snyder and the Redskins (who are now just sitting back and waiting on free agents). It's been a complete switch. Jerry Angelo and Lovie Smith are all-in.
We all knew Peppers was going to be a high priority for Angelo since he's head and shoulders the best DE on the market. Lovie Smith even flew to Carolina to pick him up. That's "the Bears' deal to lose" according to Peppers' agent. Done deal.
The real surprise is their move on Chester Taylor. I have to believe other teams would pay him a boatload of money, so the Bears are obviously ready to shell out the money. Otherwise he wouldn't be visiting. I had no idea they'd make a move on him so quickly.
Also, bringing in Brandon Manumaleuna (who is being reported as getting big money by Schefter) make signal the exit of Greg Olsen. I would hate that idea. Hopefully they're simply bringing Manu in to placate Mike Martz (who coached Manu during his best seasons) and keep Olsen as essentially a receiver. Keeping Olsen, Desmond Clark and Manu would make a trio of solid tight ends who can serve a variety of needs. Maybe Dez Clark could be on the move?
Antrell Rolle seems to be out of reach at the moment, so expect for Chicago to look at Ryan Clark out of Pittsburgh.
If you're a Bears fan you could not be any more excited right now. Obviously nothing is locked in yet, but Peppers wouldn't get on any plane with Smith unless he knew the Bears were going to pay big. Taylor too. Get ready for a fun Friday in Chicago baby!
