Peppers to Bears?

[dave nz]

The Chicago Bears are gearing up for a major run at Julius Peppers, a league source said Tuesday, and Aaron Kampman also is an option for a team that's intent on landing a pass-rushing defensive end this offseason.

Peppers, who will not receive the Carolina Panthers' franchise tag, is the Bears' prime target. However, Peppers will not come cheap -- he was seeking around $40 million guaranteed from the Panthers. The Bears traditionally are a frugal team, but in this limited free-agent market, they are prepared to jump into the sweepstakes for Peppers, who had 81 sacks in eight seasons with the Panthers.

Kampman, who struggled to switch from end to linebacker in the Green Bay Packers' new 3-4 defense, also is someone the Bears are high on, according to a source with knowledge of the situation. The Bears know Kampman well from their intense NFC North rivalry games against the Packers.

Chicago's defense ranked 17th in the NFL last season, and coach Lovie Smith and general manager Jerry Angelo need improvement to ease questions about their job security. After mulling whether or not to part with higher-priced defensive veterans such as linebackers Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs and tackle Tommie Harris, Bears management has decided to keep that core together and try to add playmakers through free agency.

Pass-rushing end Gaines Adams passed away last month, and Adewale Ogunleye is unlikely to return, according to a source. The Bears plan to make Mark Anderson the starter at left defensive end, with Israel Idonije providing competition, but the team still needs impact players at the position.

[Windy City Irish]

they should really be throwing money at offensive lineman or a big time WR if any were out there....

[chicagosteve]

I agree the O Line needs major work, but I would be very happy if they landed Peppers or Kampman.

[Big Pimpin]

skins

[keyser soze]

Originally Posted by chicagosteve

I agree the O Line needs major work, but I would be very happy if they landed Peppers or Kampman.

Peppers would be a nice fit for them but they aren't going anywhere with that offensive line and corresponding running game. They also need some real NFL receivers who have more qualities beyond being "very fast".

[westcoastO]

yeah don't get me wrong i'd love peppers or kampman, but they didn't get cutler and throw all this money at him to NOT build something decent around him offensively

they have a bottom 5 offensive line in the nfl and a bottom 3 receiving corps in the nfl, what are they doing?

[Romanowski]

peppers will end up at new england, possibly, not positive

their defense wasnt all that bad IF they could get off the field on 3rd down which is what always killed them

no pass rush

he wants to play outside linebacker in a 3-4

its not like new england to pay high dollar in free agency

but they should be clearing room releasing adalius thomas soon

he could be the piece missing to winning another SB

[iggs111]

I mean I'm all for this but we still need wr's like u said. My guess is they draft at least 2 wr. That's my only guess...they cant really think they are ok at that position after last year. Hester obviously cannot run routes like a true wr, Earl Bennett is soft, Armoshadou showed glimpses of talent but again who knows, and Johnny Knox will beat you in a race. That sums up our Wr core. Geeeshhh

[Seanie Mac]

He like everyone else wants to be an Eagle. He's a smart man

[Windy City Irish]

Originally Posted by Seanie Mac

He like everyone else wants to be an Eagle. He's a smart man

winning superbowls is probably on his mind at this point. not just 10-6 seasons

[chibob]

I hope Peppers lands somewhere other than the Bears..Their needs are plentiful and Mc Caskey pockets are not loose

Kampman would be a better choice then get a faking true safety. The O line will come in the draft and wide outs next season..Martz says they're ok for him, so has to be okay for me.

[iggs111]

Originally Posted by Seanie Mac

He like everyone else wants to be an Eagle. He's a smart man

Clip as long as a pringles can, 4-5 desert eagle on me you think Ima Eagles fan

[Bisket]

Bears a 7-9 team no matter what

[walk066]

Originally Posted by Seanie Mac

He like everyone else wants to be an Eagle. He's a smart man

Just like Javon Kearse

[walk066]

The Bears WR are not the problem. That terrible offensive line cannot block nor make holes for Forte.