Bears add three

LAKE FOREST, Ill. (WBBM) – A trio of thirty-something free agents are Bears after a quick strike attack by GM Jerry Angelo.

He secures the top free agent on the market in former Carolina Panther De Julius Peppers—a pass rusher with 81 sacks and 30 forced fumbles in his career.
 
The five-time Pro Bowler, Peppers will play in the same system he did last season under Carolina coordindator Ron Meeks, who previously worked under Smith in St. Louis.
 
Peppers, 30, agrees to a six-year deal worth a reported $72 million, including a $25 million signing bonus. The value of the first three years of the contract should be upwards of $45 million.
 
The St. Louis connection of head coach Lovie Smith and new defensive coordinator Mike Martz brought veteran TE Brandon Manumaluena, 30, to the Bears. Known for his blocking, he becomes one of five veterans at the position currently on the roster. He spent five years in the system. Manumaluena signed a four-year, $17 million deal with $6 million guaranteed.
 
Lastly, the Bears signed 8-year veteran RB Chester Taylor to a four-year contract. He is 30, but has only 1028 carries in 8 years, or 128 carries/year and 265 career receptions. Taylor received a four-year, $12.5 million deal.
 
The three new Bears collectively total $100 million dollars in salaries.
 
The Bears still need to address the safety position and the starting left guard.

More information at http://www.wbbm780.com/Bears-add-3-free-agents/6508425