Bears Go On A Shopping Spree

Continuing the plethora of offseason moves in the NFL, the most coveted player in all of free agency has found a place to play. Coming off an 8-year tenure with the Carolina Panthers, defensive end Julius Peppers signed a six-year contract worth $91.5 million dollars with the Chicago Bears. Also adding to their roster, former Viking running back and back-up of Adrian Peterson -- Chester Taylor, who signed a four-year, $14.1 million dollar contract. However, Chicago's shopping spree didn't stop there as tight end Brandon Manumaleuna also signed via free agency, helping solidify the Bears as one of the busiest teams this offseason.

The addition of Peppers alone makes the Bears defense a strong one and will be sure to keep the opposing quarterback on his toes at all times. Peppers is a 5-time Pro Bowler and is the Panthers all-time sacks leader, having tallied 81 total sacks. Along with line backer Brian Urlacher, the Bears have one of most feared defensive duos in the game. But that's if Urlacher can stay healthy. The 2005 NFL Defensive Player of the Year underwent surgery last season after dislocating his wrist in the 2009 season opener, causing him to miss the entire season. Similar to Chester Taylor's role in Minnesota, he'll play a back-up role behind another good RB, Matt Forte. As for TE Brandon Manumaleuna, he will be joining one of the top young tight ends in the game today -- Greg Olsen, in what I'm guessing will be a back-up role as well.


Lucy, I'm home! - Also finding a place to call home, is former Cleveland Brown Derek Anderson. The 26-year old QB signed a 2-year, $7.25 million dollar deal with the Arizona Cardinals earlier today. Anderson will be competing for the starting job with 2004 Heisman Trophy winner -- Matt Leinart. Leinart, who seen brief action at the starting position behind Kurt Warner, will be alongside Anderson fighting for the job much thought would be his a long time ago. In spite of leading the USC Trojans to a BCS National Championship in 2004, and becoming the school's all-time leader in career touchdown passes and completion percentage, Leinart is yet to play to his potential. With Kurt Warner retired and now out of the picture, could this be his year? Derek Anderson sure hopes not.

Other Key Additions: FS Marlin Jackson to the Philadelphia Eagles, S Antrel Rolle to the New York Giants, RB Larry Johnson to the Washington Redskins, and QB David Carr to the San Francisco 49ers.