NFL Free Agency: Chicago Bears Rushing to the Bank for Julius Peppers

Jerry Angelo and Lovie Smith are banking their futures by breaking the bank for free agent defensive end Julius Peppers. Peppers signed a six-year, $72 million contract with the Bears , with roughly $40 million guaranteed over the first three years.

This clearly upgrades arguably the Bears biggest need. In Peppers, the Bears are getting one of the top pass rushers in the NFL since his arrival in 2002. Peppers has racked up 81 sacks in his eight seasons in the league.

Getting a top pass rusher to go with one of the better linebacker corps in the league will improve a Bears defense that has struggled mightily to get to the quarterback. The Bears had only 35 sacks in 2009. Adewale Ogunleye led the Bears with 6.5 sacks. Peppers registered 10.5 in 2009.

The Bears were very active in free agency. They also signed running-back Chester Taylor and tight end Brandon Manumaleuna. Adding Taylor will give the Bears depth at the running-back position to go along with Matt Forte . Manumaleuna will be a key part of the blocking scheme for new Offensive Coordinator Mike Martz's offense.

The Bears also will need to address the safety position. It seems unlikely the Bears will go after a safety via free agency since they have already spent a lot of money on the free agents they have already signed. The addition of Peppers will bolster the pass rush which should allow the safeties to not have to cover as long.

No doubt 2010 is a make or break year for a lot of people within the Bears organization. In order for the Bears to get back to where they were a few years ago in terms of defense they will need a lot of production from Peppers to allow for the rest of the defense to make plays.