Bears Outlook : Offseason Miracles

Julius Peppers | # 90 | Defensive End

This offseason has been very eventful for the known as "cheap" Chicago Bears. The biggest splash, of course, was the signing of Pro Bowler Julius Peppers. In the biggest contract of Bears history, he inked the dotted line while earning a staggering potential 91.5 million. Peppers was just the first spice to Chicago's offseason.

In one drawn-out, rejoiceful opening hours of the highly anticipated free agency, the now legit Chicago Bears made the biggest splash of the offseason by signing three well known players in addition to their roster. Before the 6-7, 283 pound monster was recruited came a key player in Bears' rival Minnesotas' offense. His name was Chester Taylor.

Chester Taylor | #29 | Running Back

Taylor was a very important part in the powerhouse of Minnesota the previous season. As a 3rd down back, Chester generated 338 yards on 94 rushing attempts and 44 receptions for 389 yards ; an average of 8.8 yards per reception. While many believe Taylor should start over the soon to be 3rd year pro- Matt Forte, I disagree. The former Tulane star burst onto 2008 with a great season, compiling the most receptions of a Bears rookie with 63. Also, Forte has better moves than Taylor and contains much more potential. 

Overall, the former Viking is a great addition to Martz's offense and can take much pressure off of the overworked Forte.

Brandon Manumaleuna | #86 | Tight End

A former Martz player, Manumaleuna is known as one of the best blocking tight ends in the league. The former San Diego player, Manumaleuna brings experience and can possibly help the much blocking criticized Greg Olsen. Many support the cause of trading Olsen. I have many mixed emotions on this statement.

For one, Greg is our best receiver. Period. He not only possesses the hands, but can make plays. Some grabs he makes are just nasty. Probably our best route runner too, Olsen can make a mismatch against a linebacker along with Devin Hester. Brandon can bring in the knowledge and experience to, hopefully, teach Olsen a thing or two about blocking. Desmond Clark has the blocking skills, but it's unlikely that he'll start now that Manumaleuna is reunited with Martz.

Future Free Agent Signings?

With the necessary needs filled for most of the defense (I'll get to that in just a second) and some help with offense, there is only a pair of positions that need regards.

As many analysts are calling for, our Bears are one play-making, stellar safety away from a playoff birth. Chicago is reportedly interested in New Orleans' safety Darren Sharper. 

I've heard constantly about how Sharper is too old to play for more than a year. One year and the engine is broke. While that could be true, just think for a minute. Does Brian Dawkins ring any bells?

Not only can Sharper bring what we need at safety, the overall defense can benefit from his presence. He has been said to be one of the smartest defensive minds in football. While Rod Marinelli is better with the defensive line, Sharper could be a figure for the young secondary along with Charles Tillman. I highly support the signing of Darren Sharper.

Another player fans are calling for OJ Atogwe, a St. Louis Rams safety. Atogwe had a stellar season in 2007 with 12 intereceptions. The 30 year old safety could be a good addition for the long run, but I would take Sharper over him at the moment.

This brings me to my conclusion player : Torry Holt.

The veteran, standing at age 33, had 51 receptions for 722 yards in 15 games with the Jacksonville Jaguars. His average yards per catch last season ; 14.2, is on par with his career statistic of 14.5.

Bringing in Holt based on his statistics is not my reasoning. The main reason I believe the Bears should acquire the long time receiver is for a lack of in Chicago's locker room - leadership and mentors on the offensive side of the ball.

Torry would mend with offensive genius Mike Martz, mentor our young receivers, and could even help out Jay Cutler. Not only would he bring in a new mix of personality, skill, and experience to Chicago, but possibly a smarter, patient offensive unit.

The miracles of getting Cutler and Peppers has happened, can the Chicago Bears have a few more?