Monster day: Bears turn their fortune in spending frenzy
Article By ddillon.tsn on 6th March, 2010
Give a general manager beaucoup bucks a few days before the NFL free-agent market opens and guess what he's going to do? If he's Jerry Angelo of the Chicago Bears, he's going to spend it on upgrading his team.
Why is Bears GM Jerry Angelo smiling? Wouldn't you after the day he had?
Backed by a $25 million windfall from the McCaskey family, Angelo made the biggest splash on the opening day of free agency Friday when he signed, in order, former San Diego Chargers tight end Brandon Manumaleuna, former Minnesota Vikings running back Chester Taylor, and -- trumpet blast, please -- former Carolina Panthers defensive end Julius Peppers.
Note to the rest of the NFC North teams: The Bears' run for the 2010 playoffs officially has begun.
This is usually the time of year when Dan Snyder and the Washington Redskins dominate the NFL headlines. Instead, it was the Bears who surprised everyone on Day 1. With the Bears bereft of a draft pick until the third round, it would not be an exaggeration to say desperation drove Angelo's spending; after all, if the team doesn't make the playoffs next season, he and coach Lovie Smith likely will be fired.
"I'm not with everybody else, that it's a sign of desperation," former Bears quarterback and current NFL Sirius Radio host Jim Miller said, "but I do think they had to make a splash because they don't have a first- or second-round pick. So it makes sense they were pretty aggressive."
Not surprisingly, Angelo spent over his budget -- way over his budget. If the additions help propel the Bears to a division title, it will have been worth it.
Here's a breakdown on the three (new) Bears:
Julius Peppers
Reported contract: Six years, $72 million ($36 million to $40 million guaranteed in the first three years).
Chicago's hope: Chester Taylor, Julius Peppers, Brandon Manumaleuna Why his addition will work: One of the premier pass rushers in the NFL, Peppers instant...
Read Complete Article at Latest Sporting News Articles for NFL
Chicago's hope: Chester Taylor, Julius Peppers, Brandon Manumaleuna Why his addition will work: One of the premier pass rushers in the NFL, Peppers instant...
Read Complete Article at Latest Sporting News Articles for NFL
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