The Chicago Bears have seen some incredible talents play for their franchise over the years. While they have seen some Hall of Fame talent, they have been unable to get too many outstanding free agents. Let’s take a closer look at who is ranked as the team’s top free agent signing.
Julius Peppers signing with the Chicago Bears is the team’s biggest free agent signing ever
Dec 22, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Chicago Bears defensive end Julius Peppers (90) speaks with Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick (7) and tackle Jason Peters (71) after the game at Lincoln Financial Field. Philadelphia Eagles defeated the Chicago Bears 54-11. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Bleacher Report’s David Kenyon wrote an article ranking the top 25 NFL free agent signings of all-time. Julius Peppers’ signing with the Bears was tied for the 20th-biggest NFL free agent signing of all-time. Below is what they wrote regarding the free agent deal being on the list:
“Julius Peppers was a Day 1 star for the Carolina Panthers, winning AP Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2002. He garnered All-Pro status in four of his eight seasons with the Panthers, as well. In free agency, however, the Chicago Bears dropped a record-setting offer in front of the edge-rusher and pulled him to the Midwest. Finally, a contract that worked out!
“Peppers earned All-Pro honors twice more in Chicago, collecting 37.5 sacks in four seasons with the Bears. He also amassed 175 tackles and 52 QB hits. Chicago released him after the 2013 season as a cap-saving measure.”
Peppers had played only four of the six seasons of the contract, but he still was one of the more impactful players that the Bears were able to have on their team. He would eventually be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and played his early 30s at Soldier Field certainly was impactful. It will be intriguing to see if the Bears are able to sign an impactful free agent this season who can rival the production they were able to get out of Peppers.
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