Color me "impressed", if anything else...The Chicago Bears decided to come out of the Free Agency gate swinging with not one, not two, but three splashy free agent signings today, including the biggest Free Agent fish of this years class, Julius Peppers. There's no getting around it now, the Bears understand they need to win in 2010. Not just a playoff appearance, not just a division title, but a Super Bowl run. The proof is in the money. Since this is the NFL, whatever the contract is worth, is not necessarily what will be paid since most of the NFL Money isn't guaranteed, just the signing bonus. Peppers is getting $42 million guaranteed, and potential for more with incentives tied to performance. Chester Taylor is getting $7 million guaranteed, and Brandon Manumaleuna is getting a guaranteed $6 million. Pretty substantial financial commitments that's true, but commitments that are not being made for annoying empty NFL speak of "development" or "long term vision". These are "win right now" commitments, and all three players, the rest of the roster, the coaching staff, the front office, the fans, and the rest of the league knows it.
Speaking of the rest of the roster, it's also become pretty clear that Greg Olsen is now on the Trading Block. Mike Martz's offense has always featured a Tight End that is little more than another Tackle who blocks. Brandon Manumaleuna is exactly that, since he is a wall at nearly 300lbs. There are also reports that Greg Olsen has told friends he no longer has a spot on this team, and the Bears are definitely trying to trade him. The Beard has little issue with it. Nothing against Greg Olsen personally. I think he's a good player, but left some things to be desired too. He might still end up on the roster, but if that happens, he has no chance of seeing the field.
So what really do these moves today mean? Well it's hard to say exactly other than the Bears seem to know what they want to do, identified the talent they needed in order to make it work, and are going full speed ahead with their plans, money be damned. It doesn't guarantee that they will win in the least since there are still holes in the secondary, particularly with the safety positions, offensive line, and receiver positions.
With that said though, the Bears at the very least have done two things. One, they've showed that they want to matter again in terms of being referred to as Super Bowl Contenders. Two, Lovie Smith and Jerry Angelo have decided that if they are going to be fired at the end of next season, it won't be because they were tentative to spend money, or be above certain things like showing up at Peppers doorsteps at Midnight last night in order to court him.
Will this work? Time will tell. Obviously I hope it does. Should be a helluva ride regardless. Bear Down!
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