Bears reportedly land Julius Peppers; RB Chester Taylor agrees to 4-year contract with Chicago

Bears reportedly win Julius Peppers sweepstakes

CHICAGO — ESPN is reporting that five-time Pro Bowl defensive end Julius Peppers of the Carolina Panthers has agreed to a six-year, $72 million with the Chicago Bears.

The deal calls for Peppers to earn $40 million over the first three years, according to ESPN, which cited a source it did not identify. Agent Carl Carey did not return messages and the Bears declined comment before a Friday afternoon news conference.

The Bears also landed running back Chester Taylor from NFC North champion Minnesota. Taylor agreed to a four-year contract worth $12.5 million with $7 million guaranteed, according to a person with knowledge of the negotiation who spoke to the Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because the deal had not been announced.

Taylor backed up All-Pro Adrian Peterson for NFC North champion Minnesota. He’ll challenge Matt Forte for time in the Bears backfield after Chicago’s hallmark power running game slipped last season.

AP Sports Writer Dave Campbell contributed to this report from Minneapolis.