Apparently in recognition of their defense’s below-average performance last season, the Chicago Bears are reportedly looking into signing either Julius Peppers or Aaron Kampman, both considered among the best available defensive ends in free agency.
Perhaps the better value would be Aaron Kampman, and stealing him from Green Bay would be icing on the cake. He’ll likely come at a premium in comparison to Peppers, and Kampman’s work ethic is well documented. He would bring the team a speed rusher with the potential for 10 or more sacks next season. It’s only a shame he’s coming off an injury that ended his 2009 season early.
“I think Aaron was doing very good,” said Packers GM Ted Thompson. “It’s a shame he got hurt, but he was doing fine. He’s physical, he’s got the ability to ‘get thick’ on people. Somebody told me that term the other day, and I wanted to use it, so there it is. He can play the game. He sacks the quarterback, and that’s unbelievably valuable in our league.”
Peppers, on the other hand, will likely with a bigger price tag. But the Bears, considered desperate for a good defensive end, will likely pony up the cash. And, really, why not? He has incredible size and his athleticism, though waning, is still impressive. He’s racked up more than 10 sacks in five of the past six seasons, and he’s a fumble forcing machine. Forcing turnovers — and getting Cutler’s arm under control — might be just what the Bears need to make a run at a division title.
Stay tuned to this rumor as it develops.