Julius Peppers, Bears Agree to Deal

The Chicago Bears and free agent defensive end Julius Peppers have agreed to a deal, according to multiple reports. Earlier Friday, a source familiar with the negotiations told FanHouse's Dan Graziano that the two sides were "close" to finalizing a contract.

Peppers, 30, is the crown jewel defensive player of this free-agent class and should help to fix a desperate need for the Bears -- a pass rush generated from the defensive line without the help of blitzing.

Reportedly, Bears head coach Lovie Smith flew down to Charlotte Thursday night to complete the deal almost immediately after the legal time period began (midnight Eastern). Friday afternoon, reports surfaced that Peppers was in Chicago completing a physical.

Peppers' deal will be for six years and around $72 million with three years guaranteed, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.

Thomas George: With Peppers, Bears Must Be More Than Paper Champs

In addition to Peppers, the Bears also came to terms with free-agent running back Chester Taylor on a four-year deal worth $12.5 million, with $7 million guaranteed. Taylor, 30, rushed for 338 yards and a touchdown on 94 carries last season for the Vikings.

The Bears have scheduled a press conference for 6:00 PM Eastern at Halas Hall, which is expected to be when they announce their three free agency signings from Friday (Peppers, Taylor and Brandon Manumaleuna).