Yes, the Chicago Bears are doing the best they can to build around Brian Urlacher and Jay Cutler (though I am sure Cutler is thinking receivers, receivers, receivers), and that is heating up the windy city. Julius Peppers, Chester Taylor and Brandon Manumaleuna have all been speculated, or actually signed, to be in talks with the Bears. Peppers, maybe the most intriguing of the free agent crop was recently released by the Carolina Panthers, which has the Bears thinking Super Bowl by way of defense again by surrounding Urlacher with help. The Bears players seem all for it, just ask Alex Brown:
If we bring in Julius Peppers, that could help us a lot. The guy's a monster, he's an animal. He's the biggest guy and fastest guy I think I've ever seen.
Having already signed Manumaleuna to a five-year deal, and with Taylor also visiting the Bears seem to be on their way to a possible brighter future with despite not having a first round pick in the upcoming draft.
Not to be outdone within division the Detroit Lions are stepping up their own game, after key additions last year of linebacker Larry Foote and star rookie quarterback Matthew Stafford, who had a promising first season, the Lions are making their own moves for 2010.
To help Stafford out the Lions signed free agent wide receiver Nate Burleson, for five-years and $25 million. They did not stop their however, as they are also looking into acquiring star defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch, who has parted ways with the Tennessee Titans. Adding firepower on both sides of the ball has the Lions instantly looking like a better team. Contender probably not, but a team that will get more wins than maybe the last two years combined? Yes. Not to mention the Lions having the second pick overall come the draft in April. Maybe the Lions can make a push this year...