Fri @ 1:15 pm – Schefter has updated Peppers guaranteed numbers… $40 million in first three years

1:05 pm – Updating our previous post, Chicago has reportedly reached an agreement with defensive end Julius Peppers (Panthers) and running back Chester Taylor (Vikings), and an announcement to introduce both players along with tight end Brandon Manumaleuna (Rams) is scheduled for this afternoon.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Bears have inked Taylor to a four year deal worth an estimated $12.5 million, with $7 million guaranteed. It’s not certain how this signing will affect the current starter at RB in Matt Forte, but at any rate Taylor will bring much needed leadership and versatility to the locker room in Chicago.

As for Peppers, the deal is not quite final but the terms of his new contract have leaked out, indicating the agreement is on its final stage. According to Neil Hayes of the Chicago Sun-Times, the contract is for six seasons at $12 million, or $72 million overall. The first three seasons are guaranteed.

We’ll have much more as it breaks, so keep it locked here all afternoon long.