The NFL's free agency period began on Thursday, and the Bears are stalking a number of top defensive players available. Will the historically stingy McCaskey clan open the purse strings and let GM Jerry Angelo sign the players needed to help his club? Perhaps they will, as Coach Lovie Smith headed to Charlotte Thursday night to chaperon Julius Peppers back to Chicago on Friday. The most coveted free agent this off-season, defensive end Peppers has recorded 81 sacks during his first eight seasons, all with the Carolina Panthers. He's previously expressed interest in joining the likes of Urlacher, Briggs and Harris on the Bears defense, and while a number of teams are expected to pursue him, the Bears were the first to get him on a plane. When he departs town, will it be with a new contract in hand? Some, including the NFL Network's Mike Lombardi, think so. more ›