Peppers to visit Bears today, according to reports

According to Internet reports, Carolina Panthers defensive end Julius Peppers, the jewel of a sparse unrestricted free-agent market, is expected to visit Halas Hall today.

Peppers, who was paid more than $18 million last season, is seeking a long-term contract averaging at least $15 million per year and a signing bonus of at least $30 million. The 30-year-old Peppers had 101/2 sacks last season and has 81 sacks in an eight-year career that includes five Pro Bowls.

The Bears, who have been rumored as one of several teams most interested in Peppers, are seeking to upgrade a pass rush that registered just 35 sacks last season, only 24 by the defensive line. The 6-foot-7, 283-pound Peppers has also forced 30 career fumbles.

Vikings running back Chester Taylor, considered one of the top backups in the NFL, is also scheduled to meet with the Bears today, as is 6-foot-2, 295-pound San Diego Chargers tight end Brandon Manumaleuna.

Taylor, 30, has a career rushing average of 4.3 yards per carry and in the past two seasons has caught 89 passes for 788 yards.