Julius Peppers' time with the Chicago Bears is coming to an end soon. In the meantime, the team will try to trade him.
NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport confirmed Monday that the Bears are looking to move Peppers, according to a source informed of the team's plans. If they can't find a trading partner, Peppers will be released. Rapoport expects Peppers to be cut in time for Chicago to make a big move for a pass rusher on the free-agent market. The Bears also cut Michael Bush earlier in the day.
With Michael Bennett gone to Seattle, the most logical names available at defensive end include Michael Johnson and Lamarr Houston.
The Peppers release will not be a surprise. We fully expected him to get thrown overboard because of his $13.9 million salary and $20 million cap number.
Peppers joined the Bears in 2010 and received the largest contract ever given to a defensive player. He lived up to the hype for his first few seasons with the team, but he's no longer worth superstar money at age 34.
UPDATE:
The latest "Around The League Podcast" picks the biggest free agent bargains and plays the revolutionary game: "Get my lunch."