The Chicago Bears acquisition of Julius Peppers, Chester Taylor and Brandon Manumaleuna during the first few days of free agency indicate that the team wants to win and save Lovie Smith’s coaching career in the Windy City.



What can save Smith from being fired? Can a Super Bowl trophy rescue him? Smith’s tenure in Chicago will only continue if the Bears can get back to the Super Bowl or a NFC Championship game. Anything less will be unfulfilling, especially since the Bears haven’t been to the playoffs since 2006 when they lost Super Bowl XLI.



The addition for the Bears is possibly the biggest signing day for the organization next to getting Jay Cutler in Chicago last year. Peppers is a dominant force on the defensive line that wages havoc on quarterbacks. The Bears signed him for a six-year contract worth $91.5 million, with $42 million guaranteed in the first three years. If Peppers plays like he did when he was with the Carolina Panthers, the Bears will have a monstrous defense.



Taylor is a great durable running back that played behind Adrian Peterson with the Minnesota Vikings and will challenge Matt Forte for a starting spot. Manumaleuna, who was released by the San Diego Chargers, is a good blocking tight end that will give Cutler that extra second he needs to find an open receiver.



Despite the addition of these three players, the Bears still need to seriously address the offensive line problems and obtain a number one wide receiver. The Bears can be playoff contenders next season if they can acquire the proper players.