NFLback.com News from around the NFL

Business as usual in NFL free agency despite absence of a salary cap (The Canadian Press)

NEW YORK - Business as usual.

Bears sign FB Eddie Williams (AP)

Fullback Eddie Williams has signed a one-year contract with the Chicago Bears. Drafted in the seventh round by Washington last year, he spent most of the season on the Redskins' practice squad before being elevated to the active roster Nov. 2. He was inactive for three games before being placed on injured reserve with a broken leg in late November.

Bears Team Report (Yahoo! Sports)

The pressure moves to the coaching staff after the Bears moved swiftly on the first day of free agency to bolster both sides of the ball.

The big headline was grabbing defensive end Julius Peppers, the marquee name in the free agent crop. The lack of a consistent pass rush attributed to the Bears' all around struggles in defending the pass last season.

General manager Jerry Angelo also signed running back Chester Taylor away from division-rival Minnesota. Taylor said he wasn't promised the starting job, but the Bears now have a much more formidable tandem along with Matt Forte'. Taylor, an excellent blocker and receiver, is considered one of the league's better third-down backs.

"I'm excited," Taylor said.

Bears release RB Kevin Jones (The Canadian Press)

CHICAGO - Injury-plagued running back Kevin Jones has been released by the Chicago Bears.

Bears release RB Kevin Jones (AP)

Injury-plagued running back Kevin Jones has been released by the Chicago Bears. The Bears let Jones go Tuesday after signing running back Chester Taylor away from Minnesota last Friday, when they also lured Pro Bowl defensive end Julius Peppers from Carolina and blocking tight end Brandon Manumaleuna from San Diego.

Ask an NFL’er: Obama’s health care push (Yahoo! Sports)

President Barack Obama has intensified his push to get his health care bill passed by the end of March .

Peppers Wastes No Time Enjoying Chicago (SportingNews.com)

Julius Peppers made quick work with his six-year, $91.5 million deal this weekend. Peppers, one of three of the...

Bears win Julius Peppers sweepstakes (AP)

Anxious all week, Julius Peppers was finally getting some sleep at home in Charlotte when he found out just how serious the Chicago Bears were about acquiring him. The free agent signing period had just begun and his agent called to tell him coach Lovie Smith was in town. Soon, Peppers was meeting him at an executive airport.

Dockett brings feelings about Cards to Twitterverse (Yahoo! Sports)

Arizona Cardinals defensive tackle Darnell Dockett, one of the best players at his position, has never been shy...

Bears reportedly land Peppers; Taylor agrees to four-year contract with Chicago (The Canadian Press)

LAKE FOREST, Ill. - Julius Peppers joined the Chicago Bears in the biggest move by a team that showed it's intent on contending again after missing the playoffs the past three seasons.