According to the Chicago Tribune, the Bears and Seahawks are discussing a trade involving defensive end Alex Brown. Chicago could consider trading Brown to Seattle for guard Rob Sims, per the Tribune. Brown isn't expected to attend Chicago's offseason conditioning program that begins Monday.

Formers Bears Pro Bowl cornerback Nathan Vasher is believed to be close to signing a deal with the Chargers. Chicago released Vasher close to two weeks ago after general manager Jerry Angelo said at the combine that the team would take him to training camp.

Mike Shanahan still believes in the abilities of quarterback Jay Cutler. Shanahan coached Cutler in Denver. Cutler was traded to the Bears last offseason and Shanahan signed on with the Redskins after taking a year off. "Obviously there's going to be some roadblocks for every quarterback in the league, and obviously he's going through a tough situation right now," Shanahan said on "The Waddle & Silvy Show" on ESPN 1000. "But my opinion is he'll work through it, and Chicago will be very proud that they have him as their quarterback."

Bears coach Lovie Smith says that Devin Hester will not see fewer snaps as a wide receiver in 2010. There was talk of Hester returning to his role as a kick return specialist. New offensive coordinator Mike Martz has said the Bears would be "judicious" in how they use Hester on offense.

Ever since Chicago surprisingly cut cornerback Nathan Vasher, the Chargers have expressed the most interest. San Diego defensive coordinator Ron Rivera is familiar with Vasher from his time with the Bears.

The Bears released veteran cornerback Nathan Vasher on Wednesday. "Nate was a great teammate," said Zack Bowman, who replaced Vasher at cornerback. "It was amazing how he kept things so positive even though things really weren't going the way he wanted them to on the field. "The guy never took a negative approach to anything. He constantly gave me pointers, gave me encouragement and passed on a lot of things that as a young guy I really benefited from. Not only did Vash play some good ball here in Chicago, he was an extremely popular guy in the locker room. Whether you needed a ride somewhere or wanted to watch a basketball game with somebody, Vash was always eager to hang out."

Julius Peppers made it clear after the Bears signed him to a lucrative contract on the first day of free agency that he wanted to wear No. 90, which is the number he wore during his previous eight seasons with the Panthers. The only problem was that second-year defensive lineman Jarron Gilbert had been issued that number by the Bears. Peppers said he was willing to make a deal with Gilbert for No. 90 but hoped Gilbert would just hand the number over to the Bears' veteran free-agent prize.

Chester Taylor has reached an agreement with the Bears on a four-year, $12.5 million deal. The contract includes $7 million guaranteed in the first season.

According to a report from Adam Schefter of ESPN, the Bears are expected to announce the signing of Julius Peppers by Friday afternoon. Peppers' contract in Chicago is expected to pay him roughly $40 million in the deal's first three years.

The Bears will meet with free agent Julius Peppers on Friday. According to beat writer Brad Biggs, the Bears are confident they will sign Peppers.