The Bears are intent on signing a pass-rushing defensive end this spring and they have their sights set on Julius Peppers, according to a league source. Aaron Kampman is also believed to be an option for Chicago. Peppers is the team's top target, but he won't come cheap as he was seeking about $40 million guaranteed from the Panthers.

The Packers are planning to put their franchise tag on defensive tackle Ryan Pickett, according to Jason La Canfora of the NFL Network. "Packers plan to put franchise tag on DT Ryan Pickett. working on long-term deal but will franchise by Thurs if can't reach extension," La Canfora wrote on his Twitter page.

The Packers have agreed to a two-year contract extension with safety Derrick Martin, his agent told the Milwaukee-Journal Sentinel. "We wanted a little more security going into camp and make sure he had a home," said Brad Cicala, who didn't provide financial terms of the deal. Martin is a four-year NFL veteran and normally would be an unrestricted free agent. However, if the NFL and the players' union can't come to a labor agreement by March 5, the requirement for unrestricted free agency would move from four years to six, making Martin a restricted free agent.

A.J. Hawk was frequently replaced at inside linebacker on passing downs by Brandon Chillar last season. Chillar signed a four-year, $21 million extension in December. If the Packers approach Hawk about a pay cut, he almost certainly would refuse and take his chances on the open market. Hawk?s agent, Mike McCartney, on Monday said he?s spoken with Packers officials this offseason and the team has decided it?s better off paying the premium for quality depth. ?They?re not going to ask (for a pay cut),? McCartney said. ?They think A.J. is a very important part of their football team. I have full confidence that A.J. is going to have a big year next year, and I think they have the same kind of confidence.? Hawk?s 2010 salary is $4.1 million after he reached playing-time escalators earlier in his career, and he?s also due a $500,000 workout bonus.