The Bears took a big step in strengthening their defensive unit this week by acquiring hard hitting safety Adam Archuleta. The deal (expected to be finalized on Wednesday) is reported to be worth $8.1 million over three years, a serious discount from the paycheck that Archuleta landed as a highly sought after free agent last season.

The Archuleta deal will be a serious shot in the arm for the Bears rushing defense; the 223 lb. safety played linebacker in college and has cultivated a bruising reputation during his time as a pro. Archuleta’s addition also provides stability to a secondary (and a defense) in flux. With the departures of Todd Johnson and Cameron Worrell (not to mention the Tank Johnson and Lance Briggs sagas), the Bears had to find a playmaker in the secondary, and they found a good one in Archuleta. The deal also reunites Lovie Smith with another one of ‘his guys’ and gives the Bears some serious leverage as they try to renegotiate the terms of Mike Brown’s contract.

Perhaps this deal signifies the end of Mike Brown’s days in Chicago; perhaps it means that the Bears are planning to go into battle with three starting caliber safeties on their roster.

What we do know for sure… the Bears have shown that they are not resting on their laurels from 2006. Jerry Angelo got Lovie his man, and he didn't have to mortgage Soldier Field to get it done (I'm sure we're all comfortable leaving the ludacris spending up to Daniel Snyder).   As bizarre as the Bears post Super Bowl days have been so far, life remains good at Halas Hall.