MINNEAPOLIS — A person with knowledge of the negotiation says Vikings running back Chester Taylor has agreed to a four-year, $12.5 million contract with division rival Chicago that includes $7 million in guaranteed money.
The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the deal had not yet been announced by the Bears. The agreement was reached Friday, the first day of free agency in the NFL.
Taylor backed up All-Pro Adrian Peterson for NFC North champion Minnesota. He'll challenge Matt Forte for time in the Bears backfield after Chicago's hallmark power running game slipped last season.
Taylor had 42 catches for 389 yards and 94 carries for 338 yards as a valuable third-down player for the Vikings. He rushed for 1,214 yards in 14 games in 2006, before Peterson arrived and reduced his role.