Taylor, Manumaleuna keep their numbers

All three of the Bears unrestricted free agents who were signed last Friday in the biggest one-day payout in team history will wear the same numbers they have throughout their careers.

This afternoon the Bears announced that running back Chester Taylor would retain the No. 29 that he wore with the Ravens and then the Vikings, and that tight end Brandon Manumaleuna would keep the No. 86 he wore for the Rams and then the Chargers. Two days earlier it was announced that defensive end Julius Peppers would keep the same the No. 90 that he wore for eight years with the Panthers.

Unrestricted free agent running back Adrian Peterson wore No. 29 with the Bears for the past eight years, and Friday’s announcement was the latest indication that he will not be back with the team. Wide receiver Eric Peterman was given No. 86 when he signed with the Bears Feb. 22, but the Northwestern product will now wear No. 11. Before Peterman, Marty Booker wore No. 86 in two stints with the Bears.