A theory for discussion: BB interest in Peppers a ruse?

[JoeSixPat]

As many have pointed out, one can make a case that Peppers is NOT an ideal match for the Patriots (though if BB pulls that trigger you can be sure he's got a pretty good plan to use him to give the Pats a dominant D to match a dominant O)

One thing we do know is that BB loves to play mind games with other teams, and has shown he's a master of the chess game of football, sometimes making a rival make a very bad move...

Who can forget rumors of the Patriots trading up to grab Dewayne Robertson - which in turn prompted the Jets to blow TWO first round draft choices to move up and grab him at #4? And there's some who think that BB worked hard to inflate Vernon Gholston's value leading up to last year's draft as well to prompt the Jets to expend a pick on him.

So I have to at least wonder if that might not be happening here - potentially prompting another NE Patriots rival to use a higher draft pick and expend salary on Peppers.

Just thought I'd throw it out as a possibility. Discuss amongst yourselves.

 

[amazinPats]

Anything is possible. I'd still prefer to go after Jason Taylor.

 

[Canada's #1 Pats Fan]

Could be. I hope that is not the case though.

 

[alvinnf]

Hope your right, I have no interest in Peppers.

 

[Adam Seward]

Wont Peppers approve only to certain teams?

 

[Rob0729]

I wouldn't be surprised if the deal doesn't come into fruition, but I think people give Belichick far too much credit at times for these supposive misdirections. I don't see an upside for doing this. The only think I can think of is to pressure Jason Taylor to sign for less, but even then I don't think Taylor is in a rush to sign with the Pats or anyone while the expiration date for this "ruse" is a month from now.

 

[KDPPatsfan85]

Wont Peppers approve only to certain teams?

Yes, there is only 1 AFC team that he will go to and that is the Patriots!! So BB using Peppers as a ruse? I dont think so. I think it would be a great move to trade for Peppers. If worst comes to worst we can trade Seymour(He wants more money so trade him and get some value for him) and draft a 3-4 DE!

 

[Mogamedogz]

If worst comes to worst we can trade Seymour(He wants more money so trade him and get some value for him) and draft a 3-4 DE!

:banned:

That is actually a terrible idea. One of the worst ideas I have heard all day (no offense, I have heard it numerous times today).

 

[maverick4]

I was thinking the exact same thing, JSP.

To acquire Peppers we would need about 10M in free cap space just to accommodate his move before signing any long term deal, and I find this highly unlikely.

I highly suspect this is a smokescreen to get an idiot team to overpay.

 

[solman]

BB likes to maintain absolute silence about potential personnel moves.

Leaving false information is only effective in an environment when you are occasionally leaking true information.

 

[Grizzafted]

i guess i think this is crappy journalism.

but are you kiddin me.

julius peppers on tis team? the things belichick could do with a guy like that, who actively wants to be playing in space....with thomas on the other side and Mayo in the middle delivering hits.

guys that would be WAY more fun to watch than the 07 offense BY FAR. especially if you throw a MLB in there, somehow we get a guy like Maulauga....i mean that's not even fair. screw "looks good on paper," it would be the most fun defense to watch in the NFL. with BB scheming, and Meriweather roaming around the secondary with Bodden and let's say Wheatley? * shiver *

 

[miDeuce]

Here's what I don't get. The Pats usually fly under the radar, how is it that the workings of something this big is just casually announced. When they signed Adalius, the biggest Free Agent of the year, it was a shock just about everyone. The only reason everyone in the NFL-loving world knows about this is because BB wants us to. There has to be a reason behind that. What it is, I don't know. But something seems off to me about how this has been broke. Especially with Carolina's comments denying that any conversations are taking place.

 

[ausbacker]

The Pittsburgh defense is still the measuring stick. We've improved markedly on paper to this point and I will be interested to see how the onfield unit cohesion evolves. Would the acquisition of Julius Peppers improve this team? I say yes. It becomes about team balance at that point. I fail to see who the offense would consistantly double team with that sort of talent in the front 7.

Pie in the sky it may be. I am excited about the 2009 defense.

I'm looking for the D to transform the wording of their "bend but dont break mentality". I hope it becomes bend the opposing offense then break them in two.

 

[maverick4]

This article reminds me a lot of that Tom Curran article where he said Brady was gone for all of 2009 and that his knee was all wobbly and infected. This article served at the time to maybe convey the message that it would require more picks to acquire Cassel.

Any information out of Foxboro that makes it to mainstream media, was deliberately leaked for the purpose of benefiting the Patriots.

 

[JoeSixPat]

Yes, there is only 1 AFC team that he will go to and that is the Patriots!! So BB using Peppers as a ruse? I dont think so. I think it would be a great move to trade for Peppers. If worst comes to worst we can trade Seymour(He wants more money so trade him and get some value for him) and draft a 3-4 DE!

You're a pretty trusting guy if you think a football agent wouldn't make a statement of that nature in order to let another AFC team think they need to overpay for Peppers.

I hate to be the one to break this to you but agents do that sort of thing all the time.

 

[ClevTrev]

This story reeks of agent leaking dubious information. You know the only way it would be coming from the Pats is as a diversionary ploy with no substance. I'll be interested to see how this plays.

 

[TripleOption]

Hope your right, I have no interest in Peppers.

Yes, the mere idea of a 6-7 285 lbs OLB with RB speed and elite pass rush ability bores me as well.

 

[Run DMC]

Jason Taylor is done, fugghedaboutit. Peppers is still in his prime and a monster. In Bill we trust.

 

[Frezo]

Here's what I don't get. The Pats usually fly under the radar, how is it that the workings of something this big is just casually announced. When they signed Adalius, the biggest Free Agent of the year, it was a shock just about everyone. The only reason everyone in the NFL-loving world knows about this is because BB wants us to. There has to be a reason behind that. What it is, I don't know. But something seems off to me about how this has been broke. Especially with Carolina's comments denying that any conversations are taking place.

I think the Pats are the only player in this. Peppers already stated that he will only play for one of 3 NFC teams or one AFC team...the Pats. Carolina wants him out of the NFC so they would prefer to deal with the Pats. It doesn't matter if it's leaked. Heck, it's been leaking for weeks. What's the difference? Also, don't try to second guess Belichick. You'll go crazy.

 

[BestQB]

I'll play devil's advocate here. How would the Pats fit Pepper's under the cap?