Panthers may not tag Peppers (merged)

[Rob0729]

ok lets he signs for 7 or 8 million a year. i even think that is to much to pay for a guy that would have to play a spot he has never played befor. and like you said he will be 31 next year.


look at Aaron Kampman, with the packers he went from averaging 70 tackels and 13 sacks the last 3 years as a 4-3 DE to 40 tackels and 3.5 sacks this year at 3-4 OLB not every one can make that switch from DE to OLB

And look at Willie McGinest who was a DE until Belichick became head coach. Or Mike Vrabel who was a DE. Or Bruschi who was a pass rush specialist DE until Belichick came here. Or Rosie Colvin who was a college DE. Belichick typically likes DE types for his OLB.

Also, just because one particular DE can't make the conversion to OLB in one particular 3-4 doesn't mean all of them can't. First, Dom Caper's 3-4 defense is much different than Belichick's. Caper prefers the one gap, attack style of 3-4 that he ran in Pittsburgh. The Pats use more of a two gap, read and react defense. So eventhough Kampman struggled in Caper's 3-4 doesn't mean he would struggle in Belichick's. Second, maybe Kampman is just not a player who can make the transition.

 

[condon84]

If we didn't have priorities like Wilfork and Mankins, then yeah, but use our money on guys that are proven in our system. Peppers may be great, but he could also tank like AD did.

 

[TarHeelPatsFan]

I've watched Peppers as a college player and a pro (UNC Tar Heel and Panther fan). Peppers was an amazing college player on defense, dare I say, one of the greatest ever athletically. He's been ho hum these last few years and doesn't put forth much effort anymore. He still has the ability, but he takes a great deal of plays off. Unless they can get him for a good price (not 21 million lol), I'd pass on him. He has the talent, but you never know when he's going to give 10% or 100%. To me, it seems to be random, or the last few games of the year when he's trying to show off.

 

[carolinatony]

I am sure this team once again wont address the DE situation.I would like Peppers to be our DE and we could draft another 3-4 outside LB through the draft.

I am with you on this and hope we finally draft a LB or 2.

 

[The Dynasty]

If we didn't have priorities like Wilfork and Mankins, then yeah, but use our money on guys that are proven in our system. Peppers may be great, but he could also tank like AD did.

I agree that this off season we really dont have a lot of money to go around. We have a ton of needs and really cannot over pay for anyone.

 

[bucky]

1.) The team pulls Wilfork, so his sack totals will naturally be lower.

So you're suggesting they pull him because they don't want to put their best pass-rushing team in the game when it matters most? Or perhaps the coaching staff is just stupid? Or they just want to keep him fresh for those all-improtant 1st and 10s?

3.) This season is a perfect example for Wilfork. He played only half the snaps. How was the pass rush up the middle with him on the sidelines?

The Patriots 1st string DTs on 3rd down have always been Seymour and Green. So if anything, Wilfork actually should have gotten more of an opportunity this year. The fact that he didn't, and instead was replaced by the liked of Myron Pryor, speaks volumes about him as a pass rusher.

 

[JoeSixPat]

How much would Peppers be asking on the free market?

$10m/yr? $12m/yr? $15m/yr? $20m/yr?

While he is a very good DE in a 4-3, I highly doubt the Patriots will be paying this much to Peppers.

I mean, the Patriots have yet to even sign their most important players...

I'd try for the draft:

Carlos Dunlap, Ricky Sapp, Corey Wootton, Brandon Graham.

BB would adjust his scheme with a player like Peppers.

I agree with Robo... Peppers may come relatively cheap (which would still be expensive) as with a lockout looming and uncertainty in general, if players want guaranteed money before then, they'll have to make certain concessions.

 

[BionicPatriot]

Sign this man........Make it happen Bill, get that home town discount you hustler you