Peppers tells Panthers he wants out of Carolina

[Nick]

Panthers could franchise Peppers
ESPN.com news services
Friday, January 16, 2009

Defensive end Julius Peppers let the Carolina Panthers know he is looking for a change of scenery.

"The front office has been informed of my desire to explore opportunities with other NFL teams following the expiration of my contract next month," Peppers said in a statement released by his agent Carl Carey. "At this point in my NFL career, I am seeking new challenges that will allow me to grow, develop and reach my personal potential on the football field.

"I strongly feel that making a move at this time is in my best interest. I appreciate the entire Panthers organization and am thankful for the seven seasons I've spent with the team."

The Panthers have the option to franchise Peppers, which would mean paying him nearly $17 million next season.

"Julius is firm in his decision that he needs a change," Carey said. "He feels that he can thrive in another system. While he has been selected to four Pro Bowls and designated as an All-Pro during his career, he feels that he has yet to develop to his full potential. This is the case of a great player who seeks to become an elite one."

[RockinRam]

Hmm.

Very unlikely, but I hope we can get this guy. With him opposite of Long, and with Carriker and maybe a rookie DT in the middle, our d-line could be a dominant force.

[C-Mob 71]

Yeah it would be sweet to grab this guy, but I am thinking St. Louis or any other team not in the top ten is not a going to be a very attractive place for Julius. He wants to be on a team where he can dominate, not just get tripled teamed all the time.

[keith m. klink]

Pittsburg or New England , how about the Giants . No , " send him too Detwoit ! "

[Mooselini]

I think he becomes a Lion. They could use a new face for their team, and with Schwartz getting hired, I see him pursuing Peppers.

[friendly_foe]

According to Rotoworld he wants to play in 3-4 scheme as an OLB.

I say he should go west and play for a hall of fame LB.

[rammiser]

For 17 mil a year I wouldnt want him.

[SJacks039]

How would peppers like to excel under spags D?

[DistantRam]

How would peppers like to excel under spags D?

Peppers' agent has said that his client wants to play in a 3-4 defence. Seeing that Spags has always been a 4-3 man, I don't think that there's much chance of our acquiring the Carolina player. Pity, because he and Long as our ends would be fantastic.

[SJacks039]

Yea that does suck. Thanks for the info.

[39thebeast]

Carolina is going to franchise him and it most likely going to take a deal similar to what the Vikings gave up fro Jared Allen. Our first round pick is to high to make that type of a deal

[evil]

Carolina is going to franchise him and it most likely going to take a deal similar to what the Vikings gave up fro Jared Allen. Our first round pick is to high to make that type of a deal

He could refuse to sign the tag and sit out the year, and they'd be on the books for about 17 mill against the cap without him. If I were Peppers I'd use it as a pressure tactic to avoid being tagged, tell them that I'd refuse to sign it to assure they don't hit a snag trying to deal him.