Franchising Peppers Not as Bad as It May Seem

[Seltzer]

Franchising Peppers will cost an astronomical $20 million dollars. However, there are 2 very big positives out of this:

1) Peppers will be paid an exorbitant amount, but it will be for 1 year only so he will have to prove his worth again during a "contract year" which will hopefully translate into the dominant performances we have been seeing.

AND

2) Most importantly, it may not be that much worse than any alternative. If there is no football in 2011, the Panthers will not be on the hook for any money for Peppers in 2011. If he is signed to a long-term deal, he will still have to be paid part or all of the guaranteed money, which is certain to be much higher than $20 million for the one year deal.

Just some points to ponder. After thinking about, it doesn't seem that unrealistic. Furthermore, Peppers seems more invested and pumped about this team than any team I can remember, so maybe it will not be an issue. If it is, Peppers does not have the leverage it may appear on the surface he does. Any team sigining him is going to have to think about paying someone millions in guaranteed money when 2011 seems so bleak.

[carolinarolls]

Oh it was not only a bad decision it was a terrible one that epitomizes what this franchise has typically done when the big decisions have to be made...the wrong thing.

It just happens to have worked out into our favor ..IF they can now convince Pep that they have seen the light and are committed to finding a capable starter at QB and are permanently abandoning the Jake Delhomme experiment.

[ZedLeppelin]

I think if he is open to being signed by us long term we have to do it, go with Peppers, CJ and Brown as the DEs. With Kemo and TD back and with hopefully Moore starting and a revamped WR group along with an easier schedule, next year could be a special year for us.

If he won't sign long term and we have to either franchise him or let him walk I'm not sure what I would do.

[OneBadassCat]

He needs to sign long term

[unicar15]

Either Peppers or Kemo are going to be gone after this season. Kemo was injured and is due a 9 million dollar roster bonus. Peppers is going to be the highest paid DE in the league. You can't keep both when you have a CB that is making top money, a LT making top money, TD is up for a contract (who IMO we need more than either Pep or Kemo), and a RFA QB that is probably going to get a new contract.

Having Peppers and Kemo just won't happen.

It is insane how people's minds get clouded by a few good games (by coach and players). Wasn't it just 3 weeks ago that people were talking about how much of an underachiever Peppers was and how John Fox was going to be gone after this year.

8-8, 6-10, 7-9...Who really gives a damn? They are all records that don't get you to the playoffs which is all that matters to me and should be all that matters to this organization.

IMO if Hurney and Fox give Peppers a massive contract then they should get fired. They gave up our first round pick this year to get Everette Brown to replace JP if he left. They essentially admit that they wasted a 1st round draft pick if they resign Pep.

[Squirrel]

He wants to be the highest paid defensive player. Are you willing to do that? As far as franchising I would say no let him walk and move on. If next is uncapped do you think Richardson would still want to pay that much money for him?