Agent: Peppers waiting for Panthers' move

[Murph]

Steve Reed's report on Carolina Growl also cites "sources close to the situation" that state Peppers is looking for a deal worth about $15 mil per season; basically an Albert Haynesworth-type (7 years, $100 mil) contract, i.e. highest paid defensive player in the league.

A 30 year old DE isn't worth that.

[rayzor]

A 30 year old DE isn't worth that.

albert haynesworth isn't worth that.

[prowler2k8]

I think Peppers realized he made a mistake last year by making his discontent with our team public. His discontent made Peppers value drop for the Carolina Panthers, thus we could not trade him for the price we wanted. So I bet we essentially told him "act like you want to be here"... so that is what he is doing, so we have more leverage in talking to other teams for draft picks.

I'm not sure I agree that Peppers actually made a mistake - it was probaby more of a calculated move based on A) Peppers' contract status and pending free agency; and Peppers obvious dissatisfaction with the direction of the team at that time. It's no secret that the defense hit the skids late last season, culminating in the embarrassing loss in the playoffs to the Cards; now he actually likes playing in the current defensive scheme. It is also clear, based on his demeanor that last 3-4 games of the season, that he was frustrated with offensive play, as apparently were other players (Smith's production skyrocketed when Delhomme was finally replaced) . Plain and simple, Peppers is a competitor; sure, he may take plays off and get owned at times by unheralded OT, but when he's motivated, he's the best in the business. And the guy wants to win a championship badly. Looking at these factors, it's likely the way this was handled will ultimately create a win-win for both parties - whether he stays (signs a long-term extension) or is traded (to a team of his choosing in exchange for 1-2 draft picks). We'll just have to see how this plays out this offseason.

[Kettle]

Steve Reed's report on Carolina Growl also cites "sources close to the situation" that state Peppers is looking for a deal worth about $15 mil per season; basically an Albert Haynesworth-type (7 years, $100 mil) contract, i.e. highest paid defensive player in the league.

just before the last deadline to get pep on a longterm contract I called in to sirius nfl radio, and spoke to Tim and Pat. They both stated that it will take #1 money to lock pep up. it's better than what he was payed this year, or what the tag would pay him this coming year.

[Sultan33g]

well now if that is the case. I doubt they tag him again for 20 mil. unless they think he is only good for a year until a supposed lockout.

[Niner National]

Defensive players just aren't worth that much. The only player on a team that deserves a contract like that is a QB. A team that loses a great defensive player can still win so long as they have a good QB. A team that loses a good QB is destined for a losing season 9 times out of 10.

What % of plays are most defensive players even on the field? I would imagine it's a lower % than RB's, WR's, and obviously QB's and O-linemen.

[Swarly]

Steve Reed's report on Carolina Growl also cites "sources close to the situation" that state Peppers is looking for a deal worth about $15 mil per season; basically an Albert Haynesworth-type (7 years, $100 mil) contract, i.e. highest paid defensive player in the league.

the good news if this is true is that no other team would pay him that kind of money. especially after the failed haynesworth experiment lol.

I can see Panthers floating him a huge deal though, uncapped year so it doesn't really matter.(I think next year is uncapped anyways)

[UNCrules2187]

I'm starting to think it might be prudent to just tag him one last time for a Super Bowl run next season, then let him go after that. He'll be 31 and while he will still have a few good years left, the looming possibility of a lockout for the 2011 season means one (or more) of those years could be wasted.

[Kettle]

i'd argue that a defensive player can be worth that much. especially if he plays the way he did the last few games. those players are ones that you really want to be good so you get as many 3 and outs as possible.

[scpanther22]

i'd argue that a defensive player can be worth that much. especially if he plays the way he did the last few games. those players are ones that you really want to be good so you get as many 3 and outs as possible.

He would only be worth that if he plays that way for every game..And we know he wont.No DE is worth that.

[Kettle]

what about a CB. Nnamdi Asumough(sp)

wasn't he signed for 3yrs/~45 mil

[scpanther22]

what about a CB. Nnamdi Asumough(sp)

wasn't he signed for 3yrs/~45 mil

Yeah.But its the Raiders.they prob had to overrpay to keep him they had nothing else to offer him

[Kettle]

whatever happens I believe in the Big Cat. i don't care what pep gets payed. i only care that we contend.

[Kevin Greene]

Steve Reed's report on Carolina Growl also cites "sources close to the situation" that state Peppers is looking for a deal worth about $15 mil per season; basically an Albert Haynesworth-type (7 years, $100 mil) contract, i.e. highest paid defensive player in the league.

Too damned much money.

12 million per year max, 36 million of however long the contract is guaranteed.

But, there must be incentives in the contract. Peppers must have incentive for pay because sure as hell Fox can't get his best effort every game.