Go ahead and accept the fact this is Peppers last year.

[pstall]

The sooner you do that, the better you will feel as well as embrace Everette Brown.

[Fireball77]

If the FO pays him 20 mill for one freaking year next year I will hate on them.

[Kettle]

I don't have to accept it to embrace Brown.

[1st down]

I am really hoping that Brown emerges as a beast this season, 'cause I agree, Pep isn't worth $20 mill. I hate that the team is shelling out so much this season for him, but I do think that we still need him this year. Don't get me wrong, I am a huge fan of his, but I think it will be time to part ways with him after this year. The failure to get a long-term deal done again indicates that it would be best if he moved on.

[j2sgam]

I accepted that fact last year. Do you remember one of last year's preseason games when JP got a sack then saluted the Carolina fans? That was when I had the feelin, like he was sorta sayin "There you go, Im back, and Im outta here.." They even had the pic of the salute on the cover of the program at the home opener vs da Bears. I dont want to speculate, I dont want him playin for another team, but that really seems to be where all roads are leading. I sincerely hope that the "new defense", and some choice post-season victories will be enough to keep the man around...

[joemac]

The fact that he didnt sign a long term deal by today means nothing....I dont think they had a realistic expectation to sign him, they really didnt have a lot of time after he signed his tender. Many things can happen between now and February, so I am not gonna sweat it now.

At least now it looks like what was a weakness for us last year (d-line), could be a strength with the addition of Brown. We still do need a big, athletic DT beside Kemo though....damn I wish we could have kept Jenkins.

[PanthaSan]

Who?

[xtheronx]

they'll tag him .. especially since they were willing to pay him $16mil++ this year .. what's $4mil more ..?.. but i'm ok with it .. he's been a loyal dominant player and he's near impossible to replace .. it's what players in his category cost if you want to win ..

i'm actually glad we are willing to step up to the plate and pay someone of his calibur .. it shows this franchise wants to win and will continue to be competitive..

[Darth Biscuit]

A whole LOT can change over the course of one season... all I'm worried about right now is 2009.

[joemac]

If there is an uncapped year next year, I especially think that we will keep him. They could front load the contract for a poo load of money and make it work. We do have a billionaire for an owner, and one of the more stable, successful franchises in the league.

[Snake]

I think he will not want to go threw what he did last season. If he was not wanting to stay here he would have had them put a clause in his contract baring them from tagging him again next year. They now have a whole season to work out what prob will be a very complex and high paying contract.

[joemac]

I also think that he realized that no one is going to pay him like he or his agent thinks he should be paid....except for us.

[xtheronx]

I also think that he realized that no one is going to pay him like he or his agent thinks he should be paid....except for us.

not if next year is uncapped .. or if a team like dallas or new england has a below average defensive year .. they would pay him ..

let's face it .. peppers is a dominate player .. his type doesn't come along that often .. someone will pay him .. and he's worth it

i feel lucky as a fan having him on my team .. and i hope he stays a very long time!

putting aside the media in the offseason .. he's been very professional and loyal to carolina .. overall he's been very easy to deal with comparing him to other superstar players ..

[Pejorative Miscreant]

IMO we are a better team for franchising Pep this year. Granted it was a lot of money and there was opportunity cost but in the end, my belief is we will benefit (albeit injuries can not be predicted).

I am not sure that will hold true next year and it should be reevaluated. Several things to consider including:

1. Peps Production

2. 2010 Capped or Uncapped

3. What other UFA do we consider next year (Is TD an UFA in 2010)

4. Peps attitude

If nothing is signed by today then we can do nothing but wait and be thankful he is cooperating, will be in training camp and has motivation to have a big year.