Free agent defensive end will carry high price tag Aaron Wilson
Without a doubt, Carolina Panthers star defensive end Julius Peppers is regarded as the top prize available in a thin free agent market.
He's a big, strong, fast, gifted and accomplished pass rusher.
There are also questions, though, about whether Peppers has a passion for the game and if he would be a strong fit for a franchise like the New England Patriots.
“I wouldn’t touch him, for that money and what he gives you,’’ a former Panthers personnel official told the Boston Globe. “On the field, he’s a freak athletically, but it’s whether he shows up or not. He’ll go two and three games and do nothing but take up space. Then he’ll have two sacks, a forced fumble, a pick, and change the game. And that’s the danger. He can mesmerize you, but it’s not consistent.’’
Another AFC scout raised the question about whether signing Peppers to a blockbuster contract will have negative effects on job security.
“He could end up costing some personnel guy his job,’’ the scout told the Globe. “I’m terrified of him. In my heart of hearts, I believe that if you pay this guy, I don’t think you’ll see a double-digit sack [season] again the rest of his career.’’
Besides the personnel guys questioning Peppers' attitude, former Panthers defensive tackle Brentson Buckner has his doubts, too.
“Football’s come so easy to him,’’ Buckner said. “Does he love it the way Steve Smith or Bryant Young or Jerry Rice love it? I don’t think so. But he’s got so much God-given ability that, even without loving it, he’s a five-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro with 81 sacks in eight years. You do think, ‘Man, a guy with that much ability, imagine if he did love it.’"
It's an intriguing question, and millions of dollars are at stake on this one.
Besides the Patriots, the Philadelphia Eagles and the Green Bay Packers are other rumored potential landing spots for Peppers.
And the Washington Redskins always seem to kick the tires on any high-priced talent.
Follow me on Twitter: RavensInsider
Yup, he's a beast only when he wants to be. He did not show up last year until he was on prime time against the Vikes. I hate to think we might have to watch him walk with no compensation but such is the NFL. I would like to see him back in Carolina but for only 8-10 million per year, but even then, that is a lot of money for someone with only half the desire to be in the NFL. His true love is basketball. I wish him the best no matter what happens but my team can't allow anyone to take up that kind of cap space. Well, with the exception of a star QB.
Note to Mr.Wilson,
banks broken already.
Should someone send bailout money Peppers' way?
If a guy can't get motivated playing on a one year franchise tag, what do you expect from him with a huge bonus in the bank?
Green Bay hikes prices up to $5...
Where will Peyton Manning end...
Velocity and throws to the left...
Who makes up this talented small-school...
A look at the most impressive...
Feb 21, 2010
02:22 PM
I have a hunch that the "former Panthers employee" who was chatting with the Boston Globe is former scout, and current NFL beat writer, Bucky Brooks.
Peppers is a good player obviously but ask ANY panther fan and they will tell you the same thing: he is a beast. When he wants to be.