What could we get for Peppers if we trade him?

Keyshawn wasn't out-muscled, Sheppard jumped the route because he knew it was coming. He said that he saw Jake's signal before the snap.


And even if someone would give us two first rounders for Peppers, it doesn't mean we'd get someone good. Draft picks are a crapshoot, and I'd rather take a chance that he'll return to the guy who was the best defensive player in the league through the first eight games of last season.

 

I don't disagree, but do you give him the biggest defensive contract ever after watching him over the last season and a half - and if not do let him walk for it after 2008?

 

No, I don't. I think this is the perfect time to leverage him into a lesser contract than what was being talked about before the season. He's still going to get paid monster money, but there's no reason now that it shouldn't be at or less than what Freeney got. If he and his agent refuse any kind of discount, then we have a problem, but I'd still go 6 years $65 million ($25 guaranteed).

 

If they trade Pep (which I doubt will happen) then my ideal trade would be to Oakland for a #1 this year plus a high rounder next year. Use their #1 pick to draft Chris or Jake Long.

 

That's the part that worries me, I guess we can franchise him.

 

No, we can't. He's not a free agent. He has one very expensive year left on his contract.

 

That's my concern. I don't see his agent settling for less than Freeney money.

Peppers also isn't talking about how he wants to stay. Like Hoover and Gross are, for example. I think Peppers might want to go.

 

I'm talking about after next year, if his agent is still sticking undeserved top money

 

They almost certainly would refuse the discount. Peppers has said within the last month that Freeney got paid after a down year, and that he still wants to be the highest paid D player in football. I'd go for the figures you mention, but I doubt it will get it done.

 

Based on what? He hasn't said he wants to go anywhere else, he shuns the spotlight, and he grew up here. The idea that he'd want to get out of Carolina is complete nonsense, but you're not the first or even the hundredth person I've seen suggest that. It makes no sense.