Peppers headed for free agency?

Jake's contract pisses me off. But it doesnt mean that we should just throw $21 million at Peppers. Even in an uncapped year, it's bad business and roster management to do that.

Sure, it depends on our asking price. But do you want to get a 3rd round pick for him? With the chances that he stays on the books at over $21 million? it is a risk/reward situation. But the asking price isn't just the draft compensation another team would have to pay the Panthers. They also have to extend him at around $15 million per. Adding all that together, and it just becomes too expensive for almost every team in the NFL.

 

if players would sign them, people would push them every time. I don't think there's a chance a player would go for it at this level of contract.

plus, we've put out about $10 million in Pro Bowl incentives.

 

Ah, of course. There's some strong underlying messages on both sides of that coin, though. The owners would be saying "If you want a big time contract, I want to see big time numbers," and the players are saying, "I'm worth this much just by being here. I'm all world, and if I get hurt, it's not my fault so I shouldn't have to take a pay cut."

Personally, I side with the owners on this one. Although even in that perfect world, staying under the cap would be a true nightmare after a successful season.