Ok, some irrational exhuberance here momentarily. Since Capers used to coach JP, does that give us an inside track in putting a green and gold uniform on him. Yeah, it's about show me the money, but do we have a slight advantage now?

I think Capers was gone long before Peppers was picked

Money talks so if TT pony's up and shows Peppers the money, he'll be in a green & gold uni next season.

The Packers will have the money advantage. But the system that Capers runs actually caters to what Peppers wants to do. I do think that having Capers and money will give the Packers the inside track on Peppers.

Plus having Capers and Peppers may actually draw other players to Green Bay.

THis is correct. I belive Capers was fired after the 98 season and I think Peppers came into the NFL in 01.

Peppers was drafted in '02

A few questions about Julius Peppers as a FA:

- He's publicly stated that he wants OUT of a 4-3 D
- He's a prototypical 4-3 DE, who can stop the run AND rush the passer.
- A 3-4 DE is generally (according to what I've read) bigger (310ish lbs), and gets LESS opportunity for sacks, because he's got more run responsibility (by occupying 2 gaps on either side of the OT).
- A 3-4 D the DL occupy blockers for the LB's to clean-up.

Why would Peppers want to play for GB if the Packers run a 4-3, if he wants OUT of that system?

Why would Peppers want to play in a 3-4, and get less stats and publicity?

IF it costs $17Mill for 1 year to tag him, what kind of a contract would/could he command?

My gut is they tag him and trade him. IMO he wants to play more OLB and freelance

What about Gross though?

Either Gross or Peppers.... Each would greatly stabilize a position. Although Peppers would have to adjust to OLB.. He should be able to do it. I hope he can somewhat cover.

These are all questions I have as well. I think somebody is talking to Peppers. Selling him on the 3-4 and his role. Sounds fishy he all of the sudden wants the 3-4, and wants out of Carolina. Somebody is in his agents ear with an big $ offer and big role in the 3-4. Could be any of the 3-4 teams, and since we just hired Capers last night, I dont think its GB.

Miami??

Not getting on you, heavy, just the thought of Peppers as an OLB in general... why on earth would anyone think about signing Peppers for MANY millions/year and have him drop back in coverage? The man is a monster manned-up on an OT, can stop the run AND rush the passer... no way do I want him trying to cover an RB out of the backfield or staying with a TE for any distance. God created him to be a 4-3 DE, now that we're a 3-4 or hybrid let him go elsewhere.

Peppers is athletic as there is a DE in the NFL. I think he'd make an AMAZING 3-4 rush linebacker. I doubt very very much that we would sign him, but I have zero doubt of what he would do as a rush LB in a 3-4.

Agree PK, Only in fantasyland do you spend franchise type money for some experiment you hope works. The very thought of lining him up at DE and getting production is risky enough at that price, let alone having him play a NFL position he's never played before. You cant spend money like that in FA and experiment. That doesnt mean you can't use him a couple of plays a game in a disguised scheme, but not full time....no way

If Carolina tags Peppers, that would be completely stupid, they need to let him go and tag Gross...

I believe peppers will go to Miami

this guy is one hell of an athlete. don't forget, he played basketball at UNC. not some small-time college hoops program, but Michael Jordan's UNC. i think he could easily handle being in a flex defense like the one it sounds like we'll be installing.

but at this time of year (and for the next several months), take anything that comes out of an agent's mouth, or a FA player's mouth, with a big honkin lick of salt.

On the other hand...if they do tag Peppers, GB could go after Gross.

(not that that would happen, but a guy can dream)

I would venture to say Peppers is more athletic than just about any 3-4 OLB in the NFL. Simply put, he is an athletic freak. I'm not sure about hip rotation and fluidity as far as coverage is concerned, but my guess is he could handle it just fine. He would probably be rushing the passer 90% of the time anyways (think DeMarcus Ware only better against the run).

That was my line of thinking as well.

Remember: Carolina used to put Peppers in to run fade routes.

Freak is an understatement.

I'd still prefer Suggs, however. Not only is Suggs younger, he would probably come cheaper.

I don't think age should play a factor, as both players are relatively young. Cost may be a factor, and Suggs will surely be more polished in the 3-4 system, less of a learning curve. I'd be happy (and shocked) with either guy.

Take this for what it's worth, but a friend of mine who's a HUGE Panthers fan seems to think that they'll most likely sign Gross, and tag-and-trade Peppers so they get something for him.

He also said he has no problem doing that, and that Peppers' work ethic isn't known as being the best within the organization.

That is what scares me about the whole Julius Peppers thing. It seems like everybody questions his work ethic week to week. He put up a big season right before his contract is up. I don't think it would make much sense to go after Peppers after the switch to a 3-4. If we were sticking with 4-3 it would make perfect sense. Having Kampan at LE and Peppers at RE would be awesome. Jenkins could still mix it up and DE and DT and we would have lots of talent and depth on the DL. Now with a switch to a 3-4 we should really look elsewhere. Either a pass rushing OLB or a good starter as a 3-4 DE. I think we still lack a credible 3-4 DE on the left side. I think Kampman will mix it up at OLB and DE this year but I don't think he's an every down DE in a 3-4. He excels when put in a position to rush the passer and I think we would be wasting a guy like Kampman as a 3-4 DE. Same thing with Peppers. I just don't really think Peppers is an OLB.

Yeah, I know a few people that are Panthers fans and none of them really care if Peppers leaves. I still think he could be effective in a 3-4, but I think you're right, that his skills are maximized when playing in a base 4-3.