RUMOR: Peppers-to-Pats losing steam. Now what?
Source: ESPN
After Vic Carucci of NFL.com posted a report earlier this week, saying that the New England Patriots were close to a deal that would grant them Carolina Panthers defensive end Julius Peppers in exchange for a second-round draft pick, it would now appear that this outcome is unlikely, unless the people involved are all in on a ruse.
Karen Guregian of the Boston Herald cites individuals from both parties who have now publicly stated there has been no discussion about Peppers landing with the Pats. Carl Carey, Peppers' agent, told the Herald that while the Pats had not contacted him about Peppers, "we have had preliminary discussions with GMs from other clubs in the league." Pats coach Bill Belichick, in a radio appearance on WEEI, indicated that the team prefers to deal directly with other teams and not with agents such as in this situation. He then cited Matt Cassel as an example of what franchised players should do if they want to be traded: sign the tender, and then ask for the trade.
All of this could be an attempt by Belichick to control the flow of information coming out of New England, and the Patriots could very well be internally considering the trade that has been getting so much play in rumor circles this week. But apparently until Peppers signs the Panthers' franchise tender - a one-year, $16.8 million deal - none of it will come to fruition.
As for the general managers "from other clubs in the league", this could be a number of individuals, but based on what Peppers has said he wants, we can eliminate many. It's likely that Peppers wants a deal similar to what Albert Haynesworth, Jared Allen and Dwight Freeney possess, and he has also stated he wants to play as an outside linebacker in a 3-4 system, and for a contending team. A team that was rumored to be in the hunt was the Dallas Cowboys, but Jerry Jones and Co. have been committed to working out an extension for DeMarcus Ware, who is the incumbent sackmaster in Dallas, and having two high-priced players at the same position doesn't make sense. Similarly, the Miami Dolphins could afford Peppers' price tag, but Joey Porter is already on the roster, he of the 17.5 sacks in 2008
After Vic Carucci of NFL.com posted a report earlier this week, saying that the New England Patriots were close to a deal that would grant them Carolina Panthers defensive end Julius Peppers in exchange for a second-round draft pick, it would now appear that this outcome is unlikely, unless the people involved are all in on a ruse.
Karen Guregian of the Boston Herald cites individuals from both parties who have now publicly stated there has been no discussion about Peppers landing with the Pats. Carl Carey, Peppers' agent, told the Herald that while the Pats had not contacted him about Peppers, "we have had preliminary discussions with GMs from other clubs in the league." Pats coach Bill Belichick, in a radio appearance on WEEI, indicated that the team prefers to deal directly with other teams and not with agents such as in this situation. He then cited Matt Cassel as an example of what franchised players should do if they want to be traded: sign the tender, and then ask for the trade.
All of this could be an attempt by Belichick to control the flow of information coming out of New England, and the Patriots could very well be internally considering the trade that has been getting so much play in rumor circles this week. But apparently until Peppers signs the Panthers' franchise tender - a one-year, $16.8 million deal - none of it will come to fruition.
As for the general managers "from other clubs in the league", this could be a number of individuals, but based on what Peppers has said he wants, we can eliminate many. It's likely that Peppers wants a deal similar to what Albert Haynesworth, Jared Allen and Dwight Freeney possess, and he has also stated he wants to play as an outside linebacker in a 3-4 system, and for a contending team. A team that was rumored to be in the hunt was the Dallas Cowboys, but Jerry Jones and Co. have been committed to working out an extension for DeMarcus Ware, who is the incumbent sackmaster in Dallas, and having two high-priced players at the same position doesn't make sense. Similarly, the Miami Dolphins could afford Peppers' price tag, but Joey Porter is already on the roster, he of the 17.5 sacks in 2008
posted by The Gryphon at 5:52 PM
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