« Jake: I expect to be back | Main | Afternoon update: Fox, draft notes »
January 04, 2010
Peppers ready to consider future plans
Panthers defensive end Julius Peppers put on hold, at least for a few days, talking about whether he wants or expects to return to the team next season.
“Right now, I’m not even really in a position to answer any of those questions about my future around here,” he said.
“I felt like when it was time to talk about my future and make those decisions, I would take time to think about it. Now is that time, so (over) the next couple of days I’ll have a little more information about what I want to do and what I will do.”
For the second consecutive year, Peppers has come to the end of his contract and has a chance to become an unrestricted free agent March 5, but only if the Panthers decide to let him go without any compensation.
The Panthers are allowed to begin negotiations with him on a long-term deal now that the season is over. Also, the Panthers could opt to use their franchise tag on him for a second consecutive year. However, the price tag would be around $20.1 million, a 20 percent increase over the $16.683 million base salary he earned this year under the tender he signed as a franchise player.
Peppers said last year that he preferred to play elsewhere and that he felt he’d reach his full potential playing in
“That was a year ago,” he said. “I don’t really think it’s productive to go back and re-open those conversations about what I was feeling at that time because it was a year ago. Anything that was said a year ago is irrelevant right now because it’s a new situation and it’s a new day.”
Peppers said he enjoyed playing in the new defensive system installed this year by new defensive coordinator Ron Meeks.
“It was better,” he said.
“I was happy with how I was used and how we did on defense.”
Peppers finished 10th in the NFL with 10 ½ sacks and tied for third with five forced fumbles.
The Panthers won their last three games, but finished the season 8-8 and out of the playoffs, which Peppers said was foremost on his mind.
“It’s disappointing because I want to still be playing, but the record says we’re not allowed, so that’s all I’m thinking – what could have been,” he said.
Charles Chandler: (704) 358-5123 and @CharlesChandler on Twitter.
Posted by Observer Sports on January 4, 2010 at 10:49 AM | Permalink
Comments
He'll be back. I think he did not like the scheme and he did not like Jake being the quarterback. Not that the offense has much to do with him. The defense can only stop a team but for so long, especially if the offense is giving pick 6 all season long. Everyone sees the potential of this team and I think he wants to be a part of that.
Posted by: Panthers2003 | Jan 4, 2010 11:03:05 AM
I hoped he fired the agent he had last year ^^;
Posted by: Revshawn | Jan 4, 2010 11:11:06 AM
I hope he comes back but I'm not so sure. I think he saw the negative reaction to his comments after last season about him wanting to leave and he's going to be more careful how he handles it this time around.
Posted by: Mike | Jan 4, 2010 11:19:09 AM
Well, that sure as heck sounds a lot better than what he had to say immediately following the end of last season. He likes what is going on here now versus then, and that is good news. Get the man signed to a long term contract and let him play.
Interesting side note - does anybody know what happened to Trgovac after he "resigned" as our D-Coordinator? Any teams salivating to snap him up to lead their defense? Nope. He's a defensive line coach at Green Bay, which I'm sure Pep would find amusing...
Good riddance. Meeks system really appears to be clicking with the guys. A full year under their belt and seeing the fruits of their labor through the last half of the season means high hopes for our D next year.
Posted by: Curtis | Jan 4, 2010 11:19:26 AM
Curtis- Trgovac resigned to take that job in Green Bay because he wanted out of Carolina.
Posted by: Steve Smith | Jan 4, 2010 11:24:58 AM
Because have heard Foxie came in and took over his meetings, he didn't get to coach.(Brentson Buckner, Frank and Buck Show)
Posted by: fox has to go!! | Jan 4, 2010 11:45:38 AM
I sure had my doubts about Meeks' system early this season, but I'm a believer now. Our boys (notably Pep) became one of the best defenses in the NFL over the last 1/4 of the season. I sure hope it works out so Peppers can stick around and be part of the growth next year.
Posted by: Mike Linebacker | Jan 4, 2010 11:49:24 AM
Point is, if Trgovac was a good D-Coordinator a) Pep would prob have been happier in the system though not entirely certain b) Fox would not have taken over his meetings and c) somebody would have snapped him up to coordinate their defense. I just am not convinced he was good at that particular job. And I'm glad he left!
Posted by: Curtis | Jan 4, 2010 11:55:33 AM
Revshawn- peppers' agent is carl carey and he is one tough cookie to deal with ;)
Posted by: tmack | Jan 4, 2010 11:58:23 AM
same agent he's always had.
Posted by: tmack | Jan 4, 2010 11:59:03 AM
If you are getting your information from "The Frank and Buck Show"....you are living a sad existence. That is one of the worst sports talk radio shows of all-time. Obviously, Brentson Buckner is a bitter person towards and success the team may have, since they let him go. He cannot even admit that Jake Delhomme was instrumental in helping the team get to the Super Bowl in Houston. I doubt he can read, because he sure does not speak English well. Frank at least has half of a brain, but his delivery and opinions are hilariously weak.
Posted by: Baby Boi | Jan 4, 2010 12:01:44 PM
It would be my guess that the Panthers offer some sort of deal in the neighborhood of 3 years at $39 million. $13 million a season is probably what Peppers would get from "someone" (not sure exactly who, but someone would give him that) and it would be a discount over what we paid him this year, and certainly what the franchise option would cost. It will be interesting, but that is what I think we are willing to do. If he thinks he will get a longer or stronger deal...then he might play hard-ball again.
Posted by: Baby Boi | Jan 4, 2010 12:04:08 PM
who cares, with him, without him, unless he steps up--all the time--he is a journeyman player in the NFL--he'll never be in the Hall.
Posted by: the dude | Jan 4, 2010 12:18:30 PM
The show is Unbiased(Brutally Honest) unlike some other Media outlets. So if it is not what you want to hear, some cannot handle the truth. Does not make it a bad show. As far as Jake getting us to the Super Bowl NO! not Just Jake by any means. Steve, Moose and Proehl made Jake look good.
Posted by: fox has to go!! | Jan 4, 2010 12:31:32 PM
Peppers has played his last down as a Carolina Panther. It's unfortunate the team wasn't smart enough to trade him last season when they actually had a chance to get a 2nd round draft pick for him. Now he will be allowed to walk away with no compensation.
Posted by: Who Cares | Jan 4, 2010 12:38:36 PM
Personally I hope he comes back, he and Smitty are the faces of this team. Meeks did a good job getting them to play when the O sputtered under Delhomme and the playcalling of Fox/Davidson.
Posted by: Elrod | Jan 4, 2010 1:04:21 PM
I am still laughing at the venom-spewing Fox haters--still screaming for his head. PEOPLE, WAKE UP! The decision is Fox's and his alone at this point. I also read with interest the article on Jake Delhomme. As usual, Jake takes the high road, as he done his entire tenure here--admitting that Moore deserves the chance to be the starter next year, and acknowledging Moore's play over the last five starts. What I simply cannot understand for the life of me is why Jake would WANT to come back and compete for the job or play for a team whose fans treat the players and the coaches like dirt beneath their feet. I know Jake stands to make $12 million if he returns, in any capacity, in 2010, but I believe it's about much more than money to Jake. I've said it before, and I'll say it to the end, Jake is a class act, and the Panthers have been very fortunate to have had his leadership and his heart for his tenure here. Jake, I hope you get another chance to prove all these people wrong, but if not, THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES, and the very best of luck to you, your lovely wife, and those two beautiful little girls!
Posted by: Panthergirl | Jan 4, 2010 1:07:08 PM
Who Cares If you knew anything about the Peppers situation last year you would know that the panthers could not trade him. He never signed his contract so the panthers could not trade him. He held them hostage so he could try to get what he wanted.
Posted by: cboss | Jan 4, 2010 1:35:42 PM
Oh yes, let me add one comment about Julius Peppers and those screaming for his departure. Do you want Julius Peppers after MATT MOORE? I would think not!
Posted by: Panthergirl | Jan 4, 2010 1:52:57 PM
You know, I think too many folks equate fans wanting Delhomme taking out of the starting role for his poor play to them not liking him as a person. I agree Delhomme is a class act, a standup guy, and a great role model to kids and other players. But having said that, he deserved to be benched long before he got hurt. 18 interceptions, 6 fumbles (3 lost)?? Come on... odds are the Panthers might have reached the playoffs if Moore was allowed to play earlier than he was. Granted, there are no guarantees of that, but all things being equal, they might have had a shot. Certainly, it would not have done any harm. I just hope there is a fair competition next training camp for the starting job, and Fox does not revert back to Delhomme just because he is Delhomme...
Posted by: Mike | Jan 4, 2010 2:09:03 PM
I think where ever Pep goes, or stays their are gonna be some happy fans and teammates...
I wish him all the best in figuring that out, hope he stays with Carolina...If he doesnt I support him either way...
Its not my career...its his....
Posted by: Jennifer | Jan 4, 2010 2:39:11 PM
Where ever he goes he will still represent NC
Posted by: zach | Jan 4, 2010 3:06:18 PM
Love Peppers even though he's overpaid (but who isn't in the NFL?). Would love to see him signed to a long-term deal, can't stomach the idea of seeing Pep in an opposing team's uniform.
Posted by: JakeSucks | Jan 4, 2010 3:54:22 PM
If Peppers costs us King/Marshall or Davis then I will be upset. I say let him go and be done with it.
Posted by: Trey Griffin | Jan 4, 2010 4:09:34 PM
I think Peppers held out last year while his agent shopped around for offers. I think he didnt get the kind of offers he was expecting so he didnt sign the tender till after the draft so we wouldnt trade him. I think he learned that he should be happy with a generous contract long term & he will sign it this year in the off season, no franchise needed. If he doesnt, franchise him anyway since its an uncapped season, then if he signs it in time trade him for anything they can get.
Posted by: MrBernz | Jan 4, 2010 4:27:11 PM
Post a comment
Advertisements
