Peppers wants out of Carolina

[the Talking Can]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3839736

Updated: January 17, 2009, 1:48 AM ET
Panthers could franchise Peppers
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ESPN.com news services

Defensive end Julius Peppers let the Carolina Panthers know he is looking for a change of scenery.

"The front office has been informed of my desire to explore opportunities with other NFL teams following the expiration of my contract next month," Peppers said in a statement released by his agent Carl Carey. "At this point in my NFL career, I am seeking new challenges that will allow me to grow, develop and reach my personal potential on the football field.

"I strongly feel that making a move at this time is in my best interest. I appreciate the entire Panthers organization and am thankful for the seven seasons I've spent with the team."

The Panthers would have to pay Peppers, 28, nearly $17 million to franchise him for the 2009 season. Peppers has been in Carolina his entire career, seven seasons.

"Julius is firm in his decision that he needs a change," Carey said. "He feels that he can thrive in another system. While he has been selected to four Pro Bowls and designated as an All-Pro during his career, he feels that he has yet to develop to his full potential. This is the case of a great player who seeks to become an elite one."

Senior NFL analyst Chris Mortensen contributed to this report.

[Scorp]

OH my

[PHOG]

17 mil?

[warrior]

Don't think he'll happen for KC

[tmax63]

One of the few out there that would be an upgrade over JA IMHO. I'll bet he could teach these young pups on our d-line more than the coaching staff ever could. That said I don't see it happening.

[PHOG]

Of course, I'm way to lazy to look it up for myself, but I wonder what are some of the biggest contracts Pioli signed off on?

[ShortRoundChief]

translation: I'm looking for a HUGE payday.

[Brock]

Originally Posted by J Diddy

translation: I'm looking for a HUGE payday.

Yeah, I kind of wondered WTF he was talking about.

[Fritz88]

We need to know that Pioli is not the type of GM that will look for the hottest person in the league. He always looks for people who are under the radar. So I do not expect us to Pepper it up.

[Braincase]

This is the guy that was so good in colege, he made Ryan Sims look like a first rounder.

[TipRoast]

Originally Posted by PHOG

Of course, I'm way to lazy to look it up for myself, but I wonder what are some of the biggest contracts Pioli signed off on?

I don't have the numbers and have also contracted the laziness affliction.

But here's some info:

Brady and Richard Seymour got pretty big contracts (top 5 at their positions).

Adalius Thomas is probably their biggest free agent signing.

But Pioli/Belichick have let Ty Law, Adam Vinatieri and Asante Samuel leave rather than paying market rates for them. And Lawyer Milloy was cut after he refused to renegotiate his contract.

So if you're wondering if Pioli will sign a Peppers or a Suggs, my answer is yes, but a bigger question is this: do those players want to come to KC?

[the Talking Can]

he saw Allen's contract.....that's what he wants

[PHOG]

Originally Posted by TipRoast

I don't have the numbers and have also contracted the laziness affliction.

But here's some info:

Brady and Richard Seymour got pretty big contracts (top 5 at their positions).

Adalius Thomas is probably their biggest free agent signing.

But Pioli/Belichick have let Ty Law, Adam Vinatieri and Asante Samuel leave rather than paying market rates for them. And Lawyer Milloy was cut after he refused to renegotiate his contract.

So if you're wondering if Pioli will sign a Peppers or a Suggs, my answer is yes, but a bigger question is this: do those players want to come to KC?

Ah, thanks for the info..as far as do they "want" to come to KC, money talks, but I'm not wanting to give up picks if they get franchised.

[Crybaby Power]

Originally Posted by Braincase

Our coaches ala John Bunting were such dumbasses they thought Ryan Sims looked like a first rounder.

FYP

[chiefzilla1501]

Originally Posted by Fritz88

We need to know that Pioli is not the type of GM that will look for the hottest person in the league. He always looks for people who are under the radar. So I do not expect us to Pepper it up.

That's true to some extent. He did sign Randy Moss, Donte Stollworth, Adalius Thomas, and Wes Welker two seasons ago. But what was interesting was that Pioli took a few years to rebuild before deciding to splurge on free agents. It seems like he favors the approach of rebuilding and building a very strong foundation and then loading up on free agent talent that can take the team over the top. That is one of the reasons I'm so excited about bringing him in.