Prediction: Peppers Will Not Sit Out the 2009 Season

by Jaxon on Jun 11, 2009 4:58 PM EDT

I can't fathom where some of the writers over at the Bleacher Report get the premise for their posts. Eric Quackenbush for reasons unknown and unfounded thinks that Julius Peppers will sit out the 2009 season if he doesn't get traded. Not only that, but he thinks the Panthers are convinced of the same as well:

I might as well get this out in the open, as everyone needs to at least get used to the idea that Julius Peppers may not be a suit up for the Carolina Panthers this season, nor will he be on a different team, perhaps until next season.

The Panthers have done a great job this offseason of masking the fact and the idea that Peppers will sit out the 2009 season, all because he hasn't been traded to a team of his choosing.

For anyone who can't read the blatantly obvious writing on the wall, the Panthers have mentally moved on, casting Peppers into football's version of limbo.

I'm not sure what wall Quackenbush is reading but where is Terrell Owens publicist when you need her? I'll give you $16M reasons why Julius Peppers will play in 2009. Sure the Panthers are conducting practices and making plans without Peppers since he is obviously not there, but make no mistake the Panther brass fully expects Peppers to sign that tender if not before TC then during.

How else would you expect them to act? Should John Fox grovel to the media every week "Oh Julius please come back. We'll let you play whatever postion you want." Pu-leeeze! If they were mentally prepared to play without him as suggested then they would not have franchsied him to begin with. They would at least have made more of an attempt to trade him before the draft. In reality the Panthers have made it quite clear they plan on Julius being in a Panther uniform and are prepared to pay him the highest one-year salary for a defender in history. What in the world makes anyone think he would walk away from that?

I have to take issue with one more statement in this piece that made me cuss for about 30 straight freakin seconds:

At this point everything becomes cloudy, and that is due to the expert deception the Panthers are giving the media and fans, making Patriots-like statements that Peppers will be ready to play come the start of regular season. Meanwhile everyone in the front office who needs to know, is uncertain of the return of Peppers.

Expert deception? Patriots-like statements? Oh my God if one more person references the Patriots like they are the NFL Gods I AM REALLY GOING TO PUKE! They didn't even make the playoffs last season!!!!!!!! They got caught cheating!!!!!!! I'm still pissed off every time I think of it. Screw the freakin Patriots!!

If anything the Panthers have been very "Panther-like" in their handling of Peppers. I bet John Fox doesn't give a rats ass what the Patriots are doing and sure doesn't bow to the Belichick groveling.

Short of some desperate team over-paying the Panthers, Julius Peppers will be in a Panthers uniform in 2009 I have no doubt.

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Comments

Yeah..

aren’t these guys supposed to be professionals?

Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.

by MichaelProcton on Jun 11, 2009 7:37 PM EDT reply actions

What? No. No, they are not.

Jaxon’s not a ‘professional’, he’s a smart guy with a blog on a nice network of blogs. The BR guys are just a bigger blog with lower IQs. (Those two things tend to go together, imho.)

by r3 on Jun 13, 2009 11:12 AM EDT up reply actions

I know we aren't. Just thought they were.

Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.

by MichaelProcton on Jun 13, 2009 12:35 PM EDT up reply actions

Isn’t the general consensus among all media that Peppers will be playing with the Panthers this year??? What a silly article. Aside from the 16M dollars he will be passing up, he will also hurt the amount of money he could make as a free agent in 2010 if he sits out of football for an entire year. Nobody’s going to give him the kind of money he wants if he’s been out of the NFL for a year.

by pancanbra on Jun 11, 2009 7:45 PM EDT reply actions

The reason why there's been so little activity with Peppers:

He hasn’t signed the Franchise Tender offer contract.

Until that happens:

1. The Panthers can’t (legally) attempt to trade him as he isn’t the “property” (under contract) of the Panthers.

2. Since he doesn’t have a signed contract, attending mini-camps would be foolish as any serious injury would just get that $16M contract offer withdrawn.

If the Panthers can’t trade him and he shouldn’t show up to mini-camps, there is not much going on with him.

The real questions are:

1. How has it been going with Pepper’s agent in trying to arrange a deal with another team? (Since he’s the only one that can try to get a deal done.)

2. If there’s no good prospects for another team to make a fair offer (to both Peppers and the Panthers), why not sign the Franchise Tender and see if the Panther’s front office can get a trade done? After all, he can hold out with a signed 1 year contract as easy as he can without any contract.

by GKB on Jun 11, 2009 8:10 PM EDT reply actions

2.: Because the Panthers aren't any more likely to work a trade for Peppers than he and his agent are.

He’s not worth what he’d cost to any team.

And fines come into place sooner and higher if he signs, I’m pretty sure.

Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.

by MichaelProcton on Jun 11, 2009 8:56 PM EDT up reply actions

Hate on them all you want!

The Patriots still have the smartest front office in football. I don’t care if you hate Bill, Randy Moss, Rodney Harrison, hell even Wes Welker….A team is only as good as it’s front office. That is why they continue to be the best. Even if they did not make the playoffs last year, they should have!
-BW

by bhwells29 on Jun 11, 2009 10:10 PM EDT reply actions

Wes Welker is a pretty cool guy, Brady is alright,

but the rest of them are jackasses. Plus you are only as good as you cheat, at least in Boston. Also, should have made the playoffs. The NFL’s system of tiebreakers, plus win loss records, make sure no team goes to the playoffs that didn’t deserve it.

by Flowing Willow on Jun 12, 2009 1:26 AM EDT up reply actions

Are your true colors coming through BH?

My post is directed at the Patriots management whom so many people assume can do no wrong. They have some great players but 2008 proved that without Brady they are very average.

I blog the Carolina Panthers at www.catscratchreader.com

by Jaxon on Jun 12, 2009 8:43 AM EDT up reply actions

11-5 is average?

There sure are a lot of below-average teams in the league, then, I suppose.

Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.

by MichaelProcton on Jun 12, 2009 10:12 AM EDT up reply actions

Okay, maybe I embellish a tad

I’d be pissed if I went 11-5 and didn’t make the playoffs and then an 8-8 team does make it but…they aren’t my rules.

I blog the Carolina Panthers at www.catscratchreader.com

by Jaxon on Jun 12, 2009 12:09 PM EDT up reply actions

Keep in mind they had the easiest schedule in the league.

by pancanbra on Jun 13, 2009 3:50 PM EDT up reply actions

They also played in one of the two divisions with all teams at .500.

Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.

by MichaelProcton on Jun 13, 2009 6:42 PM EDT up reply actions

And going 11-5 won't help your strength of schedule.

Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.

by MichaelProcton on Jun 13, 2009 6:42 PM EDT up reply actions

I think he plays and I also think his agent is an idiot.

Since we’ve got a long wait for any real news, let’s play “What if?” What are the salary caps and compensatory pick implication if he did sit out? What if it was just for half the year?

Would this be a new precendent? Is there any situation that is comparable? Ricky Williams?

by panthersnbraves on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM EDT reply actions

If he sits out...

We get no benefit (other than not actually having to pay him.) His number stays on the cap, and we get no compensation.

Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.

by MichaelProcton on Jun 12, 2009 10:12 AM EDT up reply actions

There is precedent for a player sitting out.

Very few examples, and I’m not sure if a franchised player has executed a partial-season sit-out. But Joey Galloway sat out half of the 1999 season when he was in Seattle, then showed up for practice after the eighth game. He had a terrible 22 receptions for 335 yards and one touchdown over those final eight games. I have no idea what the salary ramifications were, either for the player or for the cap.

And of course, Sean Gilbert sat out a full season before being traded to Carolina. And that great situation worked out for everyone!

by r3 on Jun 13, 2009 10:49 AM EDT up reply actions

Why not?

Why is it so far fetched to think he will sit out? HE DOESNT WANT TO PLAY FOR THE PANTHERS, he made that clear in February. The man wants to play somewhere else, teams will be willing to pick him up even if he still sits out a year. The Panthers shouldve got what they could for him, Peppers value is no where near 2 first round picks and a second rounder. They put the tag on an average player whom is going to end up costing them above average money.

by D.W.G. on Jun 12, 2009 10:21 AM EDT reply actions

Two firsts and a second?

Where did you get that from?

And maybe you could argue that Peppers’ mean performance is average, but he’s certainly far better than that when he tries.

Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.

by MichaelProcton on Jun 12, 2009 10:57 AM EDT up reply actions

Actually

Pep and his agent never said that:

“HE DOESNT WANT TO PLAY FOR THE PANTHERS”.

They said that they will not sign a long term deal. Also they (Pep and agent) listed only 4 teams he wanted to play for, which insinuates (sp?) that the Panthers are #5. That is a far cry from the previous statement.

Will Parker

by WillParker81 on Jun 14, 2009 6:18 PM EDT up reply actions

If he wanted to play for the Panthers, he would have signed when they offered him more than any defensive player in NFL history.

Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.

by MichaelProcton on Jun 14, 2009 7:52 PM EDT up reply actions

I believe that's what he meant

…his following words pretty much states he doesn’t want to play for the Panthers anymore.

""If it was my decision, this is what I would do: Jordan Gross has come and stated that he wants to sign an extension with the Panthers," Peppers began. “We’ve got one player who says he does and one player that says he wants to move on and try something different. If I was in that situation, I would try to accommodate the guy that wants to be there, No. 1 priority.”

""I feel like my abilities could be maximized and I could be even more productive than I have been in the past in a new system," Peppers said."

""Seven years is a long time," Peppers said. “Since I’ve been here, I’ve given everything I’ve had. There’s never been a time I wasn’t giving my all. Basically, it’s a situation where I feel like it’s a point in my career where I want to do different things.”"

""If they decide to use the tag on me, the first thing that I’ll be doing is requesting a trade," Peppers said Saturday. “Then anything after, basically I don’t know what would be the course of action. We’ll deal with that when that time comes.”"

Even Kirwan from the Associated Press came to the same conclusion with his following sentence.

“The four-time Pro Bowl defensive end just doesn’t want to play for Carolina anymore — and hopes the Panthers grant the impending free agent his wish by not placing the franchise tag on him.”
http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d80ebe704&template=with-video-with-comments&confirm=true

Technically he may have never said the exact words ""HE DOESNT WANT TO PLAY FOR THE PANTHERS"., but it’s basically the same thing.

by meanoreno on Jun 14, 2009 10:11 PM EDT up reply actions

I take all that as contract posturing

I blog the Carolina Panthers at www.catscratchreader.com

by Jaxon on Jun 15, 2009 8:36 AM EDT up reply actions

How could you POSSIBLY think that?

He was offered the largest contract in NFL history for a defensive player.

Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.

by MichaelProcton on Jun 15, 2009 8:49 AM EDT up reply actions

Bill vs Fox

Jaxon you need to realize it’s the Pat’s market size that gets them statements like those you quoted. Foxy has been jerking the media around since his first interview, but only half the league fans know who he is as opposed to Bill who every NFL fan knows. It doesn’t make him a better coach just better known, and therefore used for comparison.

For more proof look at the fact that the Panthers used the wild cat formation in the 2007 season but nobody cared until Miami [major market team] used it in 2008. How about the fact that Bank of America Stadium is the 3rd or 4th largest stadium in the NFL but will never be used to host a Super Bowl.

Our team plays in a small market [takes two states to support it] and will always be compared to other teams from major markets even if our team does the same thing better and/or earlier.

Now as far as Peppers goes at his age missing a game let alone a season does nothing but damage his value. The fact that his agent was unable to make a deal either says the Panthers were playing super hard ball, no team wants to deal with an [this] agent in a situation like this, or Peppers is not as valuable as he thinks he is. The pats were the only team to express public interest in him but didn’t want to deal with out him signing his tender.

On the bright side of this whole ordeal sacks don’t win Championships, neither of the highest sacking teams from both the AFC and NFC made it to the Super Bowl. Just found it interesting.

by bleed_in_blue on Jun 12, 2009 10:22 AM EDT reply actions

The Super Bowl will likely never come here...

But that’s not because of the size of the market. It’s because we’re not a warm-weather town and we don’t play in a dome.

Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.

by MichaelProcton on Jun 12, 2009 11:02 AM EDT up reply actions

I hope you are wrong

There is no reason why it shouldn’t come to Charlotte. We have the facilities, hotel space and everything else needed to host it (I’m guessing). I would think the local market is irrelevant. Why specifically don’t you think it will never come here?

I blog the Carolina Panthers at www.catscratchreader.com

by Jaxon on Jun 12, 2009 12:28 PM EDT up reply actions

because we’re not a warm-weather town and we don’t play in a dome.

Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.

by MichaelProcton on Jun 12, 2009 12:43 PM EDT up reply actions

Exactly

The winter in January is too cold for the regulations set down. Because we don’t have a dome then we don’t have temperature control to make it the correct temp. Tampa Bay is a small market team but got a superbowl in the stadium because it has the correct temp.

by Parmenides on Jun 12, 2009 12:54 PM EDT up reply actions

Didn't think of that

though it could actually be nice weather in January there is no way to predict that. Who wants to pay the hundreds to watch the game and freeze your tail off?

I blog the Carolina Panthers at www.catscratchreader.com

by Jaxon on Jun 12, 2009 1:25 PM EDT up reply actions

Don't feel bad...

They won’t come back to Atlanta either…and we HAVE a dome…

"We're not maxed out, ... The best is still ahead of us."

Bobby Bowden

by NaGaNole on Jun 12, 2009 2:46 PM EDT up reply actions

Hah...

You think our own Eugene Robinson has anything to do with that?

Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.

by MichaelProcton on Jun 12, 2009 3:20 PM EDT up reply actions

For what it's worth- a text message from Peppers

Play-by-play voice Mick Mixon was at a function not long ago and he shared that message to 99.9FM The Fan ESPN Radio.

“My friend, one of the linebackers said ‘hey look at this we got a text from Julius’,” Mixon told The Insiders on Thursday. "The text said ‘hey, out here in Arizona working out, I won’t be early for camp but I won’t be late, and I’ll be ready to go.

Source

http://www.wralsportsfan.com/panthers/story/5340248/

by Davejinxer on Jun 12, 2009 12:39 PM EDT reply actions

Oh boy!

A third-hand report from the great Mick Mixon. All my concerns are gone.

Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.

by MichaelProcton on Jun 12, 2009 12:44 PM EDT up reply actions

Hey I'll take it

and it makes sense. He’ll sign a few days before camp so the News cycle can make its turn before getting in to camp. No need to create a distraction, not Peppers…;)

I blog the Carolina Panthers at www.catscratchreader.com

by Jaxon on Jun 12, 2009 1:27 PM EDT up reply actions

Key words

For what it’s worth- I personally will believe it when I see him on the field in a Panther Uniform.

by Davejinxer on Jun 12, 2009 2:22 PM EDT up reply actions

He'll be on the field...

I think he “plays” when it can make him look good. Third and long, 1st down against passing teams. Do really think he’s gonna go meet RBs from this division on 3 or 5 gap dives? No way he puts himself out there for Turner, Ward, Graham, or Thomas.

"We're not maxed out, ... The best is still ahead of us."

Bobby Bowden

by NaGaNole on Jun 12, 2009 2:42 PM EDT reply actions

I don't think he puts that much thought into it...

But it is interesting he’s only had as many 5.5 run TFLs in a season (’06), and only 4.5 in the last two years combined. You’d think he could do better with his combination of strength and athleticism. Freeney has had seasons of 6.5 and 8, and Jared Allen’s had 11, 9, and 6.5 in the last three years.

Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.

by MichaelProcton on Jun 12, 2009 3:29 PM EDT up reply actions

The Patriot Hate is Tired

First:

Slurping the Patriots got played out in 2004.

Hating them for everything got played out right after they lost to the G-Men. Getting upset every time they’re referenced serves only to validate their legitimacy as king of the hill (which I’m not advocating, but nor would I call them ‘average’).

The guy was just saying that we are feeding the media BS on a situation, which the Patriots have been notorious for. Read the sentence (or the entire posted section) again; he’s actually complementing the Panthers brass on how they aren’t letting this story sink our ship in this deadzone of the NFL calendar. Nowhere in it does he say that Fox or the front office is mishandling anything.

Ultimately, it’s up to Peppers, and we all know that. Our team can only say the right things and at least try to make the guy seem welcome- and they’ve certainly done their part.

Second:

Personally, I think Peppers will play for the Panthers this year in hope that we won’t be as likely to use the tag on him next year after all of this. Some guys have it worked out that they can’t get tagged twice- I’m not sure about Pep. I am pretty sure the Panthers won’t repeat this no matter how poorly or well Peppers plays this coming season.

Third:

I’d rather the Super Bowl get played in Green Bay, Pittsburgh, Chicago, NY(J), or (the horror!) Foxboro than Charlotte. GB, because of how insane having that sort of media presence descend on the town would be / because the cheeseheads would go ape if they couldn’t get tix if their precious Pack made it.

The others because I love football in the elements. I know this will never happen, so you don’t have to rip me for being unfaithful to NC- I’m just stating a preference. Also, (obviously) domes have no place in football.

PS. I have a friend who writes for BR, and by no means is he a professional.

by the bomb dot com on Jun 13, 2009 3:17 AM EDT reply actions

With your "second" point

I think you’re refering to what Haynesworth had his agent include in his tender with the Titans. Haynesworth had agent include a clause that if he reached a certain amount of production that the Titans would agree not to tag him again, and if the Titans agree, then Haynesworth would sign his contract tender. The Titans also thought agreeing to this would motivate Haynesworth to play his best knowing that he may become a FA at the end of the season. Haynesworth did play good enough and became that FA.

“Haynesworth was an unrestricted free agent last year and was franchised by the Titans. He signed his one-year tender, but made his agent include a clause in the deal saying the Titans could not franchise him a second straight season. That all but guaranteed Haynesworth, arguably the game’s best interior lineman, a blockbuster deal in ’09 with somebody, provided he had another great ’09 season and emerged healthy.”
http://cc.bingj.com/cache.aspx?q=the+titans+%22couldn+t%22+tag+haynesworth+again+due+to+clause&d=76177790955907&mkt=en-US&setlang=en-US&w=2e735e7b,e55c20ea

Unless the Panthers and Peppers agree to such a clause, the Panthers can tag him again next season if they choose to do so, but after next season, no more. I thought that Peppers would be wanting such a clause before signing his contract and playing this season. I even thought the Panthers may go for it in hopes this way Peppers would play hard all season long. Though, I’m really not sure if the Panthers would go for it or not. I know they don’t like the idea of getting nothing in return for Peppers, but if Peppers don’t agree to a long term contract either with the Panthers are with another team in a trade, all the Panthers could possibly get for him is one more year after the 2009 season, and pay him 20 million for that year.

by meanoreno on Jun 14, 2009 3:03 AM EDT up reply actions

Then again...

After more development and experience for our young DEs, we may just feel like we can make do without Peppers for next season (moreso than we feel now.)

Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.

by MichaelProcton on Jun 14, 2009 1:13 PM EDT up reply actions

That would be great

…it’s actually what I’m hoping for.

by meanoreno on Jun 14, 2009 7:07 PM EDT up reply actions

Sorry but I have to disagree with #1

He’s saying (1) the Panthers are playing some type of deception, which they are clearly not. They’ve been very open about their intentions. If someone doesn’t believe what they are saying that’s their problem but the Panthers do want Pep back, period. (2) I agree the Patriots-love should be played out but when someone wants to characterize something the Panther brass has done right as ‘Patriot-like’ I still take offense to that. Maybe I over-reacted to a degree, I tend to do that sometimes I will admit. I don’t hate them for everything they do, I just don’t buy into the hype of them being the model franchise for personnel decisions, coaching, drafting, etc… like so many other people.

I blog the Carolina Panthers at www.catscratchreader.com

by Jaxon on Jun 15, 2009 8:53 AM EDT up reply actions