Panthers Sign DT Replacement

What are you saying?

Plus, from the way the Steelers and their fans were high on him, I hold to the belief that we may have a possible steal in Harris.

At the very least, I don’t think we should dismiss him out of hand.

They’d have to tender him.

Then they got hurt.

Please. His wonderful stats came after the game had been decided. The Eagles will know that, because he was nowhere to be found while the game was still up for grabs.

I don’t know where this ‘multiple backloaded extensions’ myth came from, but it’s absolutely untrue. His ‘cap number’ is only out of hand because he’s on a franchise tender… this year is the only season his salary has ever been an issue.

Peppers’ rookie deal was a 7 year, $62.2 million dollar deal (incentive based) he had never negotiated a second contract. Here lies part of the problem, Pep hired a childhood friend to be his agent… a man who never had to negotiate a contract in his life which has complicated negotiations. Any joe can work on a rookie contract, especially a top 5 deal… basically wait until the bookend players sign and ask for something in between; That’s what happened.

So, essentially, this is the only time the team that has been loyal to him has ever asked for some reciprocation. The team weren’t wanting him to sign a veteran minimum, they wanted to make him the RICHEST DEFENSIVE PLAYER IN THE HISTORY OF THE NFL. We’re actually lucky, because I can think of at least 5 defensive players who deserve that deal more than Peppers.

Pep’s not the kind of guy to go Brandin Marshall on his team. But why did he more recently say he didn’t want to discuss his plans for next off season? Obviously he knows the truth will tick people off.

No doubt we’ll stick with Delhomme next year, I just think we go out and get his intended replacement in the draft. Next year’s class is deep at the QB spot so we should get good quality in the mid-second, which is where I think we’ll be picking.

If we get an offer for Peppers I can see us taking it, but there’s no way we let him walk without compensation, particularly when it’s an uncapped year. Richardson is worth billions, he’ll throw a few extra million at Pep to keep him and allow Hurney to spend what it takes to fill out the team.

…I think if we draft a QB next year, it’ll be lower than the 2nd round. And he’ll be a “project” guy who may or may not become the future of the franchise, depending on how he pans out.

…Jake starts in 2010 and beyond, if necessary.

…We watch for another decent free agent QB to become available and snatch one up in the next couple of years to continue “managing the game” for us. And Fox and Hurney keep stockpiling talent at the other positions…i.e., the guys who support our ability to “run the ball” and “stop the run” are their main focus.

…Delhomme probably retires in the next 3-4 years. He may or may not be with us at that point, depending on who we pick up as a developmental prospect in future drafts and/or via free agency.

But that’s just my four-cents,
—Neil

The only way we don’t is if an early run on QBs happens, in which case we’ll pick up one later.

The uncapped season only means there would be no salary cap in effect to monitor and control team spending. Teams like the Cowboys and Redskins would go unchecked signing up any number for FAs they choose with no reprecussions.

What it doesn’t mean, however, is teams get to erase any contracts they don’t like. The team are legally obligated to fulfil the Delhomme contract extension. Even if they team went out and signed Jason Campbell and cut Jake (unless he was picked up on waivers) we would be due to pay him his money. If 2011 returned to a cap we’d be on the hook for two starting QBs contracts, likely forcing sacrifices in other areas.

The only element that’s really scary for an uncapped year is free agency, where a handful of teams could control the entire FA market.