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Julius Peppers a Philadelphia Eagle?
By a twist of fate, and a little luck, we may have our first actual "breaking" story here on Don't Boo The Birds.
Now, take everything here with a grain of salt, but a "source" has told me that Julius Peppers is interested in becoming a Philadelphia Eagle in 2009. A source close to Peppers has confirmed that Philadelphia is number one on his list of teams he'd like to be a part of when free agency opens on February 27th. According to the trusty Eaglescap.com the Birds have just above $40 million in cap room headed into next season.
When you actually think about the possibility, interest may be mutual from both sides. Defensive end is as position that the Eagles are known to covet (see Jevon Kearse) and given the lack of pass rush generated solely by the front four this past year, the team may be looking for an upgrade. The only problem as I see it is the massive defensive end logjam that such as acquisition would create. The Birds have many a capable left defensive end (Parker, Clemons, Abiamiri), albeit none of them are truly elite, every down guys.
At this point, teams cannot negotiate with potential free agents; such behavior would constitute tampering. All I can say is this "source" of mine is relatively credible. Damn I feel like Profootballtalk.com. Stay tuned.
Reports out of Carolina were that the priority is on Gross, Peppers is second in the pecking order. I'm on the fence about Peppers because I still haven't gotten past the Kearse experience. Hopefully it's a numbers game and not that Carolina thinks he's on the downside. Although I did enjoy Kearse's varied line techniques: Speed rush. If that didn't work, line up wider. If that fails, line up even wider.
Good scoop. And there's a big difference between you and profootballtalk.com; you actually know football and your jokes are actually funny.
Thanks Bob. I wonder if the Birds would be seriously interested in Peppers, but it isn't out of the realm. For all the "cheap" comments, the Eagles like to make the big FA splash.
Just like last year when they nabbed Samuel when the conventional thinking was they didn't really need a corner. If it happens, I can claim a scoop, if not, I'm just another rumor-mongering blogger.
I think the "cheap" comment is largely false. I think that's the result of a lot irrational fans thinking the NFL operates like fantasy football. Peppers' position (DE) and high character fit the mold of what the Birds like in a player. Makes a lot of sense once you think about it. I'm actually excited (as much as you can on February 5) about the possibility...
I caught Ray Didinger on the radio for a few minutes today. Like most fans, he thinks the positions of need are OT, TE, and RB. He was talking about an upgrade at center. Has anyone heard about trying to replace Jackson? He doesn't have the footwork to quick out to guard, so I wonder what his future is if that was true.
I've heard rumblings regarding Jackson at center but nothing too credible. If the Birds were looking to replace Jackson, they'd probably go in-house. Mike McGlynn has center experience, as does Nick Cole.
The thought of a Peppers and Cole rush end combo gives me a stiffy. However, I too worry about the Kearse phenomenon as well. Peppers did have a very perplexingly unproductive year in '07, when he only had 2.5 sacks in 14 games. I remember prospectus discussing this and having no explanation. He did bounce back nicely with 14.5 this past year though. He definitely strikes me as a FA the Birds would covet.
2002 CAR Sacks 12.0
2003 CAR 7.0
2004 CAR 11.0
2005 CAR 10.5
2006 CAR 13.0
2007 CAR 2.5
2008 CAR 14.5
Career 70.5
As a transplant Eagles fan in NC - I don't want Peppers. Being in NC, all I hear is that Peppers takes plays off and isn't a high motor guy. I'd MUCH rather have Gross, the OT from Carolina. That dude is the real deal at OT. Oh well, thought I'd let yous guys know the happenings in good ole' North Cackalacki.
I agree with J-Dub. I don't know much about Peppers' work ethic, but I don't want him because there are bigger needs for the Birds this off season. Plus, Peppers is 29 and he's going to want a big, long-term deal which makes me think of Kearse all over again.
My dream off season includes re-signing Runyan and Dawkins, then signing Gross to play LT, and trading for Boldin. With those moves they: (i) lock down LT for 5-7 seasons; (ii) keep Runyan on the OL who adds a mean streak that group needs (he can also still play and he's more reliable than Thomas); (iii) keep Dawkins who is needed as a player and leader; and (iv) get a bigger RAC WR (who seems perfect for the West Coast offense) which allows Curtis to play the slot and Jackson to be the deep speed threat. If they can't get Boldin, Gonzalez at TE would be a great addition. I think if they can add Boldin or Gonzalez the offense immediately becomes very very dangerous. As for the draft, I'd like to see a big back, a tight end, a full back, and/or a safety (in that order).
Julius Peppers at DE would be a great upgrade. The guys a stud at least for a few more years. All the other DE's they have are decent, but not great.(Parker, Clemons, Abiamiri)
Defense essentially blew the NFC title game because they could not get any pressure on warner without blitzing.
Assuming the demands are not ridiculous this is a no brainer deal for the Eagles. I think this is the only real NEED for their defense...
Offensively the Eagles need the following(in order of importance)
A tackle
A proven big running back who can catch passes(maybe ward from the giants)
a blocking dominant tight end(Gonzales or the best TE in college...forgot his name)
A big time wideout...(crabtree(unlikely), Boldin, Houshmanzadeh, or braylon edwards)
A real fullback.
As long as Mcnabb stays healthy...you make these upgrades and the Eagles win the super bowl next year.
McNabb is absolutely good enough to win the super bowl...but he needs better talent around him. Theres only 3 guys who can win the game at the end with no running plays...Brady,rothlisberger and Peyton. thats it...
number one priority at this point is OT.
Runyan is done as an eagle...
http://www.bleedinggreennation.com/2009/2/7/752388/runyan-out-for-4-6-months
Gdog,
I disagree, I don't see DE as a need. The only potential need I see on defense is nickle back/depth in the secondary. Peppers would probably be an upgrade, but from a cost/benefit standpoint the money is better spent on the offense. Spending the money a player like Peppers will likely command is a waste at this time. This off season the Birds should spend their money on OT, a power RB, and a top class WR or TE. I agree with you about McNabb, I don't think he gets enough credit in Philly - we're lucky to have him here.
I hear you Strock. I dont see DE as there #1 need...I said it was there only REAL need on the defense. We are in agreement on the offensive needs..
In order of importance...
OT
Power RB
TE
FB
WR
DE
I'm in agreement with many of the commenters here. While Peppers would be a big addition, there seems to be other more pressing needs, particularly on the OL. Although, the Eagles have defied conventional wisdom in the past so this would not be a shock. Imagine an offensive line having to content with Trent Cole and Peppers.
Yeah, I agree with the general sentiment here. While Peppers would be a nice addition, I'd rather shore up the offensive line - that's should be the FO's priority. One thing Bid Red usually doesn't skimp on is the big boys up front. It should be interesting to see how it all shakes out.
Word down in Charlotte is that a deal is in the works - Peppers for Lito Shephard and the Eagles 1st round pick (original Panthers pick) #28. Look for the Panthers to pick up a DE, possibly the guy from the University of Cincinnati. All options are being explored right now.
Damien Lewis will be offered an extension. Hangartner is now on the first boat out of town.
Peppers would catapult the Eagles defense to an elite level further solidifying Asante Samuel'stature as the most dangerous DB in the league. No more double teams for Trent Cole thus elevating his Pro Bowl stature and everyone else on the line. The Eagles can trade Clemons or Parker for a 6th round draft pick. Then you trade Vick to get a 2nd rd. pick and a WR or fill another position (see the Oakland Raiders). I would love to have another crack at them Cowboys with Peppers on our side.