[Bette]

We all know Julius Peppers was a superstar in his first five seasons with the Carolina Panthers. And we all saw how his production dipped in 2007.
But in agent Carl Carey’s mind, Peppers’ net worth as an NFL player has not changed with his client’s first disappointing season.

“Julius is the same player he’s always been,” Carey said Monday. “Any speculation contrary to that is not correct in our minds.
If you read between the lines, what Carey is basically saying, without actually saying it, is this: When Peppers signs a new deal he won’t settle for a contract less than what Indianapolis Colts defensive end Dwight Freeney received last off-season — a seven-year, $72 million deal that included $30 million in guaranteed money.
That puts Panthers general manager Marty Hurney in an interesting situation.
Before the 2007 season, signing Peppers to a long-term deal would have been a no-brainer.
But after the season Peppers endured it’s no longer a given that he deserves a Freeney-sized contract, especially if he repeats that performance in the coming years.
If Hurney signs off on a Freeney-type contract for Peppers right now he runs the risk of having his named attached to one of the worst contracts in NFL history if Peppers’ performance on the field fails to improve.
On the other hand, the notion of trading or cutting Peppers after one bad season out of six won’t sit particularly well either with most fans, especially if Peppers goes to, say, Baltimore and puts up 15 sacks next year.
The other option — and one that is becoming an increasing possibility — is for Peppers to simply play out his current contract which expires after the 2008 season.

Top Sports: Column: Panthers in tough situation when it comes to Peppers’ contract situation | peppers, contract, season : Gaston Gazette

[ThePundit]

I would let Peppers walk. That's too much money and he's not nearly the player he once was.

[Bette]

Originally Posted by ThePundit

I would let Peppers walk. That's too much money and he's not nearly the player he once was.

But Pundit, its just one year. How do you know he wont come back big next year?

[Seahawker 562]

Yeah hes like Sapp. let him go

[Bette]

So Pundit, now do we start a thread about will he or wont he return to the Panthers next year??

[cwstech]

I don't think you need to let this kid go. He's still young. He has one bad season. To be honest, the whole defense was bad this year. They were not playing together. The visible leader of the defense (Mike Minter) retired right before the start of the season and dan morgan who would have been the other leader got hurt as usual. Peppers has a lot on him. He needs to step into that leadership role and be the star of that defense. It's not over with. He'll be back next year.

[Stoney]

Trade him to Miami for picks and get younger. Chances are Mike Rucker won't be back or injury prone MLB Dan I won't mention his name. We could use some help getting younger on the Defense. That is what Pittsburgh does trade them while they have value and take a young unknown and build a solid team.

[Lefty Noob]

Yeah, I'm with Stoney on this one. Deal him and get younger on the d-line.

[Seahawker 562]

i didnt have time to shave this morining, i feel like a bum

[Bette]

Younger?? You guys want them in diapers or what??
Peppers is 27. Kampman of the Packers is 28.
Osi Umenyiora of the Giants=26
Dwight Feeney of Colts=27
Richard Seymour of Pats=28
Michael Strahan of Giants=36 (Ok, so he's a bit long in the tooth. Just thought I would throw that in there to see if anyone was paying attention)

[Lefty Noob]

Peppers is only 27? Yeesh. He looked much, much older than that this year. Sometimes this stuff gets away from you.

[Stoney]

So what he is 27 and WILL NOT accept the mantle of leadership on this team. His play was less than a probowl calibur this past season yet his agent is standing there with his contract demanding more money? Please I would trade his butt in a nano-second to Miami.