Peppers please

[afcharger]

Don't know if AJ will spend big in FA but Peppers wants out to play in a 3-4D
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/01/17/peppers.panthers.ap/index.html

[sonorajim]

Peppers has been a great player but appears to be in decline. I would not want to pay him marquis bucks to be a Charger. There are already tough choices to be made under cap room.

[abernardojr]

Yea I'd like for him to play for SD but the cap situation and all these free agents over the next few years make it unlikely as well. :(

[afcharger]

The guy had 14.5 sacks and 5 forced fumbles this year. Thats the sort of decline i could live with.

[JOE KING]

Make it happen!!!!!!!

[BoltBacker4Life]

The guy is one of the most dominating forces in the NFL. I would LOVE to have him

But sadly we cannot afford him because of the idiotic signings AJ has done

Tucker, Wilhelm, Castillo, Hart to name a few. The only reason we are in cap hell right now is because AJ doesn't know how to spend money correctly

[electricgold]

only he'll probably be one of the highest paid players in the league... but yes it would be so great...

[HeadTrip]

The guy is one of the most dominating forces in the NFL. I would LOVE to have him

But sadly we cannot afford him because of the idiotic signings AJ has done

Tucker, Wilhelm, Castillo, Hart to name a few. The only reason we are in cap hell right now is because AJ doesn't know how to spend money correctly

15 million under the cap with all of those contracts except Castillo's being easy to get rid of is hardly cap hell. Keeping us financially responsible is one of AJ's biggest successes.

[BoltBacker4Life]

15 million under the cap with all of those contracts except Castillo's being easy to get rid of is hardly cap hell. Keeping us financially responsible is one of AJ's biggest successes.

Oh, really, because I thought we still had to resign Sproles, Merriman and Rivers and to do so, we are going to have to ask guys like LT to restructure his contract

And if you cannot admit Castillo was one of the worst signings EVER, then sorry, I cannot help you.

Just think, if he hadn't given Castillo the farm, signed Hart, Wilhelm and Tucker to horrible deals, then you have money for everyone mentioned and Peppers

[HeadTrip]

Oh, really, because I thought we still had to resign Sproles, Merriman and Rivers and to do so, we are going to have to ask guys like LT to restructure his contract

And if you cannot admit Castillo was one of the worst signings EVER, then sorry, I cannot help you.

Just think, if he hadn't given Castillo the farm, signed Hart, Wilhelm and Tucker to horrible deals, then you have money for everyone mentioned and Peppers

Bottom line, you said we're in cap hell, we're not anywhere near cap hell.

[BoltBacker4Life]

Bottom line, you said we're in cap hell, we're not anywhere near cap hell.

Sorry, cap trouble. Is that better

[HeadTrip]

Sorry, cap trouble. Is that better

Strike 2. We're in good shape with the salary cap . Isn't this thread about Peppers and not your personal vendetta against AJ Smith?

[BoltBacker4Life]

Strike 2. We're in good shape with the salary cap . Isn't this thread about Peppers and not your personal vendetta against AJ Smith?

Yes, and the reason we couldn't persue a guy like Peppers is because of our cap

If we were in such good cap shape, why even bring up the fact that we need LT to restructure to sign Sproles, Merriman and Rivers. +15 million is not that much bro when you have all the talent on this team that needs to get signed. We wasted a lot of money on crap players and if you cannot admit that.......

[FearTheBolts21]

I saw this on NFL.com and flipped out. He is a complete animal and wants to go to a new city, to a 3-4 scheme. Igor leaves, we bring in Peppers, Draft a S or an ILB, Merriman is back, bring in 1 or two new Secondary coaches and our D should be leaps and bounds more dominate than what it has been this year.
AJ make it happen please for the love of God.

Man, this offseason is really starting to make 2010 not look bad that at all.

[Marion_Butts_35]

It'd be nice to have Pepper's but would he not play OLB in a 3-4? With Phillips and Merrimen I'd say we're pretty set. We have bigger issues on the OL and DL that need addressing.

[FCBolt]

Acee told us we were in cap trouble. And I'm not sure he's not being fed more disinformation from the Bolts FO.

Peppers: wants too much for a guy on the decline, regardless of our cap situation.

[HeadTrip]

Yes, and the reason we couldn't persue a guy like Peppers is because of our cap

If we were in such good cap shape, why even bring up the fact that we need LT to restructure to sign Sproles, Merriman and Rivers. +15 million is not that much bro when you have all the talent on this team that needs to get signed. We wasted a lot of money on crap players and if you cannot admit that.......

We wouldn't pursue a guy like Peppers anyway because AJ Smith doesn't get into bidding wars for free agents. That's one of the reason's were in good shape financially. Look at the contracts of all the guys you mentioned besides Castillo, we can drop them at any time because we didn't hand out big bonuses. You're complaining about their salary numbers but if they don't produce (and they haven't) we can cut them and recoup that money. I doubt we see 42 and his 5 million next year, we might see Wilhelm for one more year simply because we have no LB's who can cover but after that he'll be gone if he doesn't step up his game. Tucker got a whopping 14 million over 5 years and he's the reason we're in "cap hell"?

[FearTheBolts21]

It'd be nice to have Pepper's but would he not play OLB in a 3-4? With Phillips and Merrimen I'd say we're pretty set. We have bigger issues on the OL and DL that need addressing.
Nope, he'd still be a DE. I don't know how hard of a transition it would be to go from a 4-3 to a 3-4, but since he wants to play in a 3-4 I guess it isn't that big.

[HeadTrip]

Nope, he'd still be a DE. I don't know how hard of a transition it would be to go from a 4-3 to a 3-4, but since he wants to play in a 3-4 I guess it isn't that big.

He wouldn't be a DE, that would change his job entirely to something that he isn't suited for. He would be an OLB and we're set there for the time being.

[FearTheBolts21]

He wouldn't be a DE, that would change his job entirely to something that he isn't suited for. He would be an OLB and we're set there for the time being.
Couldn't we make him a DE?
I mean all you're really doing is sliding him down the line.

[CxHxAxRxGxExRxS]

Julius Peppers = BIG MONEY

Not gonna happen

[31cromartie31]

What you mean he couldn't be a DE in a 3-4?! Making the transition from DE in 4-3 to DE in 3-4 is a lot smaller then the transition from DE in a 4-3 to an OLB in a 3-4!

[FearTheBolts21]

What you mean he couldn't be a DE in a 3-4?! Making the transition from DE in 4-3 to DE in 3-4 is a lot smaller then the transition from DE in a 4-3 to an OLB in a 3-4!
Thats what I was thinking. Slide the the line a gap or stand up and back up a yard.

However, the problem isn't what would he play, it's can we afford him and right now the answer is no. I really hope AJ can pull some strings and make it happened because Peppers+Merriman would be domination.

[31cromartie31]

Thats what I was thinking. Slide the the line a gap or stand up and back up a yard.
It's pretty clear to me which is an easier transition.

Its not like he sucks at stopping the run.
+ Anything can be better then olshansky right?!

[FearTheBolts21]

I think Jyles Tucker down on the line is better than Igor lol...

[HeadTrip]

Couldn't we make him a DE?
I mean all you're really doing is sliding him down the line.

No 34 and 43 DE's have entirely different responsibilities. I'll assume you're somewhat familiar with the 43 DE. The 34 DE is bigger and stronger, their job is to occupy blockers and free up the playmakers of the 34, the LB's. A 43 DE translated to an OLB in the 34. They are athletic, playmaking pass rushers and in the 34. They have to be fast, quick and still strong enough to take on and beat tackles. Merriman = Julius Peppers. Castillo = Richard Seymore. Peppers wouldn't do well in Seymore's job and vise versa.

[Jay21]

If we were in such good cap shape, why even bring up the fact that we need LT to restructure to sign Sproles, Merriman and Rivers. +15 million is not that much bro when you have all the talent on this team that needs to get signed. We wasted a lot of money on crap players and if you cannot admit that.......

It shouldn't be that difficult to resign our guys. Rivers' cap hit for 2009 is already pretty big. I don't have a source, but I remember reading that it was already in the ~$9m range. So, adding a new contract on top of that wouldn't break the bank. Additionally, we might just resign Chambers to a more cap-friendly deal. We're already on the hook for his $4.5m salary for 2009, so unless we trade him, we could probably give him a new backloaded deal that will free up space for this season.

[31cromartie31]

No 34 and 43 DE's have entirely different responsibilities. I'll assume you're somewhat familiar with the 43 DE. The 34 DE is bigger and stronger, their job is to occupy blockers and free up the playmakers of the 34, the LB's. A 43 DE translated to an OLB in the 34. They are athletic, playmaking pass rushers and in the 34. They have to be fast, quick and still strong enough to take on and beat tackles. Merriman = Julius Peppers. Castillo = Richard Seymore. Peppers wouldn't do well in Seymore's job and vise versa.

So you think that Peppers' rushing skills could not be utilized to open up lanes for merriman, phillips etc? Aswell as stopping teams from double teaming J-Wall...

[xxcro31beastxx]

We wouldn't pursue a guy like Peppers anyway because AJ Smith doesn't get into bidding wars for free agents. That's one of the reason's were in good shape financially. Look at the contracts of all the guys you mentioned besides Castillo, we can drop them at any time because we didn't hand out big bonuses. You're complaining about their salary numbers but if they don't produce (and they haven't) we can cut them and recoup that money. I doubt we see 42 and his 5 million next year, we might see Wilhelm for one more year simply because we have no LB's who can cover but after that he'll be gone if he doesn't step up his game. Tucker got a whopping 14 million over 5 years and he's the reason we're in "cap hell"?

Maybe that's we don't have a superbowl don't ya think? He hasn't been doing great in signings or drafts lately so I think people should stop throwing him flowers.

I'm so tired of stubborness in FA market. Derek Smith? Great signing. The only good move he's made lately is the trade for chambers and that was because it was desperation time. Not bashing the guys, just think he should explore for once and stop signing scrubs.

[JOE KING]

I saw this on NFL.com and flipped out. He is a complete animal and wants to go to a new city, to a 3-4 scheme. Igor leaves, we bring in Peppers, Draft a S or an ILB, Merriman is back, bring in 1 or two new Secondary coaches and our D should be leaps and bounds more dominate than what it has been this year.
AJ make it happen please for the love of God.

Man, this offseason is really starting to make 2010 not look bad that at all.

If LT stays and Peppers is brought in, that would really make this the LONGEST offseason ever:logo

[xxcro31beastxx]

Julius Peppers = SUPERBOWL

GOING TO happen

Fixed it, he'd rather have a sb than alot money (WHICH HE ALREADY HAS). I don't understand why people are TRYING to make excuses for this not to happen I mean decline? W.T.F.?

[FearTheBolts21]

Fixed it, he'd rather have a sb than alot money (WHICH HE ALREADY HAS). I don't understand why people are TRYING to make excuses for this not to happen I mean decline? W.T.F.?
Lol, seriously 14.5 sacks and 5 FF is not a decline by any means of the word unless he had like 20 sacks the season before which he did not.

[HeadTrip]

Maybe that's we don't have a superbowl don't ya think? He hasn't been doing great in signings or drafts lately so I think people should stop throwing him flowers.

I'm so tired of stubborness in FA market. Derek Smith? Great signing. The only good move he's made lately is the trade for chambers and that was because it was desperation time. Not bashing the guys, just think he should explore for once and stop signing scrubs.

And which free agent would have been worth not being able to resign PR, Merriman, or a combo of McNeill and VJ? Which FA put which team over the edge to win a SB?

[HeadTrip]

So you think that Peppers' rushing skills could not be utilized to open up lanes for merriman, phillips etc? Aswell as stopping teams from double teaming J-Wall...

I'd like you to point out where in my post I said that. You missed the point entirely. Of course Peppers would be a good addition, but he wouldn't play DE. He would play OLB where we already have good talent. He would suck ass as a DE except for the 10 or so plays we are in a 43.

And no, Peppers would not cause teams to stop doubling :76:.

[FearTheBolts21]

I'd like you to point out where in my post I said that. You missed the point entirely. Of course Peppers would be a good addition, but he wouldn't play DE. He would play OLB where we already have good talent. He would suck ass as a DE except for the 10 or so plays we are in a 43.

And no, Peppers would not cause teams to stop doubling :76:.
IMO that would be stupid when we have Merriman and Phillips.
I still don't understand how he can not play DE.
He's a 6-7, 283lb beast. What has been the problem with our line this year? They have been unable to stop the run and get pressure on the QB. I don't see how moving over a gap will prevent him from being able to get penetration.
Will he get 14.5 sacks? Of course not but he could accomplish what we need to be accoplished.

And he said he wanted to come to a 3-4 to refine his skills and be the best he can be, not to move to OLB.

[31cromartie31]

I'd like you to point out where in my post I said that. You missed the point entirely. Of course Peppers would be a good addition, but he wouldn't play DE. He would play OLB where we already have good talent. He would suck ass as a DE except for the 10 or so plays we are in a 43.

And no, Peppers would not cause teams to stop doubling :76:.

You said that peppers could not play as a DE in a 3-4. This is not true.
He can stop the run just as good as most DE's in a 3-4 and he couldn't be worse then Castillo and Olshansky.
On passing downs, imagine having :76::95::56: and Peppers rushing the passer, they cannot concentrate on all of those. We would get so much more pressure on the QB. If teams carried on doubling j wall then Peppers would get more oppurtunity.

[31cromartie31]

IMO that would be stupid when we have Merriman and Phillips.
I still don't understand how he can not play DE.
He's a 6-7, 283lb beast. What has been the problem with our line this year? They have been unable to stop the run and get pressure on the QB. I don't see how moving over a gap will prevent him from being able to get penetration.
Will he get 14.5 sacks? Of course not but he could accomplish what we need to be accoplished.

And he said he wanted to come to a 3-4 to refine his skills and be the best he can be, not to move to OLB.

I don't think we have really had a problem with the run, and when we have it has been down to the ILB's. Which is another reason we should consider bringing Peppers in because we struggle getting pressure on the QB, he would bring that aswell as bolstering the run D.

[HeadTrip]

http://www.heraldonline.com/665?plckController=Blog&plckBlogPage=BlogViewPost&insiteUserId=ded44479-eff0-4fb5-98bf-9edb9d130913&plckPostId=Blog%3aded44479-eff0-4fb5-98bf-9edb9d130913Post%3ac1e7d28d-b5e9-4a2a-8a3e-bb804fdc0fad&plckScript=blogScript&plckElementId=blogDest

Not only will we have no interest in him as DE, but he wants to play OLB where his skill set will be better utilized. There is no chance of him coming here to play DE.

[KNIGHT STORM]

Get it DONE!
http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d80e2d282&template=with-video-with-comments&confirm=true

[ScootMagroot]

add it to the other 3 threads already about the same topic

[31cromartie31]

LOL you want to make another thread cos i don't think we got enough.

[promiseland]

Get it DONE!
http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d80e2d282&template=with-video-with-comments&confirm=true



He'd be perfect in a 3-4 Can u imagine Peppers and Merrimen comin off one side??

[FearTheBolts21]

He'd be perfect in a 3-4 Can u imagine Peppers and Merrimen comin off one side??
Yes, it would be amazing. The only problem is we have a lot of people to sign and not that much cap space. Hopefully AJ can work some magic and get it done.

[FearTheBolts21]

http://www.heraldonline.com/665?plckController=Blog&plckBlogPage=BlogViewPost&insiteUserId=ded44479-eff0-4fb5-98bf-9edb9d130913&plckPostId=Blog%3aded44479-eff0-4fb5-98bf-9edb9d130913Post%3ac1e7d28d-b5e9-4a2a-8a3e-bb804fdc0fad&plckScript=blogScript&plckElementId=blogDest

Not only will we have no interest in him as DE, but he wants to play OLB where his skill set will be better utilized. There is no chance of him coming here to play DE.
Damn, it didn't say that on NFL.com, Now I'm sad lol.

[DDMALO]

I wouldn't be surprised to see him land in NE, if he's willing to take a bit less than his market value. They run a 3-4, their LBs are old and they're a perennial SB contender.

[SuperBowlBolts]

I don't think we have really had a problem with the run, and when we have it has been down to the ILB's. Which is another reason we should consider bringing Peppers in because we struggle getting pressure on the QB, he would bring that aswell as bolstering the run D.

Peppers would not be able to play as a 3-4 DE in my opinion. He'd be a perfect as a 3-4 OLB, which is exactly where he would play in a 3-4. A 3-4 DE job is to occupy blockers for the OLB to make the plays. Peppers would get beaten and battered as a 3-4 DE. He wants to play a 3-4 OLB to utilize his skill sets. But Carey said there’s a specific desire to play in a 3-4 system, where he could stand up as an outside linebacker and roam the field making plays, like a DeMarcus Ware or a Shawne Merriman. As a pass-rusher he may be even better than both Merriman and Ware.

[bman65]

Peppers would not be able to play as a 3-4 DE in my opinion. He'd be a perfect as a 3-4 OLB, which is exactly where he would play in a 3-4. A 3-4 DE job is to occupy blockers for the OLB to make the plays. Peppers would get beaten and battered as a 3-4 DE. He wants to play a 3-4 OLB to utilize his skill sets. As a pass-rusher he may be even better than both Merriman and Ware.

Peppers is 283 which is almost prototypical for a 3-4 DE, he can stop the run and rush the passer as well. Imagine him and Phillips coming from one side, with Merriman coming from the other. Can you say QB sandwhich?

[HeadTrip]

Peppers is 283 which is almost prototypical for a 3-4 DE, he can stop the run and rush the passer as well. Imagine him and Phillips coming from one side, with Merriman coming from the other. Can you say QB sandwhich?

He's also 6-7 and his best attributes wouldn't be put to good use as a 34 DE. He would get blown out of the hole on running plays. It's not going to happen.

[ftwbolt]

Maybe that's we don't have a superbowl don't ya think? He hasn't been doing great in signings or drafts lately so I think people should stop throwing him flowers.

I'm so tired of stubborness in FA market. Derek Smith? Great signing. The only good move he's made lately is the trade for chambers and that was because it was desperation time. Not bashing the guys, just think he should explore for once and stop signing scrubs.

AJ doesn't believe in using the credit card. So get used to it.

[sircharge17]

that would be huge, i would love that.by the way, why is everyone stating in other threads about releasing VJ too make cap room for peppers to come in? that has too be the dumbest ever. how long was it until a receiver went over the 1000 yard mark? and he broke that little streak....hes arguably our best WR, its senseless to let him go, who in the hell would fill in his spot? and if your counting on Chambers(not saying i dont like the guy,hes pretty awesome), hes really inconsistent at running his routes, no way Vj would/should leave here.

[bman65]

that would be huge, i would love that.by the way, why is everyone stating in other threads about releasing VJ too make cap room for peppers to come in? that has too be the dumbest ever. how long was it until a receiver went over the 1000 yard mark? and he broke that little streak....hes arguably our best WR, its senseless to let him go, who in the hell would fill in his spot? and if your counting on Chambers(not saying i dont like the guy,hes pretty awesome), hes really inconsistent at running his routes, no way Vj would/should leave here.

Easier way to make cap room is to let Goff walk away (2.5mil), and cut Wilhem (3.1 mil), and Chambers (5.7 mil, and looks like he is done) that gives 11.3 mil in cap room which should plenty enough to get Peppers. Another interesting idea would be to move Phillips to ILB and have Merriman and Peppers as bookends.

[jmchargers24]

Easier way to make cap room is to let Goff walk away (2.5mil), and cut Wilhem (3.1 mil), and Chambers (5.7 mil, and looks like he is done) that gives 11.3 mil in cap room which should plenty enough to get Peppers. Another interesting idea would be to move Phillips to ILB and have Merriman and Peppers as bookends.


no way you cannot release chambers hes too good he need to get rid of goff
wiffhelm
dobbins
castillo(pot smoker)
tucker
and anyone behind jamal williams

[sircharge17]

i agree bman, Vj, possible pro bowler next year,i beleive IMO, but yeah chambers can make plays, but not consistently so that option for him looks petty good, stock up on these releases w/draft picks...(not dissin' AJ, dont get your panties twindled)the thing is is that Aj, for some reason doesnt like to take big chances, its like hes scared or something too take on a big name player and bring them over here...

[Jay21]

Easier way to make cap room is to let Goff walk away (2.5mil), and cut Wilhem (3.1 mil), and Chambers (5.7 mil, and looks like he is done) that gives 11.3 mil in cap room which should plenty enough to get Peppers. Another interesting idea would be to move Phillips to ILB and have Merriman and Peppers as bookends.

Not quite. Goff's contract expires, so there is no $2.5m cap hit figured in for next year. We don't save money because we let him go. In fact, we will have less cap money in the event that we (re-)sign a guard in free agency. Also, there are bonuses in the latter years of Wilhelm's contract that would get accelerated into this year's cap if we cut him. We will save some money, but I believe that it will be less than $1m. And, I disagree about Chambers being 'done'. However, we can save cap space and retain him by signing him to a new, backloaded contract. We would probably end up cutting him in a few years to avoid paying out the funny money at the end.

[xxcro31beastxx]

Easier way to make cap room is to let Goff walk away (2.5mil), and cut Wilhem (3.1 mil), and Chambers (5.7 mil, and looks like he is done) that gives 11.3 mil in cap room which should plenty enough to get Peppers. Another interesting idea would be to move Phillips to ILB and have Merriman and Peppers as bookends.

That'd be a great idea. I'd rather have V-Jack go than Chambers (sorry). I don't know which ever is worth more money we let go.

[SuperBowlBolts]

Peppers is 283 which is almost prototypical for a 3-4 DE, he can stop the run and rush the passer as well. Imagine him and Phillips coming from one side, with Merriman coming from the other. Can you say QB sandwhich?

Uh, no! Peppers wants to play as an OLB in a 3-4.

[31cromartie31]

Right so i say this thread may as well be closed. There is no way AJ is splashing out this much cash on someone who wants to play OLB which is one of our best positions atm.

[afcharger]

Why is everyone so wrapped around the axle on Philips being the odd man out if Peppers was signed? Philips is a product of Merriman, that much was blatantly obvious this season. Philips isnt a marquee OLB, he's good, but not great. His production to date is based on Merriman drawing the OL's attention on every play. With Peppers and Merriman in there the offense has to pick their poison. Philips is young and under contract, so in other words he has some value in a trade. Phillips is 27 and Peppers is 29 not a lot in it really, either one really only has one decent contract left. I think the dynamic of having two premiere pass rushers that MUST be accounted for on everyplay will have a significant impact on opposing offenses. It immediately upgrades the secondary and could have a major impact on turnovers. Rushed QB's make bad throws, can't sit in the pocket all day checking down recievers. Makes press coverage more viable. Peppers and an upgrade over Hart and a decent ILB would make this Defense immediately better

[31cromartie31]

Why is everyone so wrapped around the axle on Philips being the odd man out if Peppers was signed? Philips is a product of Merriman, that much was blatantly obvious this season. Philips isnt a marquee OLB, he's good, but not great. His production to date is based on Merriman drawing the OL's attention on every play. With Peppers and Merriman in there the offense has to pick their poison. Philips is young and under contract, so in other words he has some value in a trade. Phillips is 27 and Peppers is 29 not a lot in it really, either one really only has one decent contract left. I think the dynamic of having two premiere pass rushers that MUST be accounted for on everyplay will have a significant impact on opposing offenses. It immediately upgrades the secondary and could have a major impact on turnovers. Rushed QB's make bad throws, can't sit in the pocket all day checking down recievers. Makes press coverage more viable. Peppers and an upgrade over Hart and a decent ILB would make this Defense immediately better

What was obvious again?
Last season he got 68 tackles 8.5 sacks and 2 ints
This season he got 74 tackles 7.5 sacks and no ints.
I call that a slight decrease in play.
So if he is only decreasing slightly in play when he is the main worry of opposing offenses i don't think his play can all be based on :56: lining up on the other side.

[afcharger]

4 of his sacks were in 2 games against Oakland. Over the other 16 games he had 3.5. He had 5 tackles no sacks and very little pressure in the 2 playoff games. Read what I said again, he is a good but not great OLB. He is not THE guy, he is the OTHER guy.As this years top pass rusher the defense schemed to get him mismatches and his numbers werent exactly eyepopping. Did you not notice the dropoff in QB pressure this season? AJ did. When he said we really missed Merriman, he may as well have said Phillips really is just the OTHER guy. I don't think upgrading him to another premiere pass rusher is a slight against him. He is what he is, a good but not great OLB.

[31cromartie31]

4 of his sacks were in 2 games against Oakland. Over the other 14 games he had 3.5. He had 5 tackles no sacks and very little pressure in the 2 playoff games. Read what I said again, he is a good but not great OLB. He is not THE guy, he is the OTHER guy.As this years top pass rusher the defense schemed to get him mismatches and his numbers werent exactly eyepopping. Did you not notice the dropoff in QB pressure this season? AJ did. When he said we really missed Merriman, he may as well have said Phillips really is just the OTHER guy. I don't think upgrading him to another premiere pass rusher is a slight against him. He is what he is, a good but not great OLB.

Dude your completely taking this out of context i never said he was as good as :56:.
Also his numbers are still the same as in other seasons because in 07 he only had 4 sacks outside of games that were not Oakland and Kansas City. Also one of them was against Denver who's o line in 07 sucked.
There is obviously going to be a dropoff in pressure without your best pass rusher but it was nothing to do with :95: not being there.

[LTCRO]

Hey to play with a possible winner maybe he will take a discount Hopefully

[31cromartie31]

Hey to play with a possible winner maybe he will take a discount Hopefully

I think he would see the pats as more of a contender. Also if he was doing it to be on a winning team he would stay with the panthers.

[LTCRO]

Imagine just good serviclb safety that can make plays so bye bye clinton and get a page from KC than Bart scott to MLB with cooper and Merrimen and a peppers coming off the edge wow if canty o well good d end too with a phillips in the fold along with a top RB in the draft

[LTCRO]

well maybe pats cuz they play 3-4 panthers dont they play 4-3 and we play a 3-4

[31cromartie31]

well maybe pats cuz they play 3-4 panthers dont they play 4-3 and we play a 3-4

Yeh thats why we won't get him cos he wants to play OLB.

[Merfinator]

So, let me get this straight. We're looking for a way to be able to re-sign Rivers and Merriman, who will both cost a fortune, and keep LT. Man, that's a tall task to ask for. Maybe with some luck, we'll be able to sign them both, along with McNeill, Cromartie, VJ, and others. Wow. That's going to be tough. Then everyone wants to go out and sign a 29 year old Peppers who's going to make a $14 million cap hit. HA! That makes a ton of sense.

[afcharger]

So, let me get this straight. We're looking for a way to be able to re-sign Rivers and Merriman, who will both cost a fortune, and keep LT. Man, that's a tall task to ask for. Maybe with some luck, we'll be able to sign them both, along with McNeill, Cromartie, VJ, and others. Wow. That's going to be tough. Then everyone wants to go out and sign a 29 year old Peppers who's going to make a $14 million cap hit. HA! That makes a ton of sense.

Merriman wont see anything contract wise until after next season. The FO wont put any serious jack his way until they see what he's like post knee injury. Even then they could franchise him. If the Chargers want to keep Merriman he will be here 2 years guaranteed. With 09 still under his rookie contract.

LT will likely renegotiate, you dont think the $8M cap figure just snuck up on us do you? The teams cap figures we are all hearing about, accurate or not, have LT's salary figured in.

Rivers renegotiation has been a known entity since he signed as a rookie. From what I can gather we have a capologist who actually structures contracts so that we can wiggle under future year salary caps. They have a plan for the cap money, this aint congress.

If they want to get them all under contract they will. Cromartie and McNeil will likely be wait and see. They both had down years but they are both young and have been to the Pro Bowl. They will want to get paid using their Pro Bowls as leverage. Are they worth that at this point? Not based on 08's performances. I'd wait and see. They are under contract so its not like we have to make a move. I think Mac will stay and Cro will walk as a UFA. Someone who isnt earning their check may pay the price for those that do. Thats not a shot at any particular player.

Who says Peppers is going to get 14M? Teams sign players to amortized contracts to factor in overall salary cap for any given year. He could be signed to a heavily backloaded contract with the signing bonus spread over the length of the contract. Happens all the time.

[afcharger]

Dude your completely taking this out of context i never said he was as good as :56:.
Also his numbers are still the same as in other seasons because in 07 he only had 4 sacks outside of games that were not Oakland and Kansas City. Also one of them was against Denver who's o line in 07 sucked.
There is obviously going to be a dropoff in pressure without your best pass rusher but it was nothing to do with :95: not being there.


I dont know that i'm taking anything out of context. Phillips is what he is the #2 OLB. He's good but not great. A 7 or 8 sack a year guy. Alot of folks were shocked with Tuckers new contract, I think the Front Office locked up Tucker because they feel he could replace Phillips, not as insurance for losing merriman. Neither one of them is a replacement for Merriman, he is a once a decade type player. I dont care what Acee thinks, Merriman aint leaving the Bolts for a while at least. Phillips on the other hand may be. Could we fit Peppers in and keep tucker and philips, not likely. We could possibly fit peppers in and keep tucker though. AJ and Ed the capologist know better than we do. We hope.

I doubt anything will happen. AJ always says we place a value on a guy and thats what we will pay. Donnie Edwards overvalued himself and left. Deilman signed for a lot less than the Seahawks had on the table. The Chargers will offer Sproles what they think he is worth to them, if he tests the market and gets a higher offer he will get a handshake and a thanks on his way out the door. IMO Cromartie is as good as gone, he will be a way overvalued FA. The Front Office has been very consistant with this and thats why they don't sign "overpriced" free agents, notice i didnt say marquee. Chambers would have probably been a Marquee FA if Miami had let him hit the market. We traded for him because his contract aligned with what we thought he was worth. We likely would have never signed him in the openmarket. Someone would have overpaid him.

If Peppers came in at what the Chargers thought he was worth, AJ would probably trip over his quill pen trying to get his signature. The only reason this is even slightly plausable in my opinion is because Peppers wants to play in a 3-4 and there is a fairly shallow pool of those teams. You know Pittsburgh isn't going there. NE has a QB conundrum, if they genuinely franchise Cassel then they are out. Dallas could be a player, who knows. If he is serious about switching to a 3-4 he may have to sign at a discount, after all he is switching positions and defensive philsophy altogether, not many players staring at a guaranteed $17 M will seriously do that. Its probably a 5% chance of that happening but if it does we will likely be one of a handful of teams in the negotiations. If it somehow miraculously came to fruition then i think Phillips would be the odd man out. I would be ok with that. My gut feeling is peppers will take Carolinas franchise offer. Or accept a huge contract to play 4-3 DE elsewhere. Worth a peek though.

[gates85td]

I hate the fact that Hart got a extension more than anyone, Wilhelm while I do not feel was a good signing we could of done worse things, I just hope that Clary does not get a big extension or anything, he is horrible, if he isnt false starting he is getting ran around. We have to extend Rivers, get Merriman back and I think we need to keep Vincent Jackson, because he is our deep threat, Floyd is good but he always seems to get hurt, I remember when he broke out in that Bengals come back years ago and got hurt in that game, he plays well but has some injury problems.

[2vang]

i wonder why peppers would want to be in a 3-4 defense

[ftwbolt]

I think he would see the pats as more of a contender. Also if he was doing it to be on a winning team he would stay with the panthers.

You sure about that ?
The cheatriots gave Adalius Thomas a huge contract 2 years ago and I'm sure they wouldn't go that route again on another LBer.

[Jay21]

Keep in mind that in order to get Peppers, we will likely have to cough over players and/or draft picks. He'll probably get franchised by Carolina, and then traded to the highest bidder.

[2vang]

who would we give up for peppers?

[LightsOut4ever]

Keep in mind that in order to get Peppers, we will likely have to cough over players and/or draft picks. He'll probably get franchised by Carolina, and then traded to the highest bidder.

unless they work out a contract w/Gross, they'll likely tag him


I think the whole thing's funny....Peppers already was the only good DL they had (14.5 of their 37 sacks. If you subtract that but keep the same # of pass-attempts they faced, that's only 1 per 25 attempts, which would be 29th in the league -- worse than we did). Luckily they resigned Gamble because they're gonna need to cover guys for a while.

[ftwbolt]

who would we give up for peppers?

I hear Osgood is not doing anything. :layup

[Jay21]

i wonder why peppers would want to be in a 3-4 defense

I'm guessing to get sack #s like Ware had this season. He's talented enough that he just might pull it off

[SuperBowlBolts]

4 of his sacks were in 2 games against Oakland. Over the other 16 games he had 3.5. He had 5 tackles no sacks and very little pressure in the 2 playoff games. Read what I said again, he is a good but not great OLB. He is not THE guy, he is the OTHER guy.As this years top pass rusher the defense schemed to get him mismatches and his numbers werent exactly eyepopping. Did you not notice the dropoff in QB pressure this season? AJ did. When he said we really missed Merriman, he may as well have said Phillips really is just the OTHER guy. I don't think upgrading him to another premiere pass rusher is a slight against him. He is what he is, a good but not great OLB.

You should watch the little video they have on him on NFL.com vs the Colts. He barely showed up on the stat box but man did that guy create some pressure vs Manning.

[elmontorino]

As far as the cap goes...where are we...what sort of room do we have?





The guy is one of the most dominating forces in the NFL. I would LOVE to have him

But sadly we cannot afford him because of the idiotic signings AJ has done

Tucker, Wilhelm, Castillo, Hart to name a few. The only reason we are in cap hell right now is because AJ doesn't know how to spend money correctly

[31cromartie31]

This thread is still going on?!
ITS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN.

[andocug]

This thread is still going on?!
ITS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN.

Glad you said it. Please focus on players we actually have a shot at landing.

We stopped bidding on top tier free agents when Butler and AJ took over...and not surprisingly have won ever since.

[xxcro31beastxx]

This thread is still going on?!
ITS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN.

Kill joy....

[JOE KING]

Please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[darrensproles]

This thread is still going on?!
ITS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN.
I agree.Stop dreaming people

[JOE KING]

I agree.Stop dreaming people

If we get rid of Sproles and Cromartie it might and that would be fitting since those are both of your user names.

[dabestrblt]

Yes, it would be amazing. The only problem is we have a lot of people to sign and not that much cap space. Hopefully AJ can work some magic and get it done.
Thats why we cut/trade wilhelm and hart sign peppers draft maualuga and chung, That should fill in all the gaps in r d

[steelers suck]

draft maualuga trade or release whilhem,hart,bingham,davis,gordon,igor,marquis harris sign landry and peppers

[smlman2]

anybody hear the list of teams peppers okayed to be traded too??? nfl network said one wa sthe cowboys, and two others were nfc teams... but didnt mention the fourth... i dont think its us and arnt trying to promote this thread just wanted to know if anybody knew the other three teams besides the cowboys???

[biggestfan]

I heard that too. I wonder who the 4th team in the AFC was.

[Jay21]

I heard that too. I wonder who the 4th team in the AFC was.

I'd wager on Parcells' Dolphins. They have a lack of stars, especially on defense. There's more shine for him, he's needed there, and they have tons of cap room. And there's that thing about players wanting to play on successful Bill Parcells-constructed teams. It makes sense, though I think he's crazy if he doesn't want to play here!

BTW, we should bring in whoever Jerry Jones uses to manage his cap. The Cowboys seem to sign big-name player after player with no regard to the cap. Imagine how happy this board would be if the Bolts could do that too ;)

[Ironpump]

draft maualuga trade or release whilhem,hart,bingham,davis,gordon,igor,marquis harris sign landry and peppers

Igor,Harris, and possibly Gordon are gone. I think the Ravens will tender Landry since Leonhard might be hard to get back for them. I agree cut Wilhelm and Hart and either Bingham or Scott. Don't bring Gordon back he is not worth it.

[Ironpump]

anybody hear the list of teams peppers okayed to be traded too??? nfl network said one wa sthe cowboys, and two others were nfc teams... but didnt mention the fourth... i dont think its us and arnt trying to promote this thread just wanted to know if anybody knew the other three teams besides the cowboys???

Yeah I read that too. Obviously the NFC teams are the Niners,Packers,Cowboys only teams that run a 3-4. I think the Cardinals run a hybrid 3-4,4-3 package but I'm not sure. The AFC team could be wow Steelers,Patriots,Chargers,Broncos,Browns,Jets,Rav ens,Dolphins. So I'm guessing its between the Dolphins or Jets.

[xxcro31beastxx]

Yeah I read that too. Obviously the NFC teams are the Niners,Packers,Cowboys only teams that run a 3-4. I think the Cardinals run a hybrid 3-4,4-3 package but I'm not sure. The AFC team could be wow Steelers,Patriots,Chargers,Broncos,Browns,Jets,Rav ens,Dolphins. So I'm guessing its between the Dolphins or Jets.

He's most likely going to go to a team that has the talent to be a contender, so narrow down the AFC teams Chargers/Patriots/Steelers.

I don't think the Ravens have any money if they plan to re sign everyone and the steelers are happy with there defensive chemistry.

[Ironpump]

He's most likely going to go to a team that has the talent to be a contender, so narrow down the AFC teams Chargers/Patriots/Steelers.

I don't think the Ravens have any money if they plan to re sign everyone and the steelers are happy with there defensive chemistry.

If thats the case wow is he wanting a pay cut or what? I think he might choose the Jets as they may be missing a QB but they have a lot of good pieces in place plus Kris Jenkins is there.

[mistahlina]

Peppers will not be as effective in the 3-4 than he is on a 4-3 because he will get burned when he has to drop back. he's too slow for the 3-4 scheme.

[bobbyC1987]

Peppers will not be as effective in the 3-4 than he is on a 4-3 because he will get burned when he has to drop back. he's too slow for the 3-4 scheme.



He's not slow at all, one of the best athletes in the league, he's more than capable to be a 3-4 OLB. He may not have the instincts to play OLB but he has the physical tools and abilities.

[bobbyC1987]

He's not slow at all, one of the best athletes in the league, he's more than capable to be a 3-4 OLB. He may not have the instincts to play OLB but he has the physical tools and abilities.


Just looked it up, he runs a 4.5 - 4.6 40

[Ironpump]

Peppers will not be as effective in the 3-4 than he is on a 4-3 because he will get burned when he has to drop back. he's too slow for the 3-4 scheme.

No the knock on him is not his speed its his lack of experience dropping back into coverage. He is probably faster then Merriman.

[rcali bolt hed]

Strengths: At 6-7, 283 pounds, Peppers is freakishly athletic for someone of his size. He has the strength and speed to dominate. He uses his long arms to gain leverage and also to bat down balls at the line of scrimmage. Peppers is an effective run stuffer and can pursue down the line, chasing down ballcarriers on plays away from his side. The seven-year veteran is explosive, with a devastatingly quick first step. He shows good pass-rush moves and will bull-rush blockers into the backfield when he gets his hands under their shoulder pads. He often commands double-teams, opening things up for his fellow defensive linemen.

Weaknesses: There are questions about his motivation and work ethic. Some suggest he takes plays off. His cool demeanor stops him from being an even more dominant player. Peppers is streaky, and his cold streaks can last for a full season, as evidenced by his 2007 campaign, when he made a career-low 2½ sacks. He bounced back in his contract year (’08), which added to the suspicion that he turns it on and off. He is very shy and didn’t respond when owner Jerry Richardson asked him to be a more vocal leader before the ’07 season.

Risk factor: Moderate. Peppers has tremendous potential, but no one is sure if he’ll ever reach it. He’s incredibly talented and is sure to make big plays. His lack of consistency and motivation is worrisome.

[smlman2]

so nobody has heard for sure who those other 3 teams are??? im just curious ...i agree though that it might be the jets or dolphins... i would believe browns and broncos too

[goboltsgo]

He just got tagged Game Over

[JOJAX85]

Pep' has packed on weight to play in a 4-3. He wouldn't have a problem at all dropping down in weight to play standing up. He will be a Pro-Bowler there, too. I just don't see us getting him. SP will be just fine over there w/ Merriman back.

[JOJAX85]

He just got tagged Game Over

I think the Panthers tagged him to try & trade him to get something in return.

[goboltsgo]

I think the Panthers tagged him to try & trade him to get something in return.


I hope your right if not they are going to have to pay him 16 million for one season. Seems very steep for a guy that doesn't even want to be there.

[Riverside]

supposedly he has a list of four teams he would like to join, which includes the cowboys, two other NFC teams and an AFC team

[JOJAX85]

I hope he doesn't go to the 'Girls. That combo of Pep & Ware would almost be unfare.

[Sir Wallace]

A healthy pissed off Merriman with a motivated Peppers would really be unfair;)

[darrensproles]

Lol the cowgirls would probably trade for him.I think the AFC team is the Ravens

[xxcro31beastxx]

I think he wants another pass rusher with him so this is how i see it.

Merriman, Ware or Kampman....you chose.

[xxcro31beastxx]

Lol the cowgirls would probably trade for him.I think the AFC team is the Ravens

Ravens need to re-sign Ray Lewis, Terrell Suggs and Bart Scott.

Doubt it because they just tagged suggs.

[darrensproles]

Then I guess it would be the Faiders because they love handing out money.They re-signed Nmandi for 3yrs/45.3M.They just toss out their money.And there is no way we will get Peppers now that he's tagged.I don't think we would give up a couple of first round picks.

[Ironpump]

so nobody has heard for sure who those other 3 teams are??? im just curious ...i agree though that it might be the jets or dolphins... i would believe browns and broncos too

I hope the Broncos get him. So they have to give up there shot at Maualuga.

[31cromartie31]

Two 1st rounders, nope that can say bye bye to anybody's dreams about Peppers coming in.

[Riverside]

supposedly he has a list of four teams he would like to join, which includes the cowboys, two other NFC teams and an AFC team

Carolina has apparently ruled out 2 of the four teams on Pepper's list

[JOJAX85]

I hope the Broncos get him. So they have to give up there shot at Maualuga.


We do NOT want to play him twice a year! No WAY!!

[JoeMcRugby]

We do NOT want to play him twice a year! No WAY!!

I'd love for the Broncos to waste high draft picks and a ton of cap space on a player who will be learning a brand new position.

Even with Shelton facing him last September, Peppers did nothing against the Bolts: 1 assisted tackle all day long is all he got.

[Ironpump]

We do NOT want to play him twice a year! No WAY!!

Why not? He isn't as much of a threat as Merriman. They lose their 1st rounder and maybe a 2nd or next years 1st. They lose a lot of cap space. He is inconsistent especially in big games. See Cardinals game he was a non factor. Personally I think Merriman is the better OLB anyway. Peppers won't make that defense good if they don't have a NT.

[biggestfan]

Yeah we don't want this guy in the AFC west. I say trade for him. I know it would mean giving up draft picks but lets be honest, this team is ready to win. we're a few players away from being a powerhouse. and this would be on the defensive side.

[biggestfan]

yeah AJ better wake up and make some good moves for a change. Spend some dough and Bring a championship to SD. It just isn't fair. this team could be so good. A few key holes plugged up and we're there. If AJ makes moves on offense this year and ignores the D i'm gonna be one even more pissed off fan.

[bobbyC1987]

Yeah we don't want this guy in the AFC west. I say trade for him. I know it would mean giving up draft picks but lets be honest, this team is ready to win. we're a few players away from being a powerhouse. and this would be on the defensive side.


The cost is too high, if we were to get Peppers we'd have to sign him to a monster deal, we don't have the resources for that, if we signed Peppers we would completely screw ourselves, it would mean no Merriman, no Cro, no new deal for Rivers, the list goes on and on. Sure Peppers is a great player, but he wants to play OLB, that is a position of strength for us.... I really wish people would drop this Peppers thing, WE DON'T NEED HIM. We need to have a stellar draft, i'm confident AJ will fill our holes the last weekend of April.

[Ironpump]

yeah AJ better wake up and make some good moves for a change. Spend some dough and Bring a championship to SD. It just isn't fair. this team could be so good. A few key holes plugged up and we're there. If AJ makes moves on offense this year and ignores the D i'm gonna be one even more pissed off fan.

Thats all good an stuff. So what happens if we don't win in 2009 and we have Peppers? We become cap strapped and Jackson,Merriman,McNeil,etc all walk to other teams? So will you be happy when Merriman leaves?

[biggestfan]

The cost is too high, if we were to get Peppers we'd have to sign him to a monster deal, we don't have the resources for that, if we signed Peppers we would completely screw ourselves, it would mean no Merriman, no Cro, no new deal for Rivers, the list goes on and on. Sure Peppers is a great player, but he wants to play OLB, that is a position of strength for us.... I really wish people would drop this Peppers thing, WE DON'T NEED HIM. We need to have a stellar draft, i'm confident AJ will fill our holes the last weekend of April.
You may be right. But I agree we need a stellar staff on D if we're gonna win. If we pass on a Peppers we need to bring in some other legitimate pass rusher. I don't care form where. But its gotta happen.

[Ironpump]

You may be right. But I agree we need a stellar staff on D if we're gonna win. If we pass on a Peppers we need to bring in some other legitimate pass rusher. I don't care form where. But its gotta happen.

If Peppers wanted to come here he would have to want to get paid like 2-3 million for the year. I doubt that. You don't need to sign stars to win. Look at the Steelers? They got all their stars through the draft.

[bobbyC1987]

You may be right. But I agree we need a stellar staff on D if we're gonna win. If we pass on a Peppers we need to bring in some other legitimate pass rusher. I don't care form where. But its gotta happen.


We do have a legitimate pass rusher coming in, and we don't have to use money or draft picks to get him.....SHAWNE MERRIMAN!!!!