Interesting rumor

by juandel on Mar 14, 2008 3:55 PM CDT

I was browsing Ben Maller's rumor page today (if you don't know what I am talking about go here, ( http://msn.foxsports.com/rumors ) and came across an interesting rumor.

"If Carolina becomes convinced it can't re-sign Julius Peppers, who becomes an unrestricted free agent next year and wants a boatload of money, and if the Vikings are willing to part with their first-round (No. 17) draft pick next month plus at least $20 million in guaranteed money, Minnesota might be able to trade for the star defensive end." ( http://www.twincities.com/walters/ci_8566370 )

If this is true, this has to be something TT looks into. The Packers are now, what $35 million under the cap, and can you imagine adding a player like Peppers to play alongside Kampman?!? That front line would amazing and would have to be considered one of the best if not the best front line. We all saw what a good front line can do to an offense when the Giants beat the Pats in the Super Bowl. Personally, I am for this trade and at the price of only a first round pick it seems like a deal to me.

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Comments

Nothing Against Peppers

DE Julius Peppers is a great athlete and player, but even if GM Ted Thompson was willing to trade a draft choice (or two) for a veteran and a huge signing bonus, it would not be a good idea.

First the Packers would have to give up something more than their 1st round pick. The Vikings select 17th overall and that pick is a lot more valuable than the Packers 30th overall selection. It would probably take the Packers 2nd round pick too.

Second Minnesota is a lot more motivated to make the trade than the Packers. Minnesota's two recent 1st round picks at defensive end (Udeze and James) are both battling possibly career ending health problems. Neither has been that great when healthy either. Minnesota has no one at defensive end and Peppers would fill a huge need while he would be a luxury for the Packers. If a bidding war begins, then the Packers would eventually lose.

Third it wouldn't make them all that better. He would cost at least two draft choices, and most of their salary cap room. While he's better than the defensive end tandum of KGB and Cullen Jenkins, it's not a quantum leap.

by Brandon on Mar 17, 2008 12:13 AM CDT 0 recs

Just for debate

I think Peppers would be the addition that would move our defense from good to great. While I do agree that we should probably be getting younger instead of older, I think Peppers would provide a lot of intangibles to go along with his on field abilities to make it worthwhile for the Packers.

Peppers would provide great veteran leadership for the defense as well as in the locker room. Also, comparing 17 and 30 of course it might require more if the Vikings think Peppers if worth it. If they do, we would have to throw in another player or a third round pick, maybe the one we got for Williams. We would also not have to use a draft pick to add depth to our d-line b/c Peppers will already do that.

Also, a bidding war might not be that bad, the Vikings are a divisional rival and probably the closest to upsetting the Packers in the NFC North, so driving up the price for him, even if we lose, may not be such a bad thing. We could possibly handcuff the Vikings.

by juandel on Mar 18, 2008 3:07 AM CDT 0 recs