Julius Peppers could be answer to Falcons’ problems
Matt Ryan probably wouldn't mind having Julius Peppers as a teammate. (Curtis Compton/AJC)
From an NFL fan’s perspective, there is one great thing about an uncapped year. Your favorite team can’t use the excuse, “We’d love to sign that free agent but we just can’t fit him under the salary cap.”
So to the members of Falcon nation, I present to you possibly the first name on the Falcons’ offseason shopping list: Julius Peppers.
Yes, it could happen — at least the part about Peppers’ availability. There are strong indications that the Carolina Panthers — who failed to come to terms with Peppers on a multi-year contract last season and were forced to sign him to the steep one-year franchise tag fee of $16.683 million — will allow Peppers to enter free agency.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter already is speculating that, “Carolina’s division rival Atlanta Falcons would be a logical landing spot, as Peppers would get to play the Panthers twice a season.”
Let’s examine all of the obvious reasons why the Falcons’ pursuit of Peppers makes sense.
♦ 1. While Peppers would be a significant investment — and there’s really no way to predict what he would fetch on the open market –he would be a huge boost to the Falcons’ anemic pass rush. The perennial Pro Bowl defensive end has 25 sacks over the last two years alone. This season, he recorded five forced fumbles, five passes defensed and two interceptions with 10 1/2 sacks.
♦ 2. The Falcons had to be concerned about John Abraham’s lack of production this season. He dropped from 16.5 sacks in 2008 to 5.5 in 2009. While some of that can be attributed to other problems on the line, including an injury to rookie Peria Jerry, there were several games when Abraham seemed invisible. The Falcons need to do something to create more pressure. For what it’s worth, Abraham has two years left on a six-year, $45 million contract.
♦ 3. The signing of an impact defensive lineman would allow the Falcons to focus on other areas early in the draft, including outside linebacker and cornerback.
♦ 4. Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff has made significant veteran acquisitions prior to each of his first two seasons: running back Michael Turner two years ago and tight end Tony Gonzalez this season. It might be time for a big move on defense this time.
♦ 5. Falcons owner Arthur Blank never has shied away from spending money on his football team. If Dimitroff and coach Mike Smith believe Peppers will take the Falcons to the next level, he’ll support the move financially.
Question: Are you feeling how the signing of Peppers could impact the Falcons as much as I am?
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281 comments Add your comment
Too tough 44
February 1st, 2010
12:28 pm
wouldnt give him a long term deal…he is too old and banged up….just like Abraham…signed to a too long contract…ya see his lack of entusiasm and production last season….bring in some aggressive hungry younger talent….look. I am all for the older fellas…but, I saw JAb. loafing alot this season…sadly….
Charles Chan
February 1st, 2010
12:29 pm
You can’t know if someone is past his prime until he gets there. Peppers displayed no evidence of same this season.
cdog
February 1st, 2010
12:29 pm
i agree 200%. the falcons don’t need to stupid around and not sign peppers. they need to do it right away. what ever it takes, they should sign peppers. then they can go after that cornerback in the draft or free agency.peppers would assure us a superbowl trip just like deion sanders did for san francisco
just wait
February 1st, 2010
12:34 pm
go for it sign him up
Sam
February 1st, 2010
12:37 pm
I think a lot of folks are missing the point (except for GeoffDawg). Sign him! It’s a no cap year so why not take a chance?
guy
February 1st, 2010
12:40 pm
isn’t peppers like um always hurt and sitting out?
cutter
February 1st, 2010
12:44 pm
Continue to build via the draft. Peppers is gonna want something close to Haynesworth money. It will be a bidding war and this organization does not do bidding wars for 30 year old free agents. Trade back pick up a 2nd and a 3rd or 4th draft Weatherspoon and build depth at key positons. Pick up a speed receiver in the middle rounds, need to pick up future center, right tackle and TE. If Peppers was the only thing we were missing maybe but we are still in the process people, still in the process of building a football team. If we draft Peppers now 2 years from now we will be right back where we started. Needing a pass rush.
fanatical
February 1st, 2010
12:45 pm
I like the move for Peppers.Heard the Falcons a good contender because he wants to stay close to family.Who live in the Carolinas.But I think that Richard Seymore(Oak) makes more sense.He is TDimitrofs previous player and pick from the Patriots.
Vince Wilfork the next move.Platooning the middle with Jerry, Babs and TJohnson.Better pass rush leads to better secondary coverage.You cant double cover anyone in this line up.Also gives room for blitzing we saw very little of this past season.
THill and COwens should be able to handle the starting CB position.
Phil C
February 1st, 2010
12:50 pm
The Falcons will win the NFC South next year if they land Peppers- book it. And NO! I’m not pulling for the Saints on Sunday. Ridiculous. I pull for no one else in the NFC South. GO FALCONS!
old Tech fan in NC
February 1st, 2010
12:52 pm
sounds like many bird fans know that Pepp is a part time employee…and you never know when the real pass rusher will be in uniform. I enjoyed watching sacking birds but over $1mil per game seems foolish.
cutter
February 1st, 2010
12:52 pm
Sam- I think you are missing the point just because the year May be uncapped does not mean Mr. Blank wants to take chances with his money. What about the next year after that will it be uncapped also?? I doubt it very seriously. So you sign the guy to a ridiculus contract this year and all of a sudden next year you are over the cap and can’t pay somebody.
Ed
February 1st, 2010
12:55 pm
What this franchise DOESNT need, is someone who takes plays off, holds a franchise “hostage” by not agreeing to a mult-year deal, and then wants to leave.
I say build through the draft.
John
February 1st, 2010
1:02 pm
Falcons need Dexter McCluster, RB, Ole Miss. Same body and running style of NFL leading rusher Chris Johnson…he also has great hands to catch passes, and a threat to take it the distance each time he touches the ball.
NOLA- shut your trap
February 1st, 2010
1:06 pm
Hey NOLA,
Have you sent that thank you card to the refs for your gimme win against the Vikings? Ya’ll really earned that one! All those turnovers and you still would have lost had the refs not gift wrapped it for you. Nice. Keep running your mouth. Typical New Orleans trailor trash.
Sarah Palin's Rack
February 1st, 2010
1:16 pm
How come the Falcons don’t go after white football players anymore?
dirtyo11
February 1st, 2010
1:21 pm
I like it, but at the same time there are other DE out there that we might be able to pick up for less money and they can be just as productive. Yhe Giants have too many DE, maybe they will trade on to us. We need a shut down vetern DB. Now which one do you go after Peppers or a top notch DB
PanthersFAN
February 1st, 2010
1:24 pm
You people are crazy to think the Panthers will Let Peppers walk for nothing. He’ll be tagged again this year for the $20 million or so. A trade will probably be in the works but Carolina will not let Peppers walk for nothing. Don’t believe everything you hear on H.Y.P.E. I mean E.S.P.N.
PanthersFAN
February 1st, 2010
1:25 pm
You people are crazy to think the Panthers will Let Peppers walk for nothing. He’ll be tagged again this year for the $20 millon or so. A trade will probably be in the works but Carolina will not let Peppers walk for nothing. Don’t believe everything you hear on H.Y.P.E. I mean E.S.P.N.
jroc5034
February 1st, 2010
1:25 pm
I love the idea but, probably wont happen because it just makes too much sense… We’ll see.
Panther Fan
February 1st, 2010
1:25 pm
Pep is a devastating player who has shown what he can do. For any team to aquire his skills would be a plus, but it’s time for him to leave Carolina and go to another team. As for age, he’s far from being over the hill. He can turn on the burners as good as anyone in the NFL and will be that agile for years to come. Hate to see him leave the Panthers, but his head is elsewhere!
HoJo
February 1st, 2010
1:27 pm
Jeffy, we can always count on you for the obvious. Peppers? No thank you. What you forgot to state is that several teams will not go to the cap next year because of the economy. Uncapped can also mean teams WON’T be spending. Atlanta WILL be one of those teams, count on it. Peppers wants more than the Falcons are going to be willing to give. End of story. Gonzalez was brought in for 2nd rounder and was our #1 receiver, so the comparisons aren’t even close, besides Blank is going to need to save his money to fill the Brinks truck that Ryan will demand in a couple of years.
You all are idiots
February 1st, 2010
1:30 pm
None of you have any idea of what the Falcons will do or should do.
The idea this team must spend a lot of money on either an aging DB is absurd….Especially the remark made by dirtyo11. A veteran shutdown CB? Who? From where?
A solid pass rush improves the pass defense more than one shut down CB.
Some of you need to put down the Madden video game and watch some real football.
Crabkilla
February 1st, 2010
1:33 pm
He’s a charlotte kitten and I hate him.
Ryan's All You Can Eat
February 1st, 2010
1:35 pm
Did you ever notice how many fat hillbillies at at Ryan’s?
Paul in RDU
February 1st, 2010
1:42 pm
I think that Peppers needs to use his last year of college eligibility to play for Ol Roy next year. Wow – did they stink up the Dean Dome against UVA yesterday.
Jay
February 1st, 2010
1:48 pm
I say sign him..!! We all know Jamal Anderson isnt working out. Other teams would have to plan for the potential damage that Peppers and/or Abraham can do.
The impact it will have on the secondary alone is worth the investment. Create a pass rush take the pressure off the rookie corners.
cdog
February 1st, 2010
1:49 pm
the falcons defense has no where to go but up. half of julius peppers is better than any lineman the falcons already HAVE. sign him ASAP.DON’T DO LIKE THE BRAVES, SLOP AROUND AND LET OTHER JUMP AHEAD OF THEM, BRING PEPPERS ABOARD NOW. THERE ARE NO NEGATIVES IN PEPPER’S SIGNING. GET HIM NOW.
#1 Falcon Fan
February 1st, 2010
1:49 pm
this makes a lot of sense. sign him TODAY. The Falcons could sign him and still pick a defensive player in the 1st round. The panthers did not want to offer Peppers a contract extension, so they franchised him last year. Now this year they might let him walk, I think he would love to come here and prove the Panthers wrong by not re-signing him. He would get to play them twice a year, I mean come on he has had 25 sacks over the last 2 years. Sign him now and cut ties with the 1st round BUST anderson. Again your pass defense is only as good as your pass rush…come on Falcons make it happen or your pass defense will be ranked 28th in the league again in 2010!
chris
February 1st, 2010
1:53 pm
It won’t happen…….Falcons have been very careful not to bring problems into the locker room. To much money for a potential problem when we don’t play his kind of defensive scheme.
TruthSerum
February 1st, 2010
2:01 pm
willie: you are absolutely 100% right about the pass rush. The pass rush is everything and a couple of years ago, the Falcons had one of the greatest pass rushes in NFL history. The Falcons new gm Dimitroff busted it up for no apparant reason. We had Rod Coleman (pass rusher extraordinaire) on one side and John Abraham (premium pass rusher) on the other side. This tandem worked well because you couldnt double team either one because the other would be left open. I remember Coleman getting stopped by the police on a misdeameenar charge (i dont remember if it was dui or marijuana possession), but I think that put up a red flag for the Falcons brass and Coleman was cut after the pre-season in a shocker the next year. Abraham is great but because he is out there on an island by himself, he constantly draws double teams, thus minimizing his effectiveness. If we signed Julius Peppers you would see Abrahama come alive. Regardless, I think the Falcons made a mistake of letting Coleman go because he was not a criminal and he could have helped the Falcons win the title this season. Rod Coleman and John Abraham provided the most lethal pass rush in the nfl and would have gotten the Falcons into the superbowl; no question about that. We actually let go three pro bowl players under the Dimitroff regime and I dont know why any of those guys were let go. It made our team weaker this season and thus the decline in record from 11-5 to 9-7. If standouts are released this summer again the record will continue to decline. I think the Falcons are going backwards and are going in the wrong direction. Thats my personal observation.
wxwax
February 1st, 2010
2:03 pm
The score so far:
Pro: Schultz
Anti: The rest of the world.
lou
February 1st, 2010
2:04 pm
Peppers if u want to win or play in the Super Bowl dont sign with the Falcons!!!
Blue Fox
February 1st, 2010
2:06 pm
Too old and over his prime, save your $$$, Falcons.
BudAbbott
February 1st, 2010
2:10 pm
Peppers is too expensive to sign. His salary is through the roof and that would ruin our payroll structure. We would probably have to release some of our top players to clear cap space or money for him to sign. Also, I noticed that peppers doesnt always play hard in my opinion. There are games where he gets no pressure at all on the opposing qbs. I say pass on peppers and draft a good defensive lineman that you can train to do the job.
John Boy
February 1st, 2010
2:18 pm
No way man. We don’t need another complainer / bad attitude sour graep. How often do move like this work out? Seriously guys, focus on drafting young talent, let some other team waste money on this guy. Put it this way, if there are questions or doubts now, there WILL be issues.
LukeMerriman
February 1st, 2010
2:21 pm
I think the Falcons should attempt to sign quarterback Brett Farve (originally an Atlanta Falcons quarterback), make him our starting qb and move Matty to back up and let him learn under Farve. I think Farve can guide the Falcons to a superbowl title, what he couldnt do with the Vikings.
JaniceSullivan
February 1st, 2010
2:32 pm
I WOULD NOT SIGN PEPPER. PEPPER IS A HEAD CASE, HES ALWAYS MOODY AND HE PLAYS HARD, ONLY WHEN HE WANTS TO. HES UNDOUBTEDLY A GREAT TALENT, BUT HE IS MORE OF A BASKET CASE THAN ANYTHING ELSE. PLUS HE HAS ONE OF THE MOST EXORBETANT SALARIES IN THE NFL. HIS SALARY IS WAY UP THERE IN THE GALAXY SOMEWHERE. PLEASE PASS ON PEPPER. PEPPER IS PAST HIS PRIME, HES OVER THE HILL, AND HES TOO EXPENSIVE TO DEAL WITH.
THE FUTURE
February 1st, 2010
2:44 pm
yeah lets sign that Favre kid and that deon sanders kid and get iron head for fullback and hershel walker for tailback we could probably get a good second round pick out of a Turner trade
Panther Fan N Charlotte
February 1st, 2010
2:51 pm
Peppers only plays when it suits Peppers and he has been lazy on the field since UNC. With a fat contract you’ll see just how lazy. Even this year a supposed great year every team in the NFL knows to run at him. He backs up and runs away making plays 7 yards down field. Run away from him and don’t block him for backside pursuit and he is a monster but then who in the NFL unblocked isn’t and you don’t have to pay over a million $ per game either. As a Panther Fan. PLEASE TAKE PEPPERS. Pep has spent his whole life being about potential but at his age and salary the demand is for production. He is like a stadium beer….over priced….mostly foam… and at the end you realize it wasn’t cold and you didn’t particularly enjoy it. Especially at that price.
JacquePierre
February 1st, 2010
2:52 pm
Yeah go ahead and sign peppers. Give peppers a mike vick contract of $250 million dollars and destroy the team payroll structure. That makes no sense whatsover. Peppers is an overstuffed, overpriced bag of donuts and we dont need peppers at all to improve. Peppers will hold the falcons hostage like he has done with the panthers. Peppers has turned the panthers into mere lambs and they dont seem as feroucious as they were when they made the superbowl a few years ago.
JabboRockefeller
February 1st, 2010
2:53 pm
I’m in the Ray Edwards camp.
Aundray Bruce's Mother
February 1st, 2010
3:04 pm
Please, please Mr. Blank. Sign up my little darling. Sure, he’s a linebacker and all, but he showed the world he could also play a little tight end over there at Oakland, and that Gonzales boy ain’t gettin’ any younger. Let my Audray show you he can play him a little DE. Wouldn’t cost you much at all.
Navigator
February 1st, 2010
3:04 pm
Why would Peppers make a difference, Schaub didn’t, the Top QB in the AFL statistically, starter in the pro bowl and MVP. If he couldn’t make a difference for the Falcons, then why would Peppers. I can see it now, he didn’t go to an SEC school, or he only got 10 sacks or make up a few. How about them Dawgs.
Matt
February 1st, 2010
3:06 pm
Inconsistent? Are you kidding me. He has avg 10 sacks per year since entering the league despite the 2 sack year he had when he was sick the entire season. I’m a Carolina fan living in Atlanta and it baffles me with the responses. I hope he doesn’t leave but the Falcons have nothing compared ot this guy. He is third in sacks over the last 10 yrs to Jason Thomas and Dwight Freeney. Come on!!!
Matt
February 1st, 2010
3:09 pm
If you want inconcsistent then look no further then Abraham’s stats.
Nativebird
February 1st, 2010
3:12 pm
Yes. no brainer. get him. and a corner in FA. draft everything else.
LuwellaThornton
February 1st, 2010
3:12 pm
Navigator: Schaub didnt make a difference because Vick was starting ahead of Shaub. Schaub should have displaced Vick as the starter because he had the better arm, was more accurate, was more dedicated and was significantly smarter than Vick and could think like a quarterback. Plus, Schaub was dedicated to excellence, where Vick was fascinated and supremely dedicated to dogfighting..Schaub should have been the choice all along but the people making the decisions, Jim Mora, Arthur Blank etc. were too dumb to realize Schaub was a keeper. I kept blogging incessintly that Schaub was destined for greatness, but I kept getting abused on the airwaives. It turned out I was right because NOT ONLY DID SCHAUB pass for more yards than Peyton Manning, Brett Farve and Drew Brees this year, the 3 best qbs in the nfl; Schaub passed the afc to win the pro bowl and won mvp honors in the pro bowl (ABSOLUTE VINDICATION THAT SCHAUB HAS MOVED TO THE HEAD OF THE CLASS).Schaub was a class act but he was mistreated in Atlanta because Vick was given so much money ($250 million) that it was too late to reverse what had happened.
Bill
February 1st, 2010
3:13 pm
We need to find a way to pressure Brees, DO IT!
jayjay
February 1st, 2010
3:15 pm
FYI….you might like to view the Charlotte Observer Sport Page online. Get a sense for what Panther fans think of Peppers…..great potential, spotty at best effort, poor leadership skills (a head case much of the time), has exceptional games or strings of games….the key here is to not over pay.
I think you could be right Jeff…get this guy in at the right price and you might get a fantastic year out of him, but after a year its an even bet at best.
gt
February 1st, 2010
3:15 pm
How good is Peppers now. He is old and I am not sure his position has room for age. Gonzalez may be different because he has hands, and Turner still was young.