The well-respected Vic Carucci of NFL.com is reporting that the Patriots remain interested in the Carolina star. Carucci reported last offseason that New England was taking a look at trading for Peppers, and has this today on the Web site:
We reported in this space a year ago that it was likely the Panthers would trade Peppers to the New England Patriots after he signed his one-year, franchise-tag contract. The deal never happened, but sources say the Pats, whose inability to consistently pressure the quarterback was their biggest drawback last season, remain very interested in acquiring Peppers. They're encouraged that they could gain some leverage if the field for bidders is reduced by possible restrictions on the final eight playoff teams to sign free agents.
However, New England faces a challenge in putting together a strong enough contract to land Peppers while also being able to re-sign nose tackle Vince Wilfork and signing quarterback Tom Brady to a long-term contract in the near future. The Patriots could place a franchise tag on Wilfork for $7 million, although he would clearly be unhappy by such a move.
Fit is important for Peppers. That's not to say he's going somewhere at a cut-rate price because it feels right (he's gonna get his money), but it is to say that identifying "the best place" for Peppers isn't necessarily going to be a purely financial thing.
No comments:
Post a Comment