Peppers says he wants to explore free agency

Defensive end Julius Peppers ready to leave Carolina Panthers - ESPN (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3839736)

Of course we don't want a thread for every free agent who says he wants out, but in this case Peppers is one of those game changer/play maker/physical freaks that can change our defense. If the Panthers allow him to test the market he jumps Haynesworth (motivation questions once he gets his $) and Gross (position change and $ questions) to the top of the Redskins board.

I know the big "need" for a DT but drafting a DT (which this draft lacks an elite group) can be done in the 2nd (assuming trade) or 3rd round. There's no-one in this draft that rivals what Peppers can bring to the table for us.

Assuming Taylor doesn't return, which at $8 million is a virtual certainty, Peppers is a perfect compliment to Carter. He already plays the opposite end, is strong against the run and can drop down to DT in a pinch.

I personally would not spend money on a 29 yr old Peppers. We have greater needs on both lines, which is why I would sign Haynesworth (or at least make an offer). Remeber Pepper was bad in 07, and 08 was a contract year so I'm kinda heisitant to give money to him, Haynesworth made the pro bowl in both 07 and 08 with no chance of FA or a trade.

I would jettison JT today if we were committed to going after Peppers. Then if a stud DT is available when our first pick comes up, it would be tempting to make our DL dominant. I would argue that the biggest reason Baltimore returned to an elite D was the drafting of Haloti Ngata at #12 overall. I believe JT is much better suited to being a 3-4 pass rushing OLB given his advanced age and lack of bulk. He is a poor fit for what Blache wants to do.

I personally would not spend money on a 29 yr old Peppers. We have greater needs on both lines, which is why I would sign Haynesworth (or at least make an offer). Remeber Pepper was bad in 07, and 08 was a contract year so I'm kinda heisitant to give money to him, Haynesworth made the pro bowl in both 07 and 08 with no chance of FA or a trade.

both years were contract years for haynesworth he was franchised this year. this guy has stubblefeild written all over him.

both years were contract years for haynesworth he was franchised this year. this guy has stubblefeild written all over him.

EXACTLY! I can't see him sustaining his level once he gets paid. He was average prior to '07 and made more headlines for head stomping Gurode than his play until he was in a contract year.

This illustrates the insanity of the relationship between the Redskins and the fans. People get all bent when the team spends money on these big name free agents, but at the same time the fans are always pushing for these type of signings.

Absolutely not. Peppers is old and some years seems to lack motivation, he's also reportedly looking for Dwight Freeney + money. If we go after a big name, how about the 27 year old Karlos Dansby -- either way I dont think we can afford any of them.

Anyone watch Peppers get shut down by Mike Gandy in the Divisional Playoffs? The announcers kept talking about how great/wonderful/dangerous/god-like Peppers was and I kept watching Gandy handle him.

both years were contract years for haynesworth he was franchised this year. this guy has stubblefeild written all over him.

I would still make an offer to Haynesworth whether he's the next Stubblefield or not, the guy is 26 and has much more upside and talent before Stubblefield came to DC, but I'm not going to debate that.

Bottom Line is that I wouldn't give a 29 yr old Peppers a new contract. DE is not a pressing need.

no way would i take the risk with haynesworth. the money is way to high with a lot of character issues, though i feel d tackle is our biggest need on defense