Even though our Saints still have one game to win, it's getting closer and closer to the time where we'll be needing to consider what sort of needs our team needs to fill in the off season, and so with that, I introduce my first in a series of posts about potential free agents who I think would be a great fit in Black and Gold. In this edition we'll discuss the possibility and the pros and cons of the Saints going after Julius Peppers.
The Pros: Peppers underperformed his one-year $16+ Mil. deal with the Panthers. Though still producing 10.5 sacks, he no longer is considered to be the most fearsome lineman in the league. This could mean a new low low sale price on a Peppers contract. Swiping a still productive pass rusher from a division rival surely adds a little to Peppers' value.
The Cons: Let's face it, Peppers is aging. Signing him to a long term deal would probably be ill advised. He also made clear last off season his desire to play in a 3-4 defense. While the Saints currently use a 4-3, we did in fact see some 3-4 on occasion. Despite his desire to play in 3-4, Peppers is still considered to be a perfect fit in a 4-3 as pass rushing Defensive end.
Stat Party:
Season | Team | Tackles | Interceptions | Fumbles | |||||||||||
G | GS | Comb | Total | Ast | Sck | SFTY | PDef | Int | Yds | Avg | Lng | TDs | FF | ||
2009 | Carolina Panthers | 16 | 14 | 42 | 36 | 6 | 10.5 | 0 | 5 | 2 | 13 | 6.5 | 13T | 1 | 5 |
2008 | Carolina Panthers | 16 | 16 | 51 | 40 | 11 | 14.5 | -- | 5 | -- | -- | 0.0 | -- | -- | 5 |
2007 | Carolina Panthers | 14 | 14 | 38 | 30 | 8 | 2.5 | -- | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 3 |