The St. Paul Pioneer Press has reported twice in the last week that the Minnesota Vikings have been in talks with the Carolina Panthers about a deal that would include DE, Julius Peppers. Also, after the news broke about Bryant McKinnie and his alleged actions outside a Florida night club, head coach Brad Childress declined to make specific comments regarding the left tackles future with the team. If there have been discussions between the two sides, and McKinnie is involved, why would the Panthers want to deal for a player that could be facing a suspension?
Peppers, in my opinion, is a far better talent than Bryant McKinnie and a trade would more than likely have to include Minnesota’s first round pick (17th Overall). Even if a proposed deal were considered by Carolina, I do not understand the logic behind trading away a player with Peppers abilities.
Minnesota would be a huge winner in that scenario. McKinnie is often overrated because of his size and athleticism. The true facts about McKinnie are that he’s slow off the line and cannot recover in time to protect the passer against a quicker defensive end.
Peppers’ contract has one year remaining and, as reported by Charley Walters of the St. Paul Pioneer Press, the Panthers are considering other options in case they cannot come to terms on an extension. One option may be applying the franchise tag on Julius after the ’08 season. DE is much too hard of a position to fill (you can ask the Vikings about that) and for the Panthers to just give in so early in the process leads me to believe they’re determined to move their star player. I’m shocked that they’d be willing to settle for as little as what has been reportedly discussed.
MJohnson@thenflunderground.com
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