Julius Peppers signed by the Bears (1 Viewer)

[Jene Bramel]

Big contract and not unexpected after two days of rumors, but it's good news for the ever-dwindling pool of two-way 4-3 defensive ends. Alex Brown has said he'd be willing to play the strong side if Peppers signed. Adewale Ogunleye wasn't expected to be back anyway, but this signing should keep that door closed for good.

 

[ADP]

Think Peppers stock rises here to me. He now has a legit end across from him in A. Brown as well as T. Harris in middle. I expect Peppers to see allot less double teams than he normally sees. Also see a big increase in A. Browns totals. He could hit double digit sacks this year based on Peppers alone. (think A. Carter type jump ala Haynesworth)

 

[johnnyboy8102]

Think Peppers stock rises here to me. He now has a legit end across from him in A. Brown as well as T. Harris in middle. I expect Peppers to see allot less double teams than he normally sees. Also see a big increase in A. Browns totals. He could hit double digit sacks this year based on Peppers alone. (think A. Carter type jump ala Haynesworth)

How does this effect Brigg's value now?

 

[Dave Larkin]

Good move by the Bears. I respect the fact that they had clarity and knew what they wanted, and they did what was necessary to go and get Peppers. I think Rod Marinelli is a good defensive line coach who will be able to motivate Peppers into a player that produced in a similar way to what he did in Carolina. He'll make everyone else around him better if he can step up on a consistent basis. That's always been the issue with him - consistency. We simply haven't seen it. In Carolina Pep was asked to be a leader in his final couple of seasons after the departure of a couple of defensive leaders (Rucker and Minter). He couldn't fill that void. Lance Briggs and Urlacher (if he stays around) are clearly the leaders of the Bears defense, so Pep should feel less pressure despite his millions of dollars. I would bump him up a little bit in the rankings, but not a whole lot.

 

[Dolphins Homer]

I think Peppers stays around the same value as the past couple years. The good news is that he stays a 4-3 defensive end which is a big relief to those in dynasty leagues with him as their #1 DL.

I know this has been talked about a little, but does Everette Brown take a full-time role or just a pass rush specialist this year?