Julius Peppers In DC? Don't Count On It.

Julius Peppers just announced he wanted out of Carolina so that he could reach his full potential by playing in a 3-4 scheme.

"I am seeking new challenges that will allow me to grow, develop and reach my personal potential on the football field," Peppers said. "I strongly feel that making a move at this time is in my best interest. I appreciate the entire Panthers organization and am thankful for the seven seasons I've spent with the team."

Translation: "I don't want to play for this underachieving bunch of losers anymore. I want to win and play in a bigger market."

Carolina has been the chic Super Bowl pick in several recent seasons, but they have often failed to reach the play-offs largely due to injuries and poor QB play. This year, they looked like they had broken through with the emergence of Jon Beason and a terrific 1-2 punch at running back in Deangelo Williams and Johnathan Stewart. But Jake Delhomme scuttled their chances with a horrific night against the Cardinals last week.

I would say Peppers wants a big payday from a team with a legit signalcaller. He's a superstar caliber player who would probably get a lot more recognition if he played in a bigger market. He's a tremendous athlete who would be a great fit in a 3-4 defense.

My only question about him is the dismal 2.5 sack season in 2007. Will he have another season like that? If so, I don't know if he's worth the trouble. It might take time for him to adjust to a 3-4 defense.

Perhaps his whole desire to play in a 3-4 is just a ploy to sneak his way out of Carolina, and Peppers will end up with the highest bidder. Regardless, Peppers will be a top free agent should the Panthers let him walk without putting a franchise tag on him.

If he wants to play in a 3-4, Peppers could very well land in Baltimore where the Ravens might lose Terrell Suggs to free agency. The Cowboys might be cap-strapped, but they love to go after those big names so they could try to squeeze Peppers onboard. However, they seem to want to sign Demarcus Ware to a big contract so that leaves a Peppers signing unlikely.

Many Skins fans have expressed a desire to see Peppers in DC, but with our cap woes and poor decisions in free agency, I would be skeptical towards bringing Peppers in. Jason Taylor was a complete bust in his first year, but I think he might be able to have a bigger impact this year, if he can stay healthy.

I don't expect much from the Skins this year, so I really want to see them try and build a team instead of slapping together a bunch of new acquisitions only to see them go 8-8. There are cheaper free agents out there and other needs that can be filled with all the money it would take to bring in Peppers.