Defensive Notes
Stuff keeps happening in the NFL, so there have been some developments since the magazine left our hands a couple of weeks ago....
Julius Peppers staying put. Julius Peppers has signed his one-year franchise tender, so all indications are that the defensive end isn't going anywhere this season. This is good news for Carolina -- they really can't afford to lose his pass-rushing presence -- and the Panthers' defense.
Greg Ellis to the Raiders. Ellis had 8 sacks for the Cowboys last year, and now he's back in his preferred role, playing defensive end in a 4-3. The Raiders desperately needed someone who could get after the quarterback, and there's reason to believe Ellis still has some game left. Dallas was tired of Ellis complaining about his contract and role, but didn't feel confident enough in his replacement to dump the veteran before now. Watch to see if the Raiders trade Derrick Burgess, which would ensure Ellis a starting role.
Michael Boley surgery. The former Falcons linebacker was projected as a strong-side starter for the Giants, so being sidelined for the next 8-10 weeks after hip flexor surgery is a definite blow to New York's defense. The Giants have plenty of depth, but now may be counting on rookie Clint Sintim a little more than they'd planned.
Broncos cut Boss Bailey. Josh McDaniels isn't afraid to mix things up with his star quarterback or wideout, now he's separating the Bailey brothers. Cutting Bailey, who the team didn't believe would fit into its new 3-4, reduces the number of lousy defenders on the team's roster, but rest assured they'll have a bunch that find their way into the starting lineup regardless. Jarvis Moss looks like a candidate for Bailey's spot at outside linebacker.
Rodney Harrison retires. The Patriots weren't likely to bring Harrison back anyway, but now it's even more certain that Brandon Merriweather will be the team's strong safety, and an intriguing IDP option at the position. He was very productive during the second half of last season.
Kansas City signs safety Mike Brown. There's nothing wrong with the opportunistic former Bear's ability, but rather his durability; he's been unable to stay healthy in recent years. Still, Brown can play, and should be a nice third safety for this team. Kansas City's defense is a long way of achieving fantasy relevance, but you have to like some of the moves they've made this offseason.
Packer news and notes. Rookie B.J. Raji has been practicing at both end and nose tackle. Although the Packers are switching to a base 3-4, Dom Capers' defenses use a lot of 4-3 looks, too, so Raji -- arguably the most talented defensive lineman in the draft -- will need to be versatile. If he and Ryan Pickett are able to stuff the run, Green Bay's opportunistic secondary will get a chance to rank near the top of the league in interceptions and defensive touchdowns again. Safety Nick Collins, by the way, reported to mandatory minicamp, although he's still a candidate to holdout of the start of training camp while seeking a new contract.
--Andy Richardson
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