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There is little question that Julius Peppers has been worth the money that the Bears have shelled out to him since he joined the team back in 2010 as a free agent. In his three seasons in Chicago he's racked up 30.5 sacks, two interceptions, eight forced fumbles and 15 deflected passes.
However, Peppers is 33 and will make $12.9 million this year and is scheduled to make $13.9 million next year and $16.5 million in 2015, leading to speculation that this could end up being his last season in Chicago due to his high salary and age. Peppers has been to three straight Pro-Bowls with the Bears and was an All-Pro in 2010. He should be set for another great year and I sincerely hope it isn't his last in Chicago.
Being on the defensive line with teammates Henry Melton, Corey Wootton and Shea McClellin means that there are plenty of guys that the team can rotate out to strike fear into opposing offensive lines. Especially on passing downs when the aforementioned four could all be on the field together. That combination of strength and speed could be one of the best third-down pass-rushing units in the league.
So exactly how big will Peppers' numbers be this year? He should see his usual numbers, but at the same time, the wealth of big plays should be spread between Wootton and Melton mainly, but also McClellin, Stephan Paea and Nate Collins, among others.
Sacks: Over/under 11.25
Forced fumbles: Over/under 4.5
Pass deflections: Over/under 3
Tackles: Over/under 31.5
Tackles for loss: Over/under 13.5
Side bets:
Odds he gets 15 sacks
Odds he leads the team in sacks
Odds he scores a TD
What do you expect from Peppers this year?
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