It’s the NFL offseason and we’re about six months away from the next football game. Naturally, we’re looking ahead to 2014. Here’s a lis...
It’s the NFL offseason and we’re about six months away from the next football game. Naturally, we’re looking ahead to 2014. Here’s a list of five defensive linemen who need to step up next season — or risk being benched, or replaced.
Julius Peppers, Chicago Bears
Julius Peppers (left) and Robert Griffin III (Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports)
Peppers has had an outstanding career, but it’s clear that the 34 year old’s best football is behind him. Headed into the fifth year of his monstrous six-year, $84 million contract, Peppers now has to justify his salary, due $38.8 million over the final two years of his deal. Chicago, strapped for salary cap space with another massive contract to quarterback Jay Cutler, is reportedly set to ask Peppers to restructure, and the team could consider parting ways with the veteran pass rusher if a new agreement can’t be worked out.
Last season, Peppers had 45 tackles and seven sacks, his lowest total since 2007. For the money the Bears are paying him, that’s nowhere near enough production. Peppers may have already played his final snap in Chicago, but if he returns to Soldier Field next season, he’ll have to increase his production. Otherwise, there’s almost no way he’ll see out the final year of his contract.
Fletcher Cox, Philadelphia Eagles
Fletcher Cox (John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports)
Cox has been in the NFL for only two seasons, yet, he lands on this list because of a couple of reasons: high expectations and a regression. In his rookie year, Cox started nine games, but registered 41 tackles and 5.5 sacks. The Eagles were looking for more out of the former 12th-overall draft pick, but 2013 saw Cox pick up just 39 tackles and three sacks in 16 starts.
Cox still has two more years out of his rookie deal, so he has time to prove himself. But if the defensive end’s production continues to decline, the Eagles may consider offering more playing time to other options, and could possibly look to float Cox’s name as potential trade bait.
Jason Pierre-Paul, New York Giants
Jason Pierre-Paul (Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports)
Pierre-Paul’s 2011 season, in which he compiled 16.5 sacks in a breakout performance, established expectations that placed the defensive end among the NFL’s elite pass rushers. The following two seasons, however, have fallen well short of expectations. Pierre-Paul has been dealing with a nagging back injury that has limited his explosion off the end. By the start of next season, he’s expected to be back to full strength.
Pierre Paul has two more years remaining on his rookie contract, although the final season is likely to be voided as the 25 year old looks for a more lucrative deal. Next season is the time for Pierre-Paul to show that 2011 wasn’t a fluke. Registering 27 tackles and two sacks in 11 games, his output from last season, isn’t going to get it done.
Also making the cut
Cameron Heyward, Pittsburgh Steelers
Heyward is in the final season of his rookie contract and is playing for his future — whether it’s with the Steelers, or elsewhere. The former 31st-overall draft pick was a regular starter for the first time last season. While his 59 tackles and five sacks were career highs, he would set himself up for a big payday with a breakout season in 2014.
Dion Jordan, Miami Dolphins
Jordan just completed his rookie season, but his inclusion on this list is because of a disappointing campaign in which he generated only 27 tackles and two sacks. The Dolphins brought Jordan along slowly, so he could still develop into a decent pass rusher, but part of his limited playing time was due to difficulties in picking up the scheme. Former general manager Jeff Ireland, who drafted Jordan last year, has been fired. Dennis Hickey replaced Ireland and now Jordan must prove himself worthy to the new administration.
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