Expect the unexpected in the NFL offseason. from zhangzk's blog

 Every offseason http://www.jacksonvillejaguarsteamonline.com/jawaan-taylor-jersey , we expect certain things to happen, and they just don’t. Last year, many people expected Kirk Cousins to sign with the Jets or Broncos, and he ended up on the Vikings. Nobody expected Sammy Watkins or Jerick McKinnon to get the type of money they made, considering neither of them are in the top-20 at their position. Nobody realized that the Legion of Boom would finally come to an end, and it did.Things happen for reasons that will never be explained, and that’s a part of sports. Owners and general managers don’t need to go in depth why they made certain decisions, just like most other businesses. So, fans sit there lost not knowing what went wrong.We’ve seen the coaching cycle nearly complete, which means we’re getting that much closer to the offseason. The beginning of March is when free agency officially begins, which is when you see players sign with teams. Before that, you can see players get traded around the league http://www.jacksonvillejaguarsteamonline.com/gardner-minshew-ii-jersey , but it doesn’t become official until the designated date. That happened a lot last season and should be expected to happen a lot again so teams can jump the ball.The offseason isn’t as exciting as the season itself, but it’s a lot of fun to see where some of these players go. Talented players may choose to enter free agency and see what other opportunities there are. Some players will have no choice, and get traded. We will break down some blockbuster trades and signings that will occur. CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Carolina’s Julius Peppers has announced his retirement after 17 NFL seasons, nine Pro Bowl appearances and six All-Pro selections.Peppers spent the first eight seasons of his career with the Panthers, then played four with Chicago, three with Green Bay and his final two seasons back with Carolina. He missed four games in 2002, his rookie season, then played in 254 out of a possible 256 games over the rest of his career.Peppers finished his career with 159 1/2 sacks, fourth-most in NFL history. The defensive end is the only player in league history with at least 150 sacks and 10 interceptions — he had 11 of those — and also blocked 13 field goals and extra-point attempts.Peppers announced his retirement in an essay published Friday by The Players Tribune. He says he still feels good, but knows football could not last forever.“The Super Bowl ring eluded me, but I don’t need that to validate me http://www.losangelesramsteamonline.com/darrell-henderson-jersey ,” Peppers wrote. “I would have loved to have helped deliver that to the fans in Carolina, but I’m content with the career that I had.”Peppers had 97 of his sacks in a Carolina uniform, setting the franchise record there.“Julius is one of the greatest to ever play the game of football,” Panthers coach Ron Rivera said. “To put up the numbers he did for as long as he did speaks to his incredible talent and commitment. He is a leader in the locker room and in the community. Getting to know him over the last two seasons has been tremendous because of the type of person he is.”Peppers finished with a consecutive-games-played streak of 176, the second-longest such run in the NFL right now behind Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers. Peppers, who turned 39 earlier this month, also was the oldest active defensive player in the league.“In getting to know Julius over these past months, I’ve learned that he is a man of few words. When he speaks, everyone listens,” Panthers owner David Tepper said. “With that in mind, I will be brief. He’s one of the best to ever wear a Carolina uniform. He carries himself with dignity, integrity and class http://www.minnesotavikingsteamonline.com/irv-smith-jr.-jersey , and will always be a Panther.”Peppers played his college football at North Carolina, where he also excelled as a member of the Tar Heels’ basketball team. He was the No. 2 selection by Carolina in the 2002 NFL draft, and was defensive rookie of the year that season.He is the Panthers’ nominee for the 2018 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year, which will be awarded Saturday on the eve of Super Bowl LIII. Peppers has been an advocate for those adversely affected by Hurricane Florence, which hammered coastal areas in North Carolina and South Carolina last fall.“What he did for the people affected by Hurricane Florence, getting involved and bringing them hope, says a lot about him,” Rivera said. “I’m proud that I get to say that I was one of his coaches, and I think it’s fitting that he gets to end his career as a Carolina Panther.”