INDIANAPOLIS -- The Green Bay Packers apparently think Julius Peppers did enough in his first year that he's worth bringing back.
Even at a high price.
Coach Mike McCarthy seemed perplexed by the question Thursday at the NFL scouting combine.
He said without hesitation that Peppers, who has two years remaining on his contract, will return next season.
"I must be the only one who doesn't understand why that question keeps coming up," McCarthy said. "Yeah, I definitely believe Julius Peppers is going to be here. He was very comfortable. He had a great year. He made an impact both on the field and in the locker room. It was unique to get to know Julius Peppers through the process of once he signed as a free agent. I think he looks great in green and gold."
It's an issue because of Peppers' salary. He's due to make $9.5 million (an $8.5 million base salary plus $500,000 roster and workout bonuses). The Packers structured the three-year, $26 million deal they did with Peppers last March in a way that they would get $7 million in salary-cap savings if they released him after just one season, making it essentially a one-year trial for the 34-year-old veteran.
However, the Packers were pleased with Peppers' production -- 9.5 sacks, two interceptions and six forced fumbles, including playoffs -- and the flexibility he gave McCarthy and defensive coordinator Dom Capers.
Without Peppers, who played primarily outside linebacker rather than defensive end for the first time in his career, the Packers might not have been able to move Clay Matthews to inside linebacker at midseason to help the run defense.
Asked if he got what he had hoped out of Peppers when he signed him, general manager Ted Thompson said: "Yes. I like him."
