Peppers trade?

I wanted to take a moment to comment on the recent NFL.com rumor that Franchise player Julius Peppers was on the verge of being traded to the New England Patriots for a 2nd round pick. This would be a huge steal for the Patriots but I can't begin to imagine this rumor has much truth behind it. If the Panthers would accept only an early 2nd round pick they'd be grossly underselling on Peppers who is one of the best pass rushers in the league. The Patriots would at least have to include their first round pick, 23rd overall, in addition to the early 2nd round pick, 34th overall, that is rumored.

Another reason that this deal doesn't make sense is money. New England has a lot of money tied up in their top players already and have to resign nose tackle Vince Wilfork who is eligible for free agency next off season. The Patriots did get a big boost in money when they traded Matt Cassel and Mike Vrabel to the Kansas City Chiefs for the 34th pick in the draft, but have already used some of that to resign their own players and bring in some free agents like Leigh Bodden and Shawn Springs. While they still have some money to play with they have to save some money to sign their draft picks and to potentially extend Wilfork. Peppers would need to come at an extremely cap friendly deal for him to work for the Patriots.

While I believe that some trade talks probably have occurred, I can't see the Panthers or Peppers accepting less than what they deserve.