This annoys me a bit. Anyone who says Peppers wouldn't be worth a 2nd round pick is crazy. What are the chances of finding someone as talented as him in the 2nd round? Certainly possible, but getting Peppers for a 2nd takes the guessing out of it. You KNOW you're getting an extremely talented and productive player.
Regardless of the transition he may need, having talent like that is a good problem to have.
If I was Ted Thompson, I would be sending out a 2nd round pick and a 5th-6th to nab this guy in a heart beat, regardless if we would have to pay him. You have to pay for talent, that's not going to change. You want someone as talented as Julius Peppers, you're going to have to pay him. If you prefer the cheaper route, you're going to get guys like Brady Poppinga (whom I like, but he is no Peppers). I want some difference makers.
As far as the locker room argument, I don't buy it. If I was on a team, I would want as many talented players on the team as possible to increase my chances of WINNING!! Players understand how free agency works and that a new player might be making more then them. The only players that it is likely to piss off is players simply concerned about money. Any player more concerned about winning would welcome elite talent on their team.
Yes, I am a bit frustrated about the value the Patriots will getting.