FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Just because it’s Pro Bowl doesn’t mean there isn’t some offseason recruiting going on as well. As in players recruiting each other.

During the NFC team practice Wednesday morning, it was apparent that some players will have to compromise when it comes to jersey numbers. At one point during a very light practice, the entire defensive line for the NFC — Darnell Dockett, Jay Ratliff and Julius Peppers — were all wearing their customary No. 90. That’s probably not going to fly come game time.

When I suggested to Dockett a creative tie-breaker could be found, he already had his own solution. He openly campaigned for Peppers to join him on the Arizona Cardinals.

“If I can get Peppers to come play with me, I’ll gladly give up No. 90,” Dockett said.

Dockett likely isn’t the only player recruiting Peppers, who is a pending free agent. Peppers played under the franchise tag in 2009, and his agent said earlier this month they are waiting for the Carolina Panthers to publicly announce their intentions about the five-time Pro Bowler.

– Frank Tadych

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