Panthers will make no effort to retain DE Peppers

As the Pro Bowl defensive end himself has expected, the Carolina Panthers will make no effort to retain Julius Peppers, who is to be a free agent next month. It has been reported that a confirming statement will be made on Tuesday.

As it has already been expected, the Panthers will not designate Peppers as its franchise player for a second consecutive season, letting the Thursday deadline to designate franchise and transition players pass by. Panthers’ general manager is expected to speak with reporters on Tuesday about the franchise’s decision on Peppers.


It will be anyway good news to Peppers, who has been asking for leave since last offseason. As the Panthers allow him to be free, he could feel free now to choose which team to join for next season. A popular speculation is that he will put on the New England Patriots jersey as the Patriots tried to trade for him last season and begin the pursue again this offseason.