Julius Peppers Officially Alerts Panthers That He 'Needs a Change,' Wants Out

Julius Peppers has, since drafted by the Carolina Panthers as the second overall pick in 2002, been the face of the organization on many fronts. But following the end of the Panthers' season, he made some comments which, at the time, made it appear as if he was fully prepared to move on from Charlotte and would prefer not to be franchised by the organization.

However, there was certainly no official indication that Peppers wanted to play elsewhere. At least until today, when his agent, Carl Carey, issued a statement to ESPN (bypassing the local media is certainly a subtle brush-off too, mind you) that informed the Panthers he has no interest whatsoever in remaining with the team.

"The front office has been informed of my desire to explore opportunities with other NFL teams following the expiration of my contract next month," Peppers said in a statement released to ESPN through his agent, Carl Carey. "At this point in my career, I am seeking new challenges that will allow me to grow, develop and reach my personal potential on the football field.

"I strongly feel that making a move at this time is in my best interest. I appreciate the entire Panthers organization and am thankful for the seven seasons I've spent with the team."

It should be noted that the Panthers have attempted to re-sign Peppers over the past year, even after his absolutely embarrassing and horrid 2007 season. It should also be especially noted that the Panthers have the option of franchising Peppers with a one-year, $17 million contract.

And much of the reason for Peppers' statement probably revolves around that second fact; the Panthers don't actually have to negotiate with him at all and can keep him in Charlotte, effectively minimizing the number of years he can leverage into a long term deal.

What can we expect from the Panthers then? A franchise tag anyway, but one that will result in a trade to another franchise. Peppers was a Pro-Bowler this year and still has some good years in front of him, especially if he's able to land in a 3-4 defense (where he thinks he'll be more successful). But thinking the Panthers will just let him walk is probably a little silly, especially considering the way he's treated the franchise over the past year or so.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)

1-17-2009 @ 3:18PM

spitfire said...

Don't like being on a 12-4 team?

Good. Bye.

1-17-2009 @ 3:03PM

knute9 said...

The Jets play a 3-4 defense...he would be a perfect fit !

1-17-2009 @ 3:06PM

Johnny G said...

How would Julius Peppers feel about joining the Detroit Lions? Sam Bradford thought twice about changing organizations.

1-17-2009 @ 3:45PM

tonymaner said...

Peppers is one of the players the Panthers should get rid of. He is far from a great player and the Panthers can do much better than Peppers, in a trade. Detroit has several players (very good players) the Panthers could use. Peppers and Detroit go well together, they are both loosers. Oh, by the way I am a Pittsburg fan but being a fan of the NFL, I don't like seeing a player who thinks he is better than he really is, take advantage of any organization. There are many players that are very good, that would help the Panthers.

1-17-2009 @ 4:23PM

ou812msb said...

you guys are idiots.....peppers is carolinas defense....look at the numbers!!!!

1-17-2009 @ 4:24PM

ps tonymaner.....some people just need a change of scenery...doesnt mean he thinks hes better then them......idiot.

1-17-2009 @ 5:39PM

milesb1213 said...

I think he should go to the Browns, Mangini knows how to use him

1-17-2009 @ 5:53PM

soulcitysigma1914 said...

peppers is great, but not exactly $17 million/year great. If the only option is to franchise him, he should be let go. the panthers should be able to find a defensive lineman who is not quite as good but who will take a much lower paycheck and be more bang for the buck.

1-17-2009 @ 7:38PM

dave said...

This clown looks better than he plays. Great physical specimen that can make the incredible play then disappears for the next ten while his team is getting gashed. I don't know who will overpay-Cowboys? Raiders? Redskins? Glad to see he appreciates the tens of millions the organization gave him. Thankfully I am a Steeler fan and know that they will not break the bank for this ingrate.

1-17-2009 @ 6:53PM

pscashn said...

This Packer fan would love to see a D-Fense built around him. I watched him live the last 2 times they played the Pack and he was everywhere and I never seen him take a play off. I've seen him make plays everywhere on the field he's a stud

1-17-2009 @ 7:56PM

OrangeChuckE said...

Franchise him and then find a defensive oriented team with a high first round draft pick who will trade the pick for him. I like Peppers but I don't want anyone to be a Panther who doesn't want to be. At worst, he has to suffer one more year and now we can make sure Jordan Gross gets his long term deal. The only thing is, if you trade Peppers, you better have a DE in the draft you absolutely love who will go in the area you make the trade for or someone out there in free agency who will be an impact player. I am sure though there is a team drafting high enough and willing to take him and then everyone will be happy.

1-17-2009 @ 9:48PM

well said OrangeChucke, i think there is a team out there that will take that $17mil price tag off our hands in a trade too

1-17-2009 @ 8:54PM

saamgc said...

Julius we are surprised..If you can not stand the heat...

1-17-2009 @ 9:18PM

Sieben said...

I was praying it was T.O.

1-17-2009 @ 11:32PM

Jessie said...

Peppers is one of the best definsive players in the NFL and I do understand his frustration after their last playoff game. I'ts quite unfair of the writer to mention Pepper's 2007 season without mentioning his injuries and illnesses during that year. He wasn't at 90% for many of the games. This last playoff game had it's problems when Carolina's run was shut down. Jake's arm hasn't been the same since his elbow injury and Carolina doesn't have a decent backup QB. I was hoping Lucas wanted to go. Either he's too old or something. His play is way off and he needs to be replaced. Hopefully Jake's arm will come back strong next year. He has great receivers.

1-18-2009 @ 1:05PM

Chris Beaupre said...

Come on up to new England Julius! It's a GREAT place to grow!!

1-18-2009 @ 1:39PM

Jim said...

This is stupid. You don'tkeep a player that wants to leave. I think a franchise tag would be the worst thing to do. Say good-bye and good luck.

1-18-2009 @ 2:17PM

hey pearson! said...

Obviously the reason to franchise him is to trade him. He doesn't want to be here anymore because he can't handle the pressure of being the face of the franchise. Why anyone wants to leave a 12-4 team I will never understand but we should be able to get a nice 1st rounder out of Pep where we can address getting either another D-lineman to replace him or that franchise QB we've never had.

1-22-2009 @ 1:09PM

tpkawasaki said...

get rid of him and get somebody who wants to play for Mr Richardson, a great man. He thinks he's better than the team. Wherever he goes, I hope we play him soon and rip him to shreds