The past few off-seasons have been frustrating at best for Panthers defensive end Julius Peppers, with the Carolina brass choosing to keep him in the fold one season at a time with the dreaded franchise tag. Obviously, the money that’s come along with that tag hasn’t been all that bad for Peppers, but there’s little doubt that the All-Pro pass rusher has been ready to leave town for a long time, and this year he just might get his wish.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Panthers are not expected to keep Peppers around via the franchise tag this time, in light of the likely $20 million a season cost it would bring. But if they choose not to use that label on Peppers, it’s doubtful that he would stick around to see if a long term deal is in the works, opening him up to a free agent market that is likely to be a thin one given the potential uncapped season looming.

“I think most people who have looked at the situation have understood the complexity of it for the Panthers. What I’m more surprised by is the silent treatment that they’re giving Julius at this time. We have had a very respectful relationship with the organization and this is very much unlike what I’m used to seeing from them.”

– Agent Carl Carey

At 30 years old, Peppers still has plenty of fuel in the tank and could be an intriguing pick up for a number of teams in need of a quality pass rusher, including New England, who made a public run at bringing him to Foxborough last off-season, before the Panthers locked him up with the franchise tag. Another interesting option would be Kansas City, with a bevy of cash to spend and a perfect setup for Peppers’ talents under newly hired defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel, who’s well known for his skill in working with defensive line and pass rushers.

The NFL free agency period begins at 12:00 am on March 1st.

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