Report: Carolina to Allow Peppers to Walk

[theFRANCHISE]

Via Adam Schefter's [url="http://twitter.com/Adam_Schefter/status/9509087105"]Twitter feed[/url], the Carolina Panthers have opted NOT to use the franchise tag on disgruntled Pro Bowl DE Julius Peppers and will allow him to leave via free agency. Though this does not exclude the possibility of the Panthers signing him later, it remains all but a foregone conclusion that Peppers will not return to Carolina and that he will get his wish of playing for a new team.

I can almost sense Peppers going to the Packers or another NFC team in need of an upgrade at defensive end. Peppers had expressed interest in the past of going to Green Bay (though it remains to be seen whether his feelings have since changed), and they could certainly use someone opposite Aaron Kampman after Kampman's underwhelming transition to playing OLB. I feel as if he'd opt to go to an NFC team in general, however, because of the familiarity with opposing NFC teams throughout the years, which would be advantageous in the playoffs. But more importantly, Peppers will opt to go for a championship contender even though the biggest source of his discontent was his contract.

[Guest I-70WestRaven]

I could see the Pack wanting him. The NFC North is not a real impressive division, and if Favre does retire (again), stuffing Peterson could pretty much negate the Vikes. Rogers is the big gun up there and a good one, makes sense if I were them. Of course I'm not and the money will come flying from someone. [img]http://boards.baltimoreravens.com/public/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif[/img]

[Bltravens]

Packers could def go after them, itd make their pass rush even more insane and a threat opposite Matthews. Just wondering if he could play coverage, because Matthews can hardly do that and that leaves two sides of the field vulnerable.

[Guest I-70WestRaven]

If they address those issues of covage, and add Peppers, the whole NFC is going to have some serious problems with them. The Pack is really doing a nice job of loading up, under the radar. You're not hearing alot about them right now, but just a couple of good personal moves and look out!

[Wacko4Zacko]

They drafted Everette Brown last year, so i wouldnt be shocked to see them go defense in this years draft.They have the 47th pick overall..... because they traded thier 1st round pick. Im thinking maybe Alabamas DT Terrence Cody, but idk. This may be a long shot, but maybe jerry Hughes falls to the panthers.

[FerrariFan87]

This isn't surprising considering the nearly $20M guaranteed they would owe him if they slapped him with the Franchise Tag... I am thinking he will be better suited to a 4-3 scheme, but I think he will just follow the $$

[Wacko4Zacko]

Atleast Everette Brown got to play beside him for 1 year. Now he has experience from one of the best DE in the league.