Julius Peppers News: Pro Sports Daily

Peppers also prolific blocker — kick blocker

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March 14

Chicago Tribune

"The ability to sack the quarterback is what defines Julius Peppers as an extremely well-paid opponent to be feared. But like a master guitarist who also plays the keyboard, Peppers brings something else to the band. His hidden value comes in his ability to block kicks. In fact, since he came into the league in 2002, Peppers has nine career blocks according to Stats, Inc. The only player in the NFL with more over that time period is the Browns' Shaun Rogers, who has 12. In essence, Peppers has taken 25 points off the board (eight blocked field goal attempts, one blocked extra point attempt) in his career. "In terms of defensive ends, he's the best at it," said Lions special teams coach ..."

Peppers burns brightly as Firebirds legend

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March 11

Chicago Sun-Times

"Julius Peppers doesn't have a special day or a prominent sign in his hometown. But people throughout Nash County and beyond know all about him. ''He's a big thing in Wilson,'' said David Langston, a native of Wilson, a bigger town about 14 miles east of Bailey. ''He's from this area, and everybody around here knows about everybody.'' Especially Peppers. Tyrone Johnson coaches basketball and track at Beddingfield High School in Wilson, and he recalls Peppers as a dominant athlete. ''I've been here 22 years, and he's the No. 1 athlete to come out of this area -- no doubt about that,'' Johnson said. ''He was unbelievable.'' Peppers was 6-5, 225 pounds, as a freshman at Southern Nash Senior ..."

Peppers' humble beginning

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March 11

Chicago Sun-Times

"Throughout his tenure with the Carolina Panthers, whether he was in downtown Charlotte or near his property on ritzy Lake Norman, Julius Peppers marveled at a consistent pattern. ''I would see people every day,'' Peppers said, ''and most of them weren't even from Charlotte. ''People leave home and do their own thing. That's something I wanted to experience.'' That freedom, however, was begrudgingly granted. Two columnists from The Charlotte Observer wrote that the Panthers overpaid to ''lease'' and ''rent'' Peppers for the 2009 season, and there's a prevailing sentiment among the team's fans that he left only because of money. ''I know there's a lot of people who are mad he left,'' said ..."

Bears make Julius Peppers highest paid on defense in NFL

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March 9

Chicago Sun-Times

"Sometimes, contract numbers can be inflated. But two league executives confirmed that the Bears did, in fact, give Julius Peppers a monster contract that makes him the league's highest-paid defensive player. The six-year deal is worth $84 million, half of which is guaranteed. In addition, Peppers can earn another $7.5 million in incentives, making the maximum total $91.5 million."

Panthers coach Fox: Peppers a heck of a player

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March 9

Chicago Tribune

"In Charlotte, N.C., they still talk about the back-to-back plays Julius Peppers made in a game in Denver in 2004. On third-and-3, he pushed Broncos quarterback Jake Plummer out of bounds on a bootleg after a 2-yard gain. Then on fourth-and-1, he intercepted Plummer's pass and ran it back 97 yards. That is how Peppers will be remembered by John Fox, the only NFL head coach Peppers has known. "Pep's a heck of a player," Fox said Monday. "I knew he'd be a guy who would be one of the first to get signed. He hasn't had any injuries. He's clean as a whistle medically. I know he's 30, but he looks just like he did when he was 22." Fox dispelled the notion that the Bears' new defensive end takes a ..."

Addition of Peppers to Bears' D-line makes Harris a happy lineman

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March 8

Chicago Tribune

columnist Fred Mitchell

"Tommie Harris believes he will be more effective on the Bears' defensive line because of the signing of Julius Peppers. "Who are you going to double-team on our defensive line now? Pick your poison, because you can't double everyone," Harris said. The injury-plagued Harris says he physically is ready to go. "When you play in the NFL you are never going to feel 100 percent, but I do feel better than I have in a long time," he said. "I started a new workout program that includes a lot of work in the swimming pool. I had no idea how much the water could help me train and feel better.""

A little more paper and Peppers would have stayed with Panthers

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March 8

Chicago Tribune

"Free agency never would have happened for Julius Peppers had the Panthers not stopped just short of his asking price last summer. That is what the prized defensive end told the Charlotte Observer after he signed his $91.5 million, six-year deal with the Bears, easily the biggest contract in franchise history. The Panthers placed the franchise tag on Peppers last year at a cost of $16.683 million. They worked up until the July deadline in efforts to sign him long term. Carolina's final offer was $54 million for four seasons. Peppers wanted $60 million for four seasons, a difference of $1.5 million per year. "My feeling is they could have done that," Peppers told the Observer. "If they ..."

Peppers provides spice for Bears' defense

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March 7

Chicago Sun-Times

"In 14 NFL seasons, mostly as a defensive line coach, Brian Baker has coached Pro Bowlers such as Luther Elliss, Leonard Little, Robert Porcher, Kevin Williams and Pat Williams. But when he took over the defensive line of the Carolina Panthers last year, Baker elevated his bar because of Julius Peppers. Peppers could beat offensive linemen with his speed. He could beat them with his power. And he could beat them with his moves. ''He can, with one hand, lift an offensive lineman off his feet and throw him into the quarterback or running back,'' Baker said. ''These are things I've seen him do that I haven't seen any of those other guys do -- or anyone else.'' ''He's a physical freak. I would ..."

Figure Bears to keep Peppers on left side

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March 7

Chicago Tribune

"Signing Julius Peppers to a $91.5 million, six-year contract was the hard part. Now what do the Bears do with him? Logic would dictate that is an easy decision and the free-agent prize will be the starting left defensive end in coach Lovie Smith's defense from now until, well, 2015. But the team wasn't ready to make any definitive statements Friday, a day reserved for celebration at Halas Hall after the team signed him along with tight end Brandon Manumaleuna and running back Chester Taylor. "He has excelled at both (right and left) positions," Smith said. "Even during the course of a game he has been able to do both. We're just going to keep our options open right now. We know he can play ..."

Bear market: Julius Peppers leads Chicago's free-agent haul

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March 6

USA Today

"Julius Peppers got his change of scenery even if he won't be switching positions.The crown jewel of the NFL's unrestricted free agent market, the veteran defensive end signed a six-year contract with the Chicago Bears on Friday. The package is worth up to $91.5 million. Peppers will earn a record $42 million in guaranteed money according to his agent with $20 million to be paid in the first year and $40.5 million over the first three. The 6-7, 283-pound Peppers has 81 sacks since 2002, third-most in the NFL over that span behind Jason Taylor (88) and Dwight Freeney (84). Peppers' pass-rush ability and athleticism helped earn him a spot in the NFL's all-decade team for the 2000s even though ..."

Peppers excited about Bears' tradition

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March 6

Charlotte Observer

"Julius Peppers cited the Chicago Bears' rich history as one of the reasons he's excited about his new NFL home. "Getting to come to a place with the deep-rooted tradition in winning is a great thing for me. It's a wonderful thing," Peppers said Friday after signing a six-year contract reported to be worth $91.5 million, with $42 million in guarantees. After playing for the home-state Carolina Panthers, who have a 15-season history, Peppers joins a Chicago organization that was a charter member of the NFL in 1920. "It's one thing to play football in this league and make a living, but it's a totally different thing to come to a place with a great tradition and rich football culture like the ..."

DE signed to reported 6-year deal in Chicago

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March 6

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

"The Bears became the big player in free agency today when they signed DE Julius Peppers to an reported 6-year deal that could be worth $40-million over the first three years, according to ESPN's John Clayton. But, when the shock of Chicago and GM Jerry Angelo being able to open up their wallets for Peppers wears off, we have to look at this move from a football perspective - and discuss why it is such a big play for the Bears. Head coach Lovie Smith wants to play his Tampa 2 scheme - the same scheme that seems to come under fire when we see attacking, pressure defenses in New York with Rex Ryan and in New Orleans with Gregg Williams and the Super Bowl champion Saints have success."

Bears need Peppers to be as big as his paycheck

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March 6

Chicago Sun-Times

columnist Neil Hayes

"The last time the media was invited inside the Halas Hall auditorium, Jerry Angelo's and Lovie Smith's lips were grim creases as they tried to explain why they shouldn't be fired. Two months to the day later, they were introducing the biggest free-agent haul in team history, and their smiles were so wide they could've eaten Italian beefs sideways. There are always reasons to be skeptical when talking about free agency, where teams often get Albert Haynesworth instead of Reggie White. But this wasn't a day to be skeptical, not after the Bears signed defensive end Julius Peppers, running back Chester Taylor and tight end Brandon Manumaleuna on the first day of free agency Friday. We don't ..."

Peppers' signing completes huge day for Bears

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March 6

Chicago Tribune

"In a bold and swift free-agent strike, the Bears capped a stunning day by finalizing contract terms Friday with five-time Pro Bowl defensive end Julius Peppers. Peppers' six-year deal is worth a whopping $91.5 million, with $42 million guaranteed ($20 million in the first year, $40.5 million over the first three years). Earlier Friday, the Bears agreed to a five-year, $17 million deal ($6 million guaranteed) with tight end Brandon Manumaluena and a four-year, $12.5 million deal ($7 million guaranteed) with running back Chester Taylor. "We weren't looking to make a splash, we're looking to win," Bears general manager Jerry Angelo said at a Halas Hall news conference. Adding the 30-year-old ..."

Bears get main man in Peppers

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March 6

Chicago Tribune

"The constant talk of Julius Peppers taking plays off finally started to annoy Mike Rucker. Before Rucker retired, he toed the defensive line as the Carolina Panthers' right defensive end along with Peppers, who played on the left side until Rucker's retirement in 2008. Rucker watched Peppers evolve into one of the most dominant pass-rushers in the league. "People can write what they want and scouts can say this and that but when you talk to offensive coordinators, are they going to let him go one-on-one against your offensive tackle day in and day out? Rucker posed. "Nine out of 10 times with Julius, that's going to be, 'No.' "At end of the day, if a guy needs to be double-teamed, that's ..."

Chicago Bears spending spree could add up to success

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March 6

Chicago Tribune

columnist David Haugh

"Ted Phillips, you're a terrible liar. But Bears fans will stand in line to forgive you after a day they never will forget. They don't want you to stop telling tall tales now either. Fib your way back into the playoffs if you can. Tell Bears Nation another whopper about being out of money after committing $121 million, including $55 million guaranteed, to three players Friday so you can't afford a safety. Then go out and pursue a safety your team still badly needs. A veteran offensive lineman might be available on the cheap too. And by all means keep shopping for wide receivers. You're not done. Admittedly that sounds like nitpicking after one of the most eye-popping offseason days in Bears ..."

Bears Are Big Spenders in Free Agency

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March 6

New York Times

"Now the N.F.L. knows what happens during free agency without a salary cap: the Chicago Bears turn into the Washington Redskins and the Redskins morph into the Bears. The Bears, one of the most conservative spending franchises, went on a Dan Snyderesque shopping spree on the first day of free agency Friday, agreeing to terms with defensive end Julius Peppers, running back Chester Taylor and tight end Brandon Manumaleuna. Peppers was the jewel of a depleted 2010 free-agent class and the Bears made sure that no other suitor - like the New England Patriots - got a crack at him. Coach Lovie Smith flew to Charlotte early Friday morning and accompanied Peppers and his agent to Chicago to close ..."

Source: Peppers, Bears finalize deal

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March 5

ESPN.com

"The Bears and Julius Peppers finalized a six-year deal to bring the top free agent in 2010 to Chicago, according to a source. Peppers was looking for at least $12 million a year in the early part of the contract. The agreement could be worth $40 million over the first three years. The 6-foot-7, 283-pound Peppers is a five-time Pro Bowler who recorded 10.5 sacks with two interceptions and five forced fumbles last season."

Sources: Peppers and Taylor to Bears imminent

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March 5

Chicago Sun-Times

"The Bears signing of free-agent defensive end Julius Peppers is imminent, according to a source with knowledge of the situation. A separate source has told Sean Jensen of the Sun-Times that former Vikings running back Chester Taylor will also sign with the Bears today. A press conference announcing the signings of Peppers, Taylor and tight end Brandon Manumaleuna is expected to be held at Halas Hall later this afternoon. The source said that although the Patriots and Eagles have also made offers for Peppers, the deal the Bears are offering is worth more per season and it would be a huge upset if Peppers left Halas Hall, where he is visiting today, without signing what is expected to be a ..."

Titans still haven't contacted Peppers

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March 5

Tennessean

"It looks like the Titans have no plans to get into the Julius Peppers sweepstakes. The Carolina defensive end is regarded as the top free agent on the market. Already Friday morning he's on his way to visit the Bears, and a number of teams have expressed an interest. The Titans aren't one of the teams, however."

Peppers will find a new team soon

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March 5

Charlotte Observer

"The bidding has begun and deal-making for the NFL's few elite unrestricted free agents figures to happen rapidly. By the time some readers lay eyes on this article, Julius Peppers may already have a new team. Peppers is the NFL's most prized free agent in a sales market that opened at 12:01 a.m. today. Among teams believed to be gearing up for a run at Peppers were Chicago, Washington, Philadelphia and perhaps New England and Seattle. If previous years are any indication, Peppers could settle on a new deal before the sun rises in the east. Or perhaps, with multiple teams involved, the courtship could last later into the day or perhaps into the weekend. Peppers' now-former team, the ..."

Chicago Bears begin pursuit of Julius Peppers

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March 5

Chicago Tribune

"Panthers defensive end Julius Peppers, the top free agent on the market, has agreed to visit the Bears on Friday, agent Carl Carey told the Tribune as free agency began Thursday night. The Bears also will host running back Chester Taylor — Adrian Peterson's backup with the Vikings — and Rams tight end Brandon Manumaleuna. Agent Ken Sarnoff said Thursday night the Bears are the front-runner to sign Taylor, a restricted free agent. Bears coach Lovie Smith arrived in Charlotte, N.C., early Friday and is expected to return to Chicago later in the day accompanied by Peppers and Carey. No team was allowed to have contact with Peppers until the free agent period officially began at 11:01 p.m., ..."

Seahawks could be favorite to land Peppers

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March 4

Chicago Sun-Times

"The Bears are expected to make a big push to sign defensive end Julius Peppers when free agency starts tonight at 11:01 p.m. CST. But their greatest challenge may be the Seattle Seahawks. The Seahawks aren't afraid to spend money, and former Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, unlike some of his peers, obviously doesn't have any cash flow issues. Word is, Peppers may command a deal that averages about $14 million a year and includes guarantees of up to $40 million. The McCaskey family has approved about $30 million for free agency, so the Bears would have to get creative to land Peppers or free up some more money."

Are Bears guilty of tampering with Peppers?

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March 4

Chicago Tribune

"The Bears could be guilty of tampering if they met last weekend with Julius Peppers' representatives at the NFL scouting combine, as reported by David Kaplan of the Tribune and WGN. The free-agency signing period doesn't begin until 11 p.m. Chicago time Thursday. When contacted by ESPNChicago, an NFL spokesman said: "We do not comment on speculative tampering matters or engage in interpreting the anti-tampering policy.""

Indications are Peppers interested in Bears

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March 3

Chicago Tribune

"As the Bears move closer to free agency, the player believed to be their top target apparently has a strong mutual interest he expressed as early as last year. When defensive end Julius Peppers wanted out of Carolina after the 2008 season, the fourth ``mystery'' team on his wish list was the Bears, a league source familiar with the five-time Pro Bowl selection's trade demands told the Tribune. The others teams were identified as the Cowboys, Eagles and Patriots. Three of those teams — the Bears, Patriots and Eagles — are expected to make a serious run at Peppers when the unrestricted free agent hits the market at 11:01 p.m. Thursday. The free-spending Redskins also figure to make a play, ..."

Price for pass rusher Peppers will be steep

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March 2

Chicago Tribune

"What price pass rush? That is the question the Bears and several other teams are pondering as the start of free agency creeps nearer. When the starting gate opens and the ponies come charging out at 11 p.m. Thursday, as many as seven teams could be headed in Julius Peppers' direction. Among the horses believed to be competing with the Bears are the Redskins and Eagles. Other possibilities include the Giants, Patriots, Browns and Chiefs. Because the free-spending Redskins are involved, it's possible all of the other horses will fall off quickly. One NFL source estimated Peppers' price tag will be in the range of $18 million per year, with $40 million guaranteed. That might be on the high ..."

Julius Peppers might be Eagles' target

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February 28

Philadelphia Inquirer

"Some splashes are bigger than others. For the team that signs Julius Peppers, it would be a cannonball-sized plunge into the NFL free agent waters and one that could leave all competitors soaked. The Eagles have made such a splash before (see: Jevon Kearse, 2004). And there's no reason to believe they won't at least dip their toe into the sweepstakes for the Carolina defensive end. Peppers, for one, is hoping the Eagles are a suitor. According to a league source, the former all-pro defensive end, who will become a free agent Friday, has the "Eagles on his short list of teams." Of course, that doesn't necessarily mean the Eagles have targeted Peppers with a new league year - and, most ..."

Peppers' move draws interest at NFL combine

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February 27

Charlotte Observer

"There was plenty of Julius Peppers buzz Friday at the NFL Scouting Combine. A former general manager questioned whether Carolina's defensive end would receive a free-agent contract as lucrative as what the Panthers offered last year. Two coaches whose teams need pass-rushing help were tight-lipped about whether their clubs would pursue him. And a former coach whose team made the late, great Reggie White the league's first mega-free agent signee 17 years ago discussed whether Peppers could have a similar impact on his new team as White, also a defensive end, had on Green Bay after he left Philadelphia. "As great a player as Julius is, I'd be reluctant to compare anybody to Reggie White," ..."

Urlacher lauds Peppers, but wants 'Wale' to stay

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February 26

Chicago Tribune

"Leading up the Super Bowl, Lance Briggs said he would absolutely love to see Julius Peppers pressuring opposing quarterbacks while in a Bears uniform. And Briggs isn't the only linebacker in town who appreciates Peppers' ability. Brian Urlacher views Peppers as special talent, too. The Bears might just make a run at Peppers when free agency begins next week. "Obviously, just look at what he's done," Urlacher said Thursday, referring to Peppers' 81 career sacks. "The big-play ability he has and he plays hard ... he's just one of the best defensive ends in the NFL. Any team he goes to, he's going to help right away.""

Panthers need to spend that Peppers money

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February 25

Charlotte Observer

"So here's the $20 million question: What are the Carolina Panthers going to do with all that money they just saved? I understand why they don't want to put another franchise tag on defensive end Julius Peppers so they can pay him $20million for the 2010 season. Peppers was already grossly overpaid last year. But I don't want that $20million going back into owner Jerry Richardson's pocket. I want to see evidence of that money on the field. I want to look at the Panthers' bench on opening day this September - the last opening day NFL fans are currently guaranteed - and say, "Now there's a team that could challenge New Orleans." The way the Panthers spend - or don't spend - their Peppers ..."

Replacing Julius Peppers will be team effort for Carolina Panthers

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February 24

Charlotte Observer

"The short answer to how the Carolina Panthers plan to replace Julius Peppers is, they can't. The longer one's more complicated, and goes back to the young players Panthers general manager Marty Hurney talked so much about Tuesday. "Can you fill his shoes? C'mon, it's Julius Peppers," linebacker Jon Beason said Tuesday in a text message. "But we can bring in a guy who will contribute, along with Everette Brown and Charles Johnson, who both have great potential. "As a teammate, my job is to be the best I can be moving forward and support whatever decision the Carolina Panthers make. I'm confident it will be what's best for the team as a whole." The "as a whole" strategy will be the key, as ..."

Lease too high; Peppers' exit had to happen

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February 24

Charlotte Observer

columnist Tom Sorensen

"Anybody who is surprised the Carolina Panthers have decided not to apply the franchise tag to Julius Peppers must be new to professional football. So: Welcome. The NFL is a great sport. You'll enjoy it. I've been writing since December that Peppers would not play for the Panthers in 2010. It's almost as if some of you don't read newspapers. A franchise tag is a lease. Had the Panthers tagged Peppers, they would have paid more than $20million to lease him for one year. No defensive player in NFL history has been worth $20million. But wait. Last season the Panthers leased Peppers for more than $16million, $18.2million after bonuses. What's the difference between $18.2million and ..."

Peppers decision could be imminent; Panthers have news conference Tuesday

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February 23

Charlotte Observer

"Tuesday could be the day Julius Peppers formally receives his widely anticipated ticket to freedom. Carolina Panthers general manager Marty Hurney is scheduled to have a mid-afternoon meeting with reporters, just before he and other team officials depart for the NFL scouting combine. Officially, today's gathering is to wrap up the 2009 season and preview the offseason, but the team's biggest order of business for weeks has been whether to apply the franchise tag to Peppers or allow him to become an unrestricted free agent. Hurney couldn't be reached Monday, but his availability today comes just two days before the NFL deadline for making decisions on franchise and transition tags. Peppers' ..."

Carolina Panthers' decision on Julius Peppers due this week

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February 22

Charlotte Observer

"The Carolina Panthers' long-awaited decision on defensive end Julius Peppers is due this week and, barring a surprise, his eight-year tenure with the team may be nearing an end. NFL teams must decide by Thursday whether to use their franchise or transition tags on their potential unrestricted free agents. Though the Panthers used the franchise tag to keep Peppers last season, they're widely expected to allow him to test the open market and pass on making the $20million tender offer for 2010 that would accompany franchising him again. However, team officials have been silent about Peppers since the season ended. They're required to make their intentions known this week and might opt to do ..."

Letting Peppers walk would represent a change in philosophy

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February 11

Gaston Gazette

columnist Steve Reed

"So let's get this straight. Julius Peppers desperately wanted out of Carolina this time a year ago. Then, a few months later, following a meeting with team owner Jerry Richardson, he thought he might want to stay -- but in the end wasn't willing to commit. After this past season, one in which Peppers was selected to a fifth Pro Bowl, he decided he'd be open to staying awhile. But now, after being spurned by his employer of eight years, he wants out again. And you thought the Brett Favre situation was messed up. Such is the business side of the NFL, where things change at the drop of a hat. Here's the good news for those of you who are already tired of hearing about Peppers' ..."

Peppers speaks out about team's silence

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February 10

Charlotte Observer

"Panthers defensive end Julius Peppers remained noncommittal about his future plans Tuesday, and said the team's lack of communication with him and his agent "is kind of a turnoff." "Because of the lack of communication they've had with us, if someone were to ask me do I want to stay in Carolina and play for the Panthers next year, it's like, ok, how can you say you want to be somewhere when you're not really sure if they want you here because they're not even talking to you," Peppers said in an interview with Charlotte radio station WFNZ 610-AM, aired Tuesday morning. Peppers' agent, Carl Carey, said recently that the Panthers had not contacted him since the end of the season to discuss ..."

Stallworth plans a tryout

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February 10

Boston Globe

"Former Patriots wide receiver Donté Stallworth, reinstated Monday after a one-year suspension by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and immediately released by the Cleveland Browns, will work out for an NFL team today, according to his agent, Drew Rosenhaus. Rosenhaus said Stallworth, 28, is willing to play for any of the 32 NFL teams and expects him to sign "in the next couple weeks at the latest.'' Stallworth has been running routes, catching passes, and working out while serving a one-year suspension levied by Goodell after pleading guilty last summer to DUI manslaughter."

Peppers: Panthers' silence a turnoff

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February 10

Charlotte Observer

"Julius Peppers says the Carolina Panthers' silence toward him since the season ended is "kind of a turnoff" that has dampened his desire to remain with the team. During a taped interview aired Tuesday morning on Charlotte sports radio station WFNZ (610-AM), Peppers said there was a time last year when signing a long-term extension with the Panthers was the option he most wanted, but "now it's not." "Because of the lack of communication that they've had with us, you know, if somebody asked me do I want to stay in Carolina and play for the Panthers next year, it's like, OK, well, how can you say you want to be somewhere when you're not really sure if they want you here because they're not ..."

Peppers started packing his bags after '07 season

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February 10

Charlotte Observer

columnist Tom Sorensen

"Chris McClain of WFNZ's "The Mac Attack" interviewed the quiet man, Julius Peppers, Monday, and the network ran the interview Tuesday morning. Several of us have tried to get Peppers to talk. Mac did. The interview could be construed as a long goodbye. Nothing Peppers said would make you think he expects to return to the Carolina Panthers, the only NFL team for which he has played. I've been writing since the end of the season that Peppers was gone, so maybe I'll get one right. I picked Indianapolis to beat New Orleans in the Super Bowl. Based on my e-mail, some of you read the column. I like Peppers. Although he rarely talks to the local media, at least he is consistent. He doesn't ..."

Peppers: I don't want long-term deal with Panthers

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February 9

Rock Hill Herald

"Carolina Panthers defensive end Julius Peppers expressed dismay and disappointment at what he called the "silent treatment" he was getting from the team, and essentially asked to leave again during a radio interview which aired Tuesday morning. Peppers' interview with Chris McClain of WFNZ's "The Mac Attack," was conducted off-air Monday afternoon, but replayed Tuesday morning. In the 25-minute spot, the potential free agent opened up about his feelings about past contract negotiations with the Panthers, and where things stand now. And he didn't sound like a man who's anticipating being here much longer. Peppers recounted the story his agent told just over a week ago, that he hadn't heard ..."

Smith mum on whether Falcons will go after Peppers

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February 9

Atlanta Journal-Constitution

"After the Pro Football Writers of America meeting (yours truly is second vice president), I caught up with Falcons coach Mike Smith and owner Arthur Blank while they were working radio row. (Missed Thomas Dimitroff, who made his rounds on Thursday). Smith talked with the local shows. He talked with Doc Walker and John Thompson from the D.C. station."

20 million reasons to say see ya, Julius Peppers

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February 2

Charlotte Observer

columnist Tom Sorensen

"I've been writing since Carolina ended its season that Julius Peppers has played his final game for the Panthers. The reason I've been writing this is because Peppers has played his final game for the Panthers. So reading stories national and local about how the Panthers have moved on without Peppers is like reading stories that say, "Charlotte drivers struggle with snow." I don't claim to be NostraThomas, but of course the Panthers have moved on. What other option do they have? Peppers played very well in 2009. But he did not play $1-million-a-game well. No defensive player ever has. There are quarterbacks worth $1?million a game because they have the ball in their hands more than ..."

Allowing Peppers to walk away without compensation would be absurd

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February 1

Gaston Gazette

columnist Steve Reed

"For eight years, the Carolina Panthers have been loyal supporters of defensive end Julius Peppers – through good times and bad. General manager Marty Hurney and coach John Fox have never uttered a negative word about Peppers, even during 2007 when he struggled mightily getting to the quarterback, registering just 2.5 sacks, or even last year when he stated publically he wanted out of Carolina, a move that had to sting given all they've done for him. In fact, the Panthers have done just the opposite over the years, going out of their way to praise Peppers and tell the world how much they love him as a player and how much he means to the franchise. That's what makes Sunday night's news ..."

Agent believes Panthers have 'moved on,' won't re-sign five-time Pro Bowler Peppers

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February 1

Gaston Gazette

"Agent Carl Carey said he believes his client Julius Peppers has played his final down for the Carolina Panthers and that the team will allow him to become an unrestricted free agent in March. "I do believe that," Carey told Carolina Growl during a telephone interview Sunday night from the Pro Bowl in Miami. "The way things have gone, I believe that to be true." Carey said he hasn't heard from Panthers general manager Marty Hurney since Carolina's Week 17 win against New Orleans, although he's since tried to initiate contact with him. He said when he last spoke with Hurney he was told the Panthers would get back to him in about a week, but he's heard nothing in a month. Carey also ..."

Julius Peppers could be answer to Falcons' problems

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February 1

Atlanta Journal-Constitution

columnist Jeff Schultz

"From an NFL fan's perspective, there is one great thing about an uncapped year. Your favorite team can't use the excuse, "We'd love to sign that free agent but we just can't fit him under the salary cap." So to the members of Falcon nation, I present to you possibly the first name on the Falcons' offseason shopping list: Julius Peppers. Yes, it could happen — at least the part about Peppers' availability. There are strong indications that the Carolina Panthers — who failed to come to terms with Peppers on a multi-year contract last season and were forced to sign him to the steep one-year franchise tag fee of $16.683 million — will allow Peppers to enter free agency. ESPN's Adam Schefter ..."

Agent: Free agent Peppers likely to leave Carolina Panthers

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February 1

Charlotte Observer

"Julius Peppers' agent said Sunday night that he has not heard from the Carolina Panthers since the end of the regular season and that he believes the club has "moved on" with the intent of allowing Peppers to become an unrestricted free agent. That would mean letting Peppers go without getting anything in return, but saving the $20million tender offer for 2010 it would take to franchise him for the second straight year. "I initiated communication with the organization shortly after the season ended," Peppers' agent, Carl Carey, told the Observer. "They informed me they would make contact the following week and they never did. "To date, we still have not heard from them. They are definitely ..."

The high-priced defensive end Peppers has no idea where he will be playing next season

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January 31

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

"Panthers defensive end Julius Peppers made more than $1 million per game playing in Carolina last season, but he has no clue as to whether or not he'll be back with the team in 2010. "Anywhere is a potential landing spot," Peppers told the Associated Press recently. "I'm not going to say I want to play for any team or I prefer to play anywhere, because I really haven't thought about it. I haven't thought about playing for x, y or z." The free agent defensive end was hit with the restrictive franchise tag last year by the Panthers, which prevented him from leaving Carolina to sign with another team. The deal included a $1.5 million bonus for earning a trip to the Pro Bowl, which Peppers ..."

Peppers named to all-decade team

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January 28

Charlotte Observer

"In what might be the highest honor of his NFL career, Carolina Panthers defensive end Julius Peppers has been selected to the league's all-decade team, which is voted upon by the Pro Football Hall of Fame selection committee. The entire team won't be announced until Sunday, but the league revealed the 12 players selected who are participating in this weekend's Pro Bowl in Miami. "I am honored and feel privileged to be recognized in this way," Peppers said Wednesday night in a statement released by his agent, Carl Carey. "There is still a lot of work for me to do in my career and I believe my best years are ahead of me.""