Day two into in NFL Free Agency has been just as crazy as the first. Many teams are trying to sign talent based on their needs, trying to outbid their competition for the player they want. In the free agency period, you see a lot of players deciding to leave their current team to go back either to their hometown team, or the team that drafted him, and we have another situation like that today. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Julius Peppers will be leaving the Packers to come back to the Carolina Panthers, where he was drafted.
Where it all began
Julius Peppers played his first eight seasons with the Panthers where he built his name into a name that put fear in the hearts of opposing QBs. He was drafted with the second overall pick in the 2002 draft by the Panthers. In his eight years in Carolina, Peppers totaled 81 sacks which is number one in franchise history. He was a five-time pro-bowler and a two-time all-pro in those eight years as well. Peppers also was a turnover machine, having 30 forced fumbles and six interceptions as well. His best years were with the Panthers, and now he will be returning home to lead a defensive line that is already one of the league's best.
What's left in the tank
Peppers spent his last three seasons with the Green Bay Packers, where he performed fairly well for a guy this deep into his NFL career.
He totaled 24.5 sacks in those three seasons, also adding eight forced fumbles. An edge rusher is something Carolina needed, as all of their line talents in the defensive tackle positions. Also with the trade of Kony Ealy, the Panthers need to replace his presence as well. Peppers has been a consistent player his whole career, only missing six games throughout his 15-year career in the NFL.
He also has gotten at least seven sacks in a season for nine straight seasons.
Right a Wrong
The Panthers let Peppers walk in 2009 after not getting him to a long term deal. Peppers proved his worth while playing under the franchise tag the year before, having over ten sacks and five forced fumbles. Many felt as if the Panther didn't do him right by letting him simply walk out the door.
Peppers now has a chance to retire as a Panther signing a deal that has him coming back to where he started his all-pro career. Entering his second stint with the Panthers, Peppers will be leading an already impressive defensive line, bringing in an edge rusher who still has something left in the tank.
