Julius Peppers is headed back to where his career started, signing a deal with the Panthers, his agent announced on Friday. Per NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport, the contract is worth $3.5 million with $1.65 million of it guaranteed, via a source informed of the contract.
Peppers began his career with the Panthers as the No. 2 overall pick in 2002. After compiling 81 sacks in eight seasons in Carolina, the pass rusher spent four years with the Chicago Bears. After being released, Peppers almost returned to the Panthers in 2014 before the Green Bay Packers swooped in to snap up the veteran, where he spent the past three seasons.
Even at 37 years old, Peppers has plenty left in the tank. In a rotational role with Green Bay in 2016, Peppers compiled 7.5 sacks and was one of the Packers' best pass rushers. He compiled 25 sacks the past three seasons playing as an outside linebacker.
Peppers currently sits fifth on the NFL's all-time sack list with 143.5 QB takedowns, seven shy of moving into fourth place.
In Carolina, Peppers will play a rotational role with along with edge rushers Johnson, Mario Addison and Kony Ealy.
After Johnson re-signed with the Panthers, he promised to lobby Peppers to return to Carolina to finish off his Hall of Fame career. That homecoming now becomes official.
