Subscribe
Follow Us
Carolina Panthers defensive end Julius Peppers has further proved his stature as an ageless wonder after another highly productive campaign in 2017.
Despite that, there is still much uncertainty around his status for a possible return for a 17th season. According to Scott Fowler of The Charlotte Observer, the 38-year-old is reportedly leaning toward playing another year.
Article Continues Below“My guess is yes – a source close to Peppers indicates the star defensive end is leaning toward playing but doesn’t want to commit to it yet.”
There doesn't appear to be any finality to this decision, but it's clear that Peppers will either play another season with only the Panthers or retire altogether. His return back to Carolina has been everything and more for both sides with him being one of the veteran leaders on the team while continuing to perform at a high level in a limited capacity. He has shown the ability to be a huge asset defensively as a pure pass rusher in a part-time role recording double-digit sack totals in two out of last three seasons.
What will also factor into influencing his decision is the recent shoulder surgery that he underwent that repaired an ailment that he had been reportedly dealing with for quite some time. If he feels that he can't play at an effective level at this point of his career then he could simply step away from the game.
Peppers has put together an illustrious career that should receive much consideration for the Pro Football Hall of Fame as he ranks fourth all-time with 154.5 sacks, which is just 5.5 behind Hall of Famer Kevin Greene. The chance of him passing Bruce Smith (200.0) and Reggie White (198.0) appears unlikely but he has a chance to push himself in the top three in that category. A decision on his future will likely come at some point early in the offseason.
