Carolina Panthers Finally Cut Julius Peppers Loose

NFL News - February 23rd, 2010 - Written by John Ritter

The incentive was too low, and the price was too high.

NFL teams have until 4 p.m. ET Thursday to decide if they want implement their franchise tag or not, but the Carolina Panthers were brief.

Julius Peppers can walk after finally being cut loose, and will hit the free agent market for the first time in his career. The Panthers declined using their franchise tag on him for a second year, primarily because of the exorbitant price tag that would accompany it.

Carolina would owe Peppers $21.4 million in 2010 if it failed to come to a long-term agreement. And judging by his agent's comments two weeks ago, that was probably out the window by January.

"I initiated communication with the organization shortly after the season ended," Carl Carey told the Charlotte Observer on January 30th. "They are definitely giving Julius the silent treatment, but sometimes silence actually tells you more than words do."

The official announcement won't come until Tuesday afternoon, however, when a team spokesman will address several roster moves.

Peppers will be one of the most sought-after defensive players this spring, although he insists he has no target club.

"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," Peppers told the Charlotte Observer in January. "I'm just trying to get on a team right now. I just want to get a contract."

Peppers was the team's all-time sack leader, with a career-high 14 1/2 in 2008, just a year from only 2 1/2 in '07 .

The New Engalnd Patriots have been the subject of prominent rumors for Peppers' next destination. NFL.com's Vic Carucci said last week that the Patriots "remain very interested" in signing him. If they do, he will be able to commiserate with defensive linemate Vince Wilfork, who was just slapped with the franchise tag despite publicly pleading not to.

Peppers was hit with Carolina's franchise tag in 2008, although requesting otherwise.