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Pro Bowler becomes unrestricted free agent and Falcons need defensive help

For the second day in a row, Peppers declined to say whether he’d like to remain with the team, and coach John Fox wouldn’t say what preferences Peppers had communicated in their private conversations.

Peppers’ contract is due to expire Feb. 26, making him eligible to become an unrestricted free agent. If the Panthers are unable to sign him to a long-term contract extension before then, they could place their franchise tag on him.

If Peppers is franchised, Carolina could have him play under a one-year tender offer in 2009, as offensive tackle Jordan Gross did this season, or trade him to another team.

Unlike Gross, who made it clear he’d like to remain with the Panthers long-term, Peppers has been careful to avoid making his desires known publicly.

“Ideally, I want to be in the best possible situation for myself and for this organization,” said Peppers. “I’m thankful for everything they’ve done for me.

“I don’t want to leave them crippled or in a bad situation and I don’t want to do that to myself either. Whatever works out best for both sides is what I’m comfortable with.”

The Panthers’ season ended abruptly Saturday night with a 33-13 home playoff loss to Arizona.

Peppers had a career high 14.5 sacks during the regular season and was selected to his fourth Pro Bowl. He came within one vote of being a first-team Associated Press all-pro.

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Defensive end Julius Peppers does not want to continue his career with the Panthers.

Peppers has informed the Panthers that he does not plan to sign a long-term extension this off-season.

Peppers’ agent, Carl Carey, told PA SportsTicker that his client “wants to reach his full potential” with another team. The two-time All-Pro requested his release from the Panthers on Friday night.

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