Julius Peppers is free to hit the market.
Posted by Gayle Saunders on February 24, 2010 · Leave a Comment
By Gayle Saunders
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Julius Peppers is leaving home and about to be the test case for how much NFL teams are willing to spend on an elite player in a season without a salary cap.
Carolina Panthers defensive end Julius Peppers will not be given the franchise tag and he says he’s looking forward to testing free agency.
“Last night, I learned that the Carolina Panthers would not restrict my availability during the upcoming free agency period,” Peppers said in a statement released Tuesday. “I feel good about having the opportunity to visit with other teams. My goal will be to find the right match for my skill set.
“I am thankful for the eight seasons I have spent in the National Football League thus far; and am looking forward to beginning this new phase of my career,” he added.
The official announcement came from the team on Tuesday, If the Panthers had opted to tag Peppers, it would have cost them $21.4 million — about $1.3 million per game — which the team deemed too pricey. Peppers will be one of the highest-profile free agents since Reggie White. Teams wanting a 6-foot-7 pass rusher with freakish athletic ability and questionable consistency can start the bidding on March 5.
Teams have until 4 p.m. ET on Thursday to use their franchise tags.