Julius Peppers' Agent Does Not Expect Him To Return To Carolina

Julius Peppers, the defensive end who had the franchise tag placed on him last season to the tune of almost $17 million, will probably not be returning to the Panthers in 2010, according to his agent.

His agent, Carl Carey, has not heard from the team since the end of the season, and said that he believes the Panthers have "moved on."

"I initiated communication with the organization shortly after the season ended," Peppers' agent, Carl Carey, told the Observer. "They informed me they would make contact the following week and they never did.

"To date, we still have not heard from them. They are definitely giving Julius the silent treatment, but sometimes silence actually tells you more than words do. We can only conclude that they have moved on."

Losing Peppers would mean giving him up for nothing in return -- and his yearly average of 10 sacks -- but the Panthers would avoid having to pay him $20 million by franchising him again in 2010. 

This time around, there has been no communication between the two sides, which is a departure from last year. And unlike like last season, Peppers is not being picky about where he ends up.

"Anywhere is a potential landing spot," he said after the final NFC practice yesterday for tonight's Pro Bowl. "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.

"I haven't thought about playing for x, y or z."

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