Panthers coaching vacancies could sway Peppers to return
Changes in the Carolina Panthers coaching staff could either help or hinder a potential return for defensive end Julius Peppers…
The Carolina Panthers drafted Julius Peppers second overall during the 2002 NFL Draft. He enjoyed several productive seasons for the Panthers, becoming the all-time leader in sacks, before eventually leaving due to failed contract negotiations.
Peppers left Carolina for Chicago and Green Bay over seven seasons before returning to his native North Carolina last year. As primairly a third-down rush option in defensive coordinator Steve Wilks unit, Peppers thrived eventually having to shoulder more responsibility as the season progressed and finished with 11 sacks – at 37 years old.
Though $6 million initially separated the two, his homecoming was well received and now Panthers fans want at least one more season from the future Hall of Fame inductee. It is also a safe assumption that after his productive season on the field and locker room presence that both coach Ron Rivera and interim general manager Marty Hurney, who originally drafted Peppers, want him back as well.
An abundance of changes on the coaching staff are sure to play into Peppers’ decision. Wilks left to take over the Arizona Cardinals but defensive line coach Eric Washington was promoted to take over play calling responsibilities as defensive coordinator.
More from Cat Crave
- Ranking the top-five QB prospects the Panthers could draft in 2023
- 4 remaining Carolina Panthers cap crunches after Damien Wilson release
- Could Duce Staley help Carolina Panthers land Jamaal Williams in 2023?
- How much could the Carolina Panthers afford to offer Lamar Jackson?
- 4 Panthers rumors to emerge from 2023 NFL Scouting Combine
His former position coach, Peppers may elect for a return with some familiarity and another opportunity to bring a first Lombardi Trophy back to Charlotte. Currently, the Panthers have four staff openings – defensive line, linebacker, offensive line and assistant special teams. Who Rivera selects to coach Peppers’ position is likely critical to his decision.
A prime candidate would be former Panthers defensive tackle Brentson Buckner, who recently served in the same role for Arizona. Buckner played five seasons with Carolina, alongside Peppers, Mike Rucker and Kris Jenkins on the defensive line in Super Bowl XXXVIII. The two spent four years playing together in Charlotte, Buckner’s final four seasons and Peppers’ first of a legendary career.
At 38 years old now and a free agent, retirement is a real possibility but a return is also plausible. Already the franchise leader in sacks and a lock for the Hall of Fame, Peppers has only one thing left to accomplish – a Super Bowl championship.
Next: 2018 Senior Bowl Prospects to Watch
If Rivera makes the right moves, both could be in play next season.