Situational Role? Julius Peppers Is Here To 'Be Productive.'

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There was a lot of nostalgia in the air for the Carolina's when the Panthers brought back local favorite defensive end and Panthers great Julius Peppers last Friday. At 37, it's believed that Peppers would like be in a situational pass rushing role with other guys, but on a call with local WFNZ (click this link to here the interview), Peppers pushed the envelope further.

"We haven't really talked about that," Peppers said about his role.  "I can say this: It's not one of those situations where I'm coming back for a farewell tour. I'm coming back to play, and I'm coming back to try to make some things happen. So my expectation is to be out there and be productive."

It's obvious Peppers doesn't want to be a guy plugged in here or there just to be there and despite what the Panthers may have thought they would get out of him, it's something they certainly should like to hear. 

Peppers is coming off a two-year stint with Green Bay where he recorded 18 sacks and 4 forced fumbles over that span. He had 7.5 sacks last season with the Packers, so the consistency is still there. While he lined up a lot in a 3-4 role, he was still very effective with his hand in the dirt, which is where he Carolina will use him most. 

He's also not ruling out playing another year at age 38. 

"Well, right now, I'm taking it one year at a time. At the end of the year if I still feel good, than why not?"

One year at a time, but I'm sure if Julius is productive in '17, then the Carolina's would love to have him back to end his career where it began... in Charlotte, NC.

Written By Tripp Morgan

Follow @TrippMorgan6 and Cat_Chronicles for the lastest news and updates surrounding the Carolina Panthers.

Julius Peppers Reunion Expected For Carolina Panthers

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The last thing I had heard on Peppers before free Agency was that his agent was working on a deal to keep him in Green Bay. It was also known that the Panthers would likely try to sign Peppers and they both had common interest in '14. Well, they are reportedly close via Joe Person of the Charlotte Observer. 

Peppers, 37, was the Panthers second overall pick in 2002 and played eight seasons while going to five Pro Bowls during that span. He recorded 7.5 sacks and two forced-fumbles with Green Bay last season, showing he could still rush the passer. It should be noted he played in a 3-4 role with Green Bay, but still had his hand in the dirt here and there.

Defensive end Charles Johnson's lobbying to his old friend and mentor just may have helped sway him. Johnson has also sent out tweets trying to sway another former Panther in Captain Munnerlyn, who also reportedly has been sent an offer from Carolina.

@captain_41 🤔🤔🤔

— charles johnson (@randywattson) March 10, 2017

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Article photo by Jesse Fraetis

Carolina Panthers And LT Matt Kalil Numbers Released, And They're Big

All through the off season we pretty much knew the Panthers were going to be chasing left tackle Matt Kalil in free agency. His brother, Ryan Kalil, is a Pro Bowl center for them and it's a big need on the offensive line.

That was all confirmed this morning that they were close to a deal and we now know what those numbers are.

#Panthers will sign left tackle Matt Kalil to a five-year, $55.5 million deal with $25 million guaranteed, source said.

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 9, 2017

It will be interesting to see what the further breakdown of the contract will be, but it's a number the Panthers had to know they would be around. They knew going in that they wouldn't get Kalil on a one or two year "prove it" deal, but it's a risk they felt they had to take with Michael Oher still in the protocol and Mike Remmers set to hit free agency. This is also a weaker offensive line draft class, so there wouldn't be much help there either.

And as stated before, if it works out, could be a good deal in the long run for #Panthers https://t.co/p4h6aIkuKu

— Tripp Morgan (@TrippMorgan6) March 9, 2017

The Carolina Panthers are literally banking on Matt Kalil, but it's what they've been dealt with an uncertain future at this point. All you can do is hope it works out and he proves he's worth it. 

Written By Tripp Morgan

Follow @TrippMorgan6 and Cat_Chronicles for the latest news and updates surrounding the Carolina Panthers

Article Photo By Jesse Fraetis

Carolina Panthers Lose Ted Ginn To Division Opponent

With all the signings in-house recently in Charlotte, Ted Ginn Jr was a name that hadn't been muttered once and had fans worried. Ginn has now left Charlotte for a deal in New Orleans.

Ginn had taken to twitter on Wednesday with a post that could have, at the time, been taken as a happy post (new contract with Panthers), or an upset post (not enough money offered from Panthers). It now seems like the latter.

Put some respect on my name period #19

— Ted Ginn Jr (@TedGinnJr_19) March 8, 2017

Ginn has been the Panthers only deep threat over the last few seasons. He left in '14 to chase money with the Cardinals, only to return a year later after a disappointing season ending in the playoffs with a loss to Carolina. He would then lead Carolina his first year back in receiving yards and touchdowns on the way to 15-1 and Super Bowl 50 after Kelvin Benjamin went down with an ACL tear in training camp. 

The loss of Ginn leaves a pretty gaping hole in the need of speed at receiver for the Panthers. Ginn had been the only consistent deep threat. There's a chance they may want to give Damiere Byrd more opportunities going forward, but I would look for them to address this need some during free agency and possibly the draft as well. Cam Newton thrives on big plays and as of noon today, it just got tougher for now.

Written By Tripp Morgan

Follow @TrippMorgan6 and Cat_Chronicles for the latest news and updates surrounding the Carolina Panthers.

Article photo by Jesse Fraetis

Julius Peppers May Not Make It Back To The Carolina Panthers.

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There'a been a lot of talk since the season has ended of former Panthers great Julius Peppers rejoining the team once he hits free agency. Recent news supports that hope for the reunion may have just gotten a little further away.

Julius Peppers agent Carl Carey recently told ESPN that he has spoken to the Packers recently about a deal that would keep Peppers in Green Bay. This coming after Carey announced Peppers intent to continue playing according to Pro Football Talk.

“Julius, after taking some time to reflect during the off season, has decided that he still has the desire and enthusiasm for the game, and his intention is to play a 16th NFL season,” Carey said, via ESPN.com.

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Peppers, 36, has shown that he can still get to the quarterback as a role player on defense. He has totaled 25 sacks (7.5 in 2016) and 8 forced fumbles (2 in 2016) over the last three seasons with the Packers.

Before signing with Green Bay prior to the 2014 season, Peppers was reportedly real close to signing with Carolina until Green Bay called and offered him a spot to play as a 3-4 stand up linebacker. "I've been waiting my whole life to do that," Peppers said. The rest was history.

Many Panthers fans are hoping for a reunion at a position that could use another pass rush presence. If this recent report holds true, Peppers may want to stay in Green Bay in his current 3-4 role.

Written By Tripp Morgan

Follow @TrippMorgan6 and @Cat_Chronicles for the latest news and updates on the Carolina Panthers.

Article photo by Jesse Fraetis Photography.

Carolina Panthers Now Know What Kind Of Money They Have.

We knew the salary cap was going to rise about $10 million heading into the 2017 off season. We now know what the actual number should look like and where the Panthers fall on that list.

NFL salary cap officially set today at $167 million per team, per source. Gentlemen, start your checkbooks.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 1, 2017

A look all teams in relation to this year's salary cap: pic.twitter.com/FvINyOZz7S

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 1, 2017

This puts the Panthers at $36,588,761 (15th) under the cap according to OverTheCap.com.

Some fans have pointed out that the company of teams the Panthers are listed behind is a tale-tell sign of teams winning and losing. That's an understandable assumption, but Carolina wasn't winning when Gettleman took over a strapped cap either. Not to mention, free agency isn't even fully underway yet. Time will tell.

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Article photo by Fraetis Photography. www.fraetisphotography.com

Victor Cruz Visit With Carolina Panthers, 'Went Well.'

As many expected, the Carolina Panthers brought in free agent wide receiver Victor Cruz for a visit on Monday. 

General Manager Dave Gettleman was with the Giants in 2010 when they brought Cruz in undrafted and he shot to stardom. Gettleman bringing Cruz in to visit says that Gettleman both likes Cruz as a player, on and off the field, and that the Panthers front office wants to address the wide receiver position. 

Cruz said in a phone conversation that the visit, "Went well" according to Art Stapleton of The Record.

Cruz was released a week ago in a move to free $7 million of cap space with players like Odell Beckham Jr. becoming house hold names and rookie Sterling Shepard impressing in his rokie season.

Cruz, 30, recorded 39 catches for 586 yards and one touchdown in his first season back after being sidelined with injuries the previous two seasons. Cruz would immediately bring a much needed veteran presence that was lost when Jerricho Cotchery left. For comparison, Cotchery had 39 catches for 485 yards and three touchdowns with the Panthers in 2015. 

The slot receiver position struggled last season and Cruz could be a viable option and more importantly, cost effective. It seems the interest is mutual on both sides. 

Follow @TrippMorgan6 and @Cat_Chronicles on Twitter for the latest news and updates following this story and others with the Carolina Panthers.

Thumbnail photo by Jesse Fraetis photography.