Carolina Panthers defensive end Julius Peppers wants to be a Patriot. Or, at the very least, no longer wants to be a Panther. The Cowboys were another team mentioned as a desirable destination for Peppers', according to the AP.
Peppers doesn't want to be a Panther, and doesn't want to play in a 4-3 defense. He wants to be an OLB in a 3-4.
The Panthers have denied alleged talks with New England about Peppers. Vic Carucci of the NFL Network reported that Peppers had been targeted by the Pats. Fellow NFL Network reporter Adam Shefter insists "That trade is not gonna happen. ... Julius Peppers will not be a New England Patriot next season."
The thing with Peppers is that the Panthers aren't going to let him go cheaply. The Pats have reportedly tried to use their newly acquired 34th overall draft pick to get Peppers. This probably wouldn't be enough for Carolina.
Peppers had 14.5 sacks last year, and would certainly make the Patriots pass rush a fearsome one. I've got a feeling this deal will happen, just not for awhile.
Sources:
Associated Press
Reiss's Pieces
