CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- No word yet on whether defensive end Julius Peppers plans to return in 2018, but he could be the key to the Carolina Panthers remaining a top-10 defense in 2018.
Carolina already is starting over with its third defensive coordinator in three years with Eric Washington, promoted from defensive-line coach after Steve Wilks was named the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals earlier this week.
Linebackers coach Al Holcomb is expected to become Wilks’ defensive coordinator, another loss for the Panthers.
Should the 38-year-old Peppers retire, the Panthers would lose one of their best pass rushers and a key team leader -- the leader of the defensive line.