CHARLOTTE – Julius Peppers is heading home.
Peppers, a nine-time Pro Bowler, future Hall of Famer and a model of consistency, is returning to the team that selected him second overall in the 2002 NFL Draft. The Panthers have signed the North Carolina native and former Tar Heels standout to a one-year contract for the 2017 season.
Peppers still stands as the Panthers' all-time sacks leader with the 81 he amassed during eight seasons with the Panthers and has since added 62.5 more in seven seasons with two teams for a career total of 143.5 – fifth most in NFL history.