Julius Peppers
Julius Peppers According to reports out of Charlotte, four-time Pro Bowl defensive end Julius Peppers would like the Carolina Panthers to let him go in lieu of placing the franchise tag on him.

During a press conference Peppers let it be known that he felt he would be better suited to showcase his athletic ability in a 3-4 defensive scheme rather than coach Jon Fox's 4-3.

"If they decide to use the tag on me, the first thing that I'll be doing is requesting a trade," Peppers said. "Then anything after, basically I don't know what would be the course of action. We'll deal with that when that time comes."

Peppers has his eye on teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers, Miami Dolphins and New York Jets. These teams run a 3-4 base defense.

"I feel
like my abilities could be maximized and I could be even more productive than I have been in the past in a new system," Peppers said. "I feel like I've gotten close to maxing out in the system that I'm in now."

With the 2nd pick in the 2002 draft the Panthers took Peppers. He mad an immediate impacted on the league and was named the Defensive Rookie of the Year. Julius Peppers is known as one of the most athletic and versatile players in the NFL.

Placing the franchise tag on Peppers would force the Panthers to offer a one-year deal for a little under $17 million. However, it would mean no team could sign him without giving Carolina two first-round picks. That would allow the Panthers to work out a trade for less, but still get something in return for losing the key cog of their defensive line.