CHARLOTTE – He's back. Again.
After spending the past couple of months pondering retirement, defensive end Julius Peppers has signed a one-year deal to play a 10th season in Carolina and 17th overall.
Peppers, who turned 38 in January, is the Panthers' all-time leader in sacks (92.0) and forced fumbles (31). His 154.5 career sacks are most among active players and the fourth most in NFL history.
| Player | Sacks | Seasons |
| Bruce Smith | 200.0 | 1985-2003 |
| Reggie White | 198.0 | 1985-2000 |
| Kevin Greene | 160.0 | 1986-99 |
| Julius Peppers | 154.5 | 2002-present |
In his return to Carolina last season, Peppers tied fellow defensive end Mario Addison for the team lead with 11.0 sacks. It was Peppers' 10th season with 10 or more sacks, a feat only three other players have accomplished. The others – Bruce Smith, Reggie White and Kevin Greene – are all in the Hall of Fame.
Peppers, who's missed just two of a possible 256 career games with injury, played in all 16 games last season despite injuring his right shoulder in November. He had surgery on the shoulder last month.
View photos of defensive end Julius Peppers throughout his decorated NFL career.
