Peppers doesn't want to sign long term with Panthers

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- After spending his entire life in North Carolina, Julius Peppers wants out.

The four-time Pro Bowl defensive end has decided he won't sign a long-term deal with the Carolina Panthers when he becomes an unrestricted free agent on Feb. 26.

Peppers, who grew up in tiny Bailey, N.C., starred in college at North Carolina and was the Panthers' first-round pick in 2002, believes Carolina's defensive system is not for him -- even after recording a career-high 14½ sacks this season.

"He loves the state of North Carolina. His family is there. The easier situation for him would be to stay in Carolina," his agent, Carl Carey, said Saturday. "But the decision that he faced was, do I stay in Carolina and perhaps never reach my full potential? Or do I open myself to the possibilities to finish my career elsewhere? He chose the latter."

Carey, who first told ESPN.com of Peppers' decision early Saturday, said Peppers wants to play in a 3-4 defense. The Panthers use a 4-3 alignment.

"He certainly feels that he can excel and thrive in a 3-4 defense," Carey said. "He is also open to just another system in general that will allow him to maximize his athletic abilities."

Peppers' decision leaves the Panthers with a big decision to make.

Carolina's stunning playoff loss to Arizona might have been Julius Peppers' final game for the Panthers. (Getty Images)

But doing that would mean the Panthers would have to give Peppers a one-year deal worth a whopping $16.7 million. And Peppers could also decide to hold out.

The Panthers used the franchise tag this season on starting left tackle Jordan Gross, who'll also become an unrestricted free agent and command a large contract, leaving the Panthers with salary-cap concerns.

Panthers general manager Marty Hurney, who was informed of Peppers' decision in a meeting with Carey in Houston on Thursday, did not return phone calls Saturday but released a statement through a team spokesman.

"Obviously, Carl's comments are disappointing," Hurney said. "We have consistently reiterated to Carl in a number of ways how much we value Julius and we plan to continue having ongoing communications."

The Panthers have been trying to sign Peppers to an extension for the past two years. But Peppers, in a statement released by Carey, said he wants to go elsewhere.