Albert R. Breer of the Boston Globe is reporting that the New England Patriots could sign Carolina Panthers defensive end Julius Peppers in free agency. The Patriots are looking to replace Adalius Thomas.
The Patriots tried to trade for Peppers earlier this season, but the Panthers were not interested. The Patriots pass rush has not been the same since Mike Vrabel left to Kansas City. Peppers is unlikely to return to Carolina.
If the Panthers franchise Peppers, Peppers would make over $20 million in 2010, which would make him one of the most expensive players in the history of the NFL. Peppers has the versatility to play end in 4-3 and linebacker in 3-4.
