Peppers intends to return for 16th season

Julius Peppers has decided not to retire and intends to return for a 16th season in the NFL, his agent Carl Carey told ESPN's Rob Demovsky.

The linebacker has spent the past three seasons with the Packers, but will head to free agency now that he's decided to extend his career. However, it's possible he re-signs with Green Bay.

"Julius, after taking some time to reflect during the offseason, has decided that he still has the desire and enthusiasm for the game, and his intention is to play a 16th NFL season," Carey said.

At 37 years old, Peppers is still an effective edge rusher, racking up 7.5 sacks this past season. He ranks fifth in all-time sacks with 143.5 and has a shot of passing Chris Doleman (150.5) for fourth if he can repeat his 2016 production next season.

With a weak free-agent pass-rusher group, Peppers should garner a decent amount of interest on the open market despite his age.