Packers' Julius Peppers uncertain of 2016 return
Green Bay Packers linebacker Julius Peppers will enter the offseason under a cloud of uncertainty about the future of his NFL career.
The 36-year-old said after Saturday's 26-20 divisional-round loss to the Arizona Cardinals that he's "not sure" if he'll return in 2016.
"We'll talk about that when it's time," Peppers said, according to Ryan Wood of the Green Bay Press-Gazette.
Peppers just finished his 14th NFL season and led the team with 10.5 regular-season sacks, evidence he still possesses most of the dominating traits that made him one of his era's best pass-rushers.
However, he's set to count $10.5 million against the cap in 2016. As such, he isn't guaranteed to return next season under such a high number, though restructuring his contract is more likely than being cut.
Peppers is one of the most respected players in the Packers' locker room, and teammates feel he's due the one thing missing from his resume: A Super Bowl championship.
"He has everything but a Super Bowl ring," defensive end Mike Daniels said. "You talk about fighting for someone else, other than yourself, and that’s a classic example. We all want to make sure we play our best and get it done for him."
- With h/t to NFL.com