Charles Johnson: I want Julius Peppers to 'retire a Panther'

After re-signing a two-year deal with the Carolina Panthers, defensive end Charles Johnson wants to see an old friend join him as the two finish off their careers.

Johnson told ESPN's David Newton that he would like to retire as a Panther and hopes the team signs former teammate Julius Peppers in free agency so he can can go out in the black and blue too.

"I just want to see him retire a Panther,'' said Johnson about Peppers' potential return to Carolina.

Peppers, 37, was selected second overall by the Panthers in 2002 and played with the team through the first eight years of his career before signing with the Chicago Bears and later, the Green Bay Packers.

Peppers is set to become an unrestricted free agent Thursday.