Mike McCarthy expects Julius Peppers will be back with Packers in 2015

Green Bay Packers defensive end Julius Peppers starred in his first year with the club and head coach Mike McCarthy is adamant that he'll return next season. 

Peppers signed a three-year deal, that could be worth up to $30 million last March and has a $12 million cap hit with an $8.5 million base salary for 2015. 

The Packers are projected to have $30 million in cap space entering free agency and McCarthy stressed that the eight-time Pro Bowler would not be a cap casualty. 

"I must be the only one who doesn't understand why that question keeps coming up," McCarthy said of Peppers' return, as reported by the Green Bay Press-Gazette's Pete Dougherty. 

"Yeah, I definitely believe Julius Peppers is going to be here. He was very comfortable. He had a great year. He made an impact both on the field and in the locker room. It was unique to get to know Julius Peppers through the process of once he signed as a free agent. I think he looks great in green and gold."

Peppers recorded seven sacks, four forced fumbles and returned both of his interceptions for touchdowns. At 35, Peppers hasn't lost any of his world-class athleticism and was a perfect fit in defensive coordinator Dom Capers' scheme.