After being awarded the franchise tag by the Carolina Panthers last season, free agent defensive end Julius Peppers announced this week at the Pro Bowl that he hasn’t given a thought on where he’ll be heading next season.

In hos year long deal with the Panthers this season, Peppers has already made $16.7 million and his salary could well go up to $20 million, if the team uses the franchise tag on him again in 2010. The Panthers will have to take the decision within a month regarding whether they will continue to award the franchise tag to Peppers.

30 year old Peppers received a $1.5 million bonus for his Pro Bowl achievement this year ,racking up 10.5 sacks, couple of interceptions, a handful of forced fumbles and a touchdown on the field along the way.

Should Carolina decline to continue using the franchise tag on Peppers , it’s easy to say there will be several other teams who would be lining up to sign the eight-year veteran, including some teams that go along with a 3-4 defensive scheme. Now whether Peppers would be interested in moving to linebacker in such a defense remains to be seen.

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