Last year was not what the Carolina Panthers were looking for. The Panthers went from No.1 seed while entering into the postseason of 2008 but did not even make the playoffs this season. However, it is a good news that they at leased finished very strong winning four of the final five games. This seems that they are ready to return to the postseason next year.

There is one problem with the Panthers and they have to deal with it. It is what to do with Pro Bowl defensive end Julius Peppers.

Charles Chandler of Charlotte Observer says that the Carolina Panthers have number of options to take with Julius Peppers. He said that the Panthers could try and work out with him a long term contract and use the franchise tag once again. If not then they can simply allow Peppers to hit the open market. This will of course risk losing him and receive nothing in return.

Tags: carolina panthers, charles chandler, charlotte observer, julius peppers, panthers, postseason