Julius Peppers, Carolina Panthers Agree to Contract

The Carolina Panthers have added to their pass rush with the free-agent signing of Julius Peppers, a franchise icon who spent his first eight seasons with the team after being selected in the first round in 2002.

Peppers' agent Carl Carey announced the reunion on March 10:

The Panthers announced the signing March 11.

Albert Breer of TheMMQB.com reported Peppers signed a one-year deal worth $3.5 million with an additional $750,000 in incentives if he can reach sack thresholds.

The Panthers had a nightmarish 2016 season and finished 6-10, though the team still has a host of elite young talent. Peppers' veteran presence will help the team get back on track, and linebacker Luke Kuechly's defense is sure to bounce back after an uncharacteristic showing.

Panthers linebacker Thomas Davis posted on Instagram following the move:

Peppers has been one of the most consistent pass-rushers in the NFL since being taken with the second overall draft pick in 2002.

In 15 years with the Panthers, Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers, he has totaled 143.5 regular-season sacks, earning him nine Pro Bowl appearances and selection to three All-Pro first teams. This includes at least seven sacks in all but one season.

He has also shown a knack for staying healthy, missing only two games since his rookie season and playing in all 16 games in each of the last nine years.

At 37 years old, Peppers has not slowed down much, converting from defensive end to linebacker and still finding ways to get to the quarterback.

"Peppers is a freak, man," former Packers defensive back Micah Hyde said in January, per Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com. "He's like 45 years old, and he's still doing what he has to do. We see it every day in practice. He's a freak. That's plain and simple."

While the age is an exaggeration, the level of play is not, and Peppers should still be able to make an impact in his new location.

Between the boost to the pass rush and the improved veteran leadership, the Panthers could be a stronger team next season.