Niner Noise
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2018 NFL free agency: 5 edge rushers 49ers should consider signing

By Florito Maniego

GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 01: Defensive tackle DeForest Buckner #99 and defensive end Arik Armstead #91 of the San Francisco 49ers react after a defensive stop during the second half of the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on October 1, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 01: Defensive tackle DeForest Buckner #99 and defensive end Arik Armstead #91 of the San Francisco 49ers react after a defensive stop during the second half of the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on October 1, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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CHARLOTTE, NC – DECEMBER 24: Julius Peppers #90 of the Carolina Panthers reacts after a play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC – DECEMBER 24: Julius Peppers #90 of the Carolina Panthers reacts after a play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

No. 3: Julius Peppers

This pick may come as a big surprise, considering Julius Peppers will be 38 years old once the 2018 season begins. However, after another incredible year, it is possible that Peppers has at least one more season left in him.

Drafted as the second overall pick in 2002, Peppers has had a Hall of Fame-worthy career with his stints with the Carolina Panthers, Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears.

In 2017, Peppers signed with and recorded 11 sacks for the team that drafted him, the Panthers. These numbers showed that Peppers can still perform and effectively rush the passer despite his age.

While there is a chance Peppers will retire, NFL Network’s Tiffany Blackmon tweeted that the veteran defensive lineman is still uncertain about his future and may keep his career going:

If he decides to play for one more year, Peppers will likely choose to sign with a playoff contender. Peppers has never won a Lombardi Trophy either, and thus, he could return to chase a ring.

With the team’s positive direction, San Francisco could be a potential landing spot for Peppers. If the 49ers end up signing the nine-time Pro Bowler to a one-year deal, Peppers would not only be an excellent, situational pass-rusher, but also a mentor for Solomon Thomas and DeForest Buckner.