No. 1: Julius Peppers
2017 Team: Carolina Panthers
At 38 years old, veteran edge rusher Julius Peppers is watching his Hall of Fame career winding to a close.
His age negates any long-term solution for a potential free-agent suitor, but Peppers still managed 11 sacks for the Carolina Panthers last season. Shoulder surgery during the offseason could put his status for Week 1 in doubt, and it’s hard to view him as an every-down player at this stage of his career.
But the Niners could afford a one-year “rental,” of sorts, while putting off such a pressing need until other options become available.
Yet Jeremy Igo of CarolinaHuddle.com is indicating Peppers will either stay in Carolina for 2018 or join the New England Patriots this offseason:
Looking like Julius Peppers will play for either the Panthers or the Patriots in 2018.
— Jeremy Igo (@CarolinaHuddle) February 28, 2018
Read into this what you may, but it’s probably not San Francisco’s first choice.