Panthers could use answer from Julius Peppers before free agency begins

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The Carolina Panthers ideally will get a definitive answer on whether Julius Peppers will return for a 17th season before free agency begins on Thursday. The 38-year-old defensive end, fourth on the NFL’s all-time sack list, reportedly is leaning toward one last chance to win a Super Bowl.

But the Panthers have to begin preparing for life without Peppers, bringing us to the next in a position-by-position look at the roster.

Next up: Defensive end

2017 grade: B-plus

Carolina got more production than it probably counted on out of Peppers, who tied Mario Addison for the team lead in sacks with 11. That was his most since 2013. Addison had another solid season as well and at a…