Julius Peppers returns to Panthers

Julius Peppers is coming back to Carolina.

The veteran linebacker’s agent tweeted out Friday a photo of Peppers holding a Panthers jersey when he was drafted that said, “Headed Home…”

Peppers, 37, was drafted second overall by the Panthers in 2002 out of the University of North Carolina.

He played for eight seasons in Carolina before going to Chicago and eventually Green Bay.

"Julius has had an exemplary career, and to be headed into his 16th NFL season is incredible and requires a certain professional acumen," agent Carl Carey said. "My hope is that he will share with other NFL players what it takes to have longevity in this profession."

Peppers has played in 234 career games and has only missed six games, two of which came in his first year by suspension.

He ranks fifth on the NFL’s career sacks list, with 81 of his 143.5 career sacks while with the Panthers.

The Panthers also signed unrestricted free agent safety Mike Adams to a two-year contract.

Adams, 5-11 and 205 pounds, comes to Carolina after three seasons (2014-16) with the Indianapolis Colts. He was named to consecutive Pro Bowls in 2014 and 2015 after tying for the league lead with seven takeaways in 2014 and posting five interceptions in 2015.

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