Panthers' defensive end Julius Peppers, who will become an unrestricted free agent if he doesn't get an extension or the franchise tag, hasn't said if he wants to return to Carolina. If Peppers is franchised, the Panthers could retain him for another year, or trade him. "Ideally, I want to be in the best possible situation for myself and for this organization," said Peppers. "I'm thankful for everything they've done for me. "I don't want to leave them crippled or in a bad situation and I don't want to do that to myself either. Whatever works out best for both sides is what I'm comfortable with."