Panthers general manager Marty Hurney said that he still expects defensive end Julius Peppers to play for the team next season. "We franchised him and it's really no different than any other player who has been franchised," Hurney said. "We, as part of the franchise process with the non-exclusive tag, are not involved really in (trade scenarios). When we franchised Julius we did so with the intention of having him back -- and that's where it stands."