Report: Julius Peppers signing with Carolina Panthers

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Green Bay Packers free agent Julius Peppers is returning to where his career started, signing with the Carolina Panthers, according to ESPN.

Peppers spent eight seasons with the Panthers after he was selected as the No. 2 overall pick in 2002.

Peppers has played the last three seasons with the Green Bay Packers. The Packers signed Peppers as a veteran free agent two days after the Bears waived him. During his three years with the Packers, Peppers registered 25 of his 143½ career sacks.

Overall, Peppers has played 15 seasons -- including eight with Carolina and four with the Bears.