FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.
The Pro Bowl means a $1.5 million bonus for Julius Peppers, which will tide him over until his next paycheck.
The Carolina Panthers' defensive end says he has no idea who will be writing that check.
"Anywhere is a potential landing spot," he said after the final NFC practice yesterday for tonight's Pro Bowl. "I'm not going to say I want to play for any team or I prefer to play anywhere, because I really haven't thought about it.
"I haven't thought about playing for x, y or z."
Last year the Panthers gave Peppers the NFL's highest single-season salary, more than $1 million a game. The contract included a $1.5 million bonus for making the Pro Bowl.
The deal came after the Panthers placed the restrictive franchise tag on him, denying Peppers his wish to leave in free agency.
Carolina could restrict Peppers' movement by placing the franchise tag on him again, but that would come with a 20 percent raise, meaning a salary of more than $20 million.
The Panthers haven't said what their plans are.
Peppers, who rarely talked to reporters this season, shed little light on his status yesterday.
Is he waiting for an offer from Carolina? "I really have no idea what's going on," he said.
Would he prefer to remain with the Panthers? "I don't have a preference," he said.
How would he feel about switching to linebacker for a team that plays a 3-4 defense? "I'm just trying to get on a team right now," he said. "I just want to get a contract."
Peppers, 6-7 and 283 pounds, turned 30 this month. He has spent his entire eight-year NFL career with the Panthers. He had 10½ sacks, two interceptions and five forced fumbles this season.
Peppers, from Wilson, attended Southern Nash High School and got a scholarship to North Carolina. He played football and basketball for the Tar Heels.
He was the second pick in the 2002 NFL Draft.
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