Last week we asked readers what the Carolina Panthers should do with DE Julius Peppers. Here are some responses (edited for space):

There is no doubt in anyone's mind that Julius Peppers is a "freakish" athlete. The problem is and always has been that he only plays at 100 percent when he wants to.

I've watched several games where he was non-existent and other games where he was in on every play. He now feels that he can't be his full potential in a 4-3 defense and he's upset that the fans are mad about his decision.

Well, quite frankly we are. We feel like he's quitting on a team that had a bad playoff game.

The Panthers will need to hit him with the franchise tag and hope that someone wants him bad enough to pay the price. Hopefully he'll get traded and we'll get 2 first round picks.

I'd much rather have a player that's not quite as "freakish," but will give 100 percent every game. Heart outplays ability a lot of the time. If he has no heart in the Panthers, then it's time to let him go.

Chris Trogdon

Summerfield

In my opinion, Julius Peppers is the Carolina Panthers defense. When he goes what defense will Carolina have?

An athlete like Julius comes along every 20 years or longer. He won't be replaced. He'll probably wind up at one of this year's playoff teams and thus insure their domination for years to come.

Why can't Carolina adapt to one of the best talents to ever play the position? Who knows? Maybe Julius is tired of having to be on the field for so long? Maybe Julius is trying to find himself in a more progressive situation?

The Charlotte economy is in recession. More years of so-so Football won't help. Charlotte needs a hero. Charlotte needs Julius. Where has the outcry about this been?

This is a turning point for the Panthers. I can only imagine what is going on right now behind the scenes. Where has the coverage been about this? Somebody please wake up Mr. Hardin. Much is at stake. My best wishes to Mr. Richards.

Bill Kremer

If Julius Peppers is tired of playing for the Carolina Panthers - a team that has always treated him like a king, a team that has great fans and sunny, warm weather - then trade him to the Green Bay Packers.

Let him go play on the frozen tundra of Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisc., for at least eight games, and two more games in Chicago against the Bears.

His old coach, Mike Trgovac, is the Packers' defensive line coach. The Packers are going to a 3-4 defense with Dom Capers as the defensive coordinator the Panthers' former head coach. I am sure the Packers would love to have him as one of their new inside linebackers in the 3-4 defense.

Dennis Kays

The Panthers should trade Peppers now while they can get something in return for him.

Julius had an all-pro year and has been a good fit for the team. The man has made up his mind that he wants to be somewhere but not in North Carolina. If he has to stay here another year, ;he will be an unhappy player and could cause some problems for the team.

The team should get what they can for him and cut the string. Tell him so long and good luck. That way if something does not work out for Julius, he just might return to the Panthers in the future.

James M. Young

High Point