Wow. Talk about a bombshell indictment of the Panthers during the John Fox era. Julius Peppers telling ESPN via a release from his agent that he has decided to play elsewhere in order to become an “elite” player is pretty damning.

Peppers is declaring to the football world that the Panthers have failed him. Never mind the truth of the claim. That is about as bitter a thing as a player can say about his team and coaches. As such, this does not sound like a negotiation ploy. Marty Hurney and the Richardsons have surely bowed their backs upon hearing these words. Pep is well and truly gone.

But his declaration that he needs “a different system” still points to him landing with a 3-4 team. In fact, it’ll be very interesting to see who is the first team to contact Carl Carey about a deal.

Meanwhile, the Panthers. Are they going to stand-pat on the team’s coaching staff? Even if they reject Peppers’ characterization, there is no doubt the defense has underachieved in recent years. With the entire NFL making moves — Super Bowl winner Jon Gruden getting tossed out on his ear in Tampa for failing to make the playoffs — Carolina really needs to get moving if any personnel moves are being contemplated.

Here’s the thing that intrigues me: Suppose the Panthers had fired DC Mike Trgovac at any point during the week. Does Peppers still release his swan song statement on Friday night? Carolina Panthers fans will likely never know — and that is a shame.

Update: Another bulls-eye for our little blogdom. As we suggested was the case back on Tuesday, Peppers’ agent today confirmed that Pep is interested in playing in a 3-4 scheme.

Update II: Leave it to the Uptown paper to spill about 20,000 words Sunday on the Peppers story and never once mention Greg Ellis, the other giant former Tar Heel DE playing OLB in a 3-4 scheme. Special message to Charles Chandler — we all know that Pep had been playing at closer to 260 in recent years than the 285 he is listed at in programs. As such, writing that he is “20 to 40 pounds heavier” than a 3-4 OLB simply makes no sense. Besides, what if Pep wants to play lighter and save his knees?