Julius Peppers signs with Green Bay Packers

When the Cincinnati Bengals allowed Michael Johnson to leave in free agency, it was never clear if the team was confident enough if his potential replacements to not go and pursue another defensive end in free agency.

Thus far, there have been no reports of Cincinnati showing interest in any free agent defensive lineman. If they choose to, you can scratch Julius Peppers off the list, as he's signing with the Green Bay Packers:

Filed to ESPN: Agent Carl Carey adds Julius Peppers' 3-year deal to Green Bay is "for $30M max, $7.5M guaranteed & $8.5M in tot 1st yr sal."

— Josina Anderson (@JosinaAnderson) March 15, 2014

What kind of $$ are #Packers putting up? Agent Carl Carey says it's a three-year deal that can be worth $30M. Peppers gets $8.5M in Year 1

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 15, 2014

And I know the age is different, but this is, again, Ted Thompson veering off course and getting a decorated vet who's been in a down cycle.

— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 15, 2014

The 34-year-old was released by the Chicago Bears on Tuesday in an effort to free up cap space after signing DE Lamarr Houston. Peppers was scheduled to earn $13.9 million in 2014.

This, after Peppers had one of the worst years of his career in 2013, recording just 7.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and an interception. With 118.5 career sacks, Peppers ranks 17th on the all-time list and third among active players.

The Packers seem to think they're getting the Peppers of old this year by the amount of money they're paying him. for comparison, the Buccaneers signed Michael Johnson to a five-year deal worth $43.75 million. Thay pays him an annual salary of $8.75 million, whereas Peppers could make $10 million per year.