One of the most successful defensive linemen of all time, Julius Peppers, is being shopped by the Chicago Bears, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

However, according to Schefter, a trade is unlikely. Peppers is set to make $13.9 million in 2014, and $16.5 million in 2015. At age 34, it’s likely no team would want to take on that contract.

Peppers made a name for himself in the league with the Carolina Panthers from 2002 to 2009, recording double-digit sack numbers in six of his first eight years in the NFL.

Prior to the 2010 season, Peppers signed the monstrous contract with Chicago. Since then, he has recorded a total of 38 sacks in four years with the Bears.

If the Bears are able to move him, it would be an incredibly smart move.

They clearly aren’t convinced that Peppers can be an every-down, game-changing pass rusher anymore. Chicago also needs to overhaul the defense, after finishing 31st in scoring defense this season.

Assuming they don’t find a trade partner, releasing Peppers would free up $9.8 million in cap space or a total of $14 million if Chicago chooses to spread the money out over two years.

Possible replacements for Peppers on the roster include Seattle’s Michael Bennett, Michael Johnson of the Bengals or Oakland’s Lamarr Houston.

With his current contract, it’s tough to find a possible new home for Peppers. But if he becomes a free-agent, look for a team such as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers or the Jacksonville Jaguars to pursue him.

Both teams have a serious need for a defensive end, and have a decent amount of cap space. Peppers’s former coach in Chicago, Lovie Smith, is also now in Tampa and would presumably have a defensive scheme that Peppers is comfortable with.