I think it'll be a much clearer picture tomorrow, once they do actually franchise one of them. i think we'll find out how much gross wants to stay in carolina. I am under the assumption that a contract with Gross could still be signed tonight; that it is a distinct possibility. carolina may "overpay" to get this done, but that's fine if they're able to franchise peppers then trade him.

I think we could very well see Gross sign tonight to a very big contract, one that may be "more than he is worth", just so they can franchise peppers.

"bozz_2006" wrote:

For what it's worth, the story on ESPN said only that it was 2 NFC teams. Nothing about them being NFC South teams.

ESPN story 

NFC teams (besides Dallas) running a 3-4:

Arizona, San Fran, Green Bay. I'm guessing his list is:

1. Dallas
2. New England
3. Arizona
4. Green Bay

"pack_in_black" wrote:

That whole scenario works for me Pork except I have one question, what position does Peppers play. Does he take the bookend OLB spot opposite Kampmann, or does he play DE on the same side as Kampmann. If the latter is true, I feel sorry for every RT we face.

"DakotaT" wrote:

Adam Schefter
Panthers franchise Peppers after signing Gross

Well, that didnt take long. Moments after completing a deal for offensive tackle Jordan Gross, the Carolina Panthers designated Julius Peppers as their franchise player, a league source confirmed Thursday. Peppers franchise number is $16.683 million, but it is hardly the money that Peppers wants. He wants his freedom, the ability to leave Carolina and go play in a city that would be desirable to him.

Now that the Gross issue is out of the way, the Panthers can focus on resolving the one involving Peppers.

Carolina and Gross reached agreement Thursday on a record six-year contract worth just under $60 million that will pay out $30.5 million in the first three years of the deal, a league source said. The $30.5 million over the deals first three years is highest ever for an offensive lineman.




Adam Schefter
Panthers give Gross six-year deal

With one signing, Carolina retained offensive tackle Jordan Gross and kept control of defensive end Julius Peppers.

Carolina and Gross reached agreement Thursday on a record six-year contract that will pay out $30.5 million in the first three years of the deal, a league source said.

The $30.5 million over the deals first three years is highest ever for an offensive lineman.

Now Gross is tied to Carolina and the Panthers now can designate Peppers as their franchise player, a move that will allow them to seek a trade. But Gross was the first piece of the puzzle.

After progress was made this week, the Panthers and Gross finalized the deal Thursday. Carolina took the top offensive tackle off the free-agent market and saved its franchise tag, all at the same time.

I'd like to have Peppers on this team but not if it's gunna cost us an arm and a leg. If we can sign two or three decent players for the price of one Peppers, then i'd go with spreadin the money out and goin with the 3.

"JNelson87" wrote: