Charlotte, NC (My Sportsbook) - The Carolina Panthers placed their franchise tag on disgruntled defensive end Julius Peppers on Thursday. The second overall pick in the 2002 NFL Draft has made four Pro Bowl appearances over his seven-year career with Carolina, though in recent weeks expressed his desire to play elsewhere next season. Peppers will be granted a one-year contract of the average of the top five salaries at the defensive end position last season or 120 percent of his 2008 salary, whichever is greater. If Peppers were to sign an offer sheet from another club, the Panthers would then receive two first-round draft choices. In 2008, the 29-year-old, who switched from left to right defensive end, recorded a career-high 14 1/2 sacks and 51 tackles. In 106 career games with the Panthers, the North Carolina product has compiled 70 1/2 sacks and 344 tackles. |
