Panthers Quick to Tag Peppers

The Carolina Panthers have, according to many "league sources," as well as Peppers' agent Carl Carey, officially designated Julius Peppers with the team's franchise tag.

This, of course, is against Peppers' preference (he's not the only one who hates the franchise tag) and comes as a result of the Panthers inking LT Jordan Gross to a six-year deal. The tagging of Peppers is no surprise whatsoever -- it was well known that the team, regardless of whether he wants to play there or not, intended to get something back if the lifelong Panther actually ended up leaving.

Peppers has stated that he is only interested in four teams, one of which is the Cowboys and only one of which is in the AFC (the rumor train is pointing towards the Texans at the moment).

There should be some pretty quick information coming from both the team and Carey about possible trade suitors, especially considering Peppers' willingness to shrink the list of teams that he would play for (read: there would seem to be some interest already present on those teams' parts.)

Peppers will make $16.683 million next year as a Panther, but it's also nearly understood at this point that if/when traded, he wants a Jared Allen-like extension.

Small update: Carey comments on the tag, stating that, "Julius was expecting the franchise tag and we will continue to seek a resolution that is in line with his professional goals." Seems odd that they're suddenly willing to play ball in a "professional" manner, but it's really about the only thing that Carey or Peppers can say in this situation.

Tracking NFL Free Agents

Julius Peppers, Defensive end
FRANCHISE TAG USED BY PANTHERS
The Latest: Despite his expressed wishes, Peppers was tagged by Carolina. He'll make nearly $17 million next season, but the Panthers will have to work out a trade for him to leave.

Streeter Lecka, Getty Images

Antonio Bryant, Wide receiver
FRANCHISE TAG USED BY BUCS
The Latest: Bryant will stay in Tampa, and receive nearly $10 million next year, a huge jump from the $600K he earned in 2008.

Joe Robbins, Getty Images

Dunta Robinson, Cornerback
FRANCHISE TAG USED BY TEXANS
The Latest: Houston will keep Robinson for next season, and continue to work on a long-term extension.

Greg Trott, Getty Images

LeRoy Hill, Linebacker
NON-EXCLUSIVE FRANCHISE TAG USED BY SEAHAWKS
The Latest: Seattle franchised Hill and, though he's free to talk with other teams, it's unlikely anyone will cough up multiple first-day draft picks for a trade.

Ted S. Warren, AP

Terrell Suggs, Linebacker
FRANCHISE TAG USED BY RAVENS
The Latest: The Ravens opted to lock down Suggs for next season, at the risk of losing both Ray Lewis and Bart Scott. Suggs will earn $10.2 million in 2009.

Streeter Lecka, Getty Images

Darren Sproles, Running back
FRANCHISE TAG USED BY CHARGERS
The Latest: Sproles will earn $6.6 million next season after San Diego franchised him. Now the question is, will he be the starter or LdT's backup?

Donald Miralle, Getty Images

Jordan Gross, Offensive tackle
RE-SIGNED WITH CAROLINA - Six years, terms not announced
The Latest: The Panthers locked up Gross to a long-term contract, and did so just in time to place the franchise tag on Julius Peppers.

Paul Jasienski, Getty Images

Brandon Jacobs, Running back
NON-EXCLUSIVE FRANCHISE TAG USED BY GIANTS
The Latest: The non-exclusive tag means that Jacobs is still able to sign elsewhere, but would cost two first-round picks as compensation. He'll spend at least one more season in New York because of that.

Bill Kostroun, AP

Chris Johnson, Cornerback
RE-SIGNED WITH OAKLAND - Four years, terms not announced
The Latest: Oakland wasted no time locking up Johnson with a multi-year deal, and now can focus all its attention on making sure Nnamdi Asomugha is lined up at the Raiders' other cornerback spot.

Paul Sakuma, AP

Karlos Dansby, Linebacker
NON-EXCLUSIVE FRANCHISE TAG USED BY CARDINALS
The Latest: For the second straight season, the Cardinals used the franchise tag on Dansby. He can still negotiate with other teams, but likely will spend next season in the desert - whether he wants to or not.

Ross D. Franklin, AP