Peppers, Panthers fail to agree on long-term deal

[July 16, 2009]  CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -- The deadline for the Carolina Panthers to reach a long-term deal with franchise defensive end Julius Peppers has passed without an agreement.

Peppers will now play next season under a one-year deal worth at least $16.7 million.

The Panthers had until 4 p.m. Eastern time to sign the four-time Pro Bowl pick to a deal that would secure his long-term future in Carolina and free up salary-cap space this season.

Now the two sides can't discuss a new contract until the end of next season, when Carolina will have the option to place the franchise tag on him again.

The Panthers' career sacks leader had been locked in a prolonged dispute with the Panthers after first saying that he wanted to play elsewhere.

[Associated Press; By MIKE CRANSTON]

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