The Panthers placed the franchise tag on Julius Peppers.

With T Jordan Gross signing a six-year deal Thursday, the Panthers are able to keep their best two young talents. For now. Peppers is due $17 million and wants out, so the Panthers are expected to seek a trade. He should attract a Jared Allen-like package as the Draft nears, but Carolina should exhaust all chances to keep him. Ultimately, it's their call despite his tough talk.

Source: Charlotte Observer