Peppers Finally Signs His Franchise Tender

The stalemate between Julius Peppers and the Carolina Panthers is finally working itself out. Peppers, who has refused for months to sign the franchise tender granting him $16.7 million this season, signed the tender yesterday, making it all but official that he will remain with the Carolina Panthers this season. In a statement released by his agent Carl Carey, Peppers said, “Recently, I’ve had positive and productive discussions with the organization. I am optimistic and focused as I look forward to the upcoming NFL season.”

Julius Peppers has been working out in Arizona during this tumultuous time, and by signing the franchise tender he’s agreeing to attend the Panthers’ training camp at the beginning of August. Should the Panthers make the playoffs this year, Peppers could earn $250,000 for each playoff win, also raking in another $1.5 million if he makes the Pro Bowl again, making his yearly salary one of the most lucrative in NFL history. While the whole Peppers situation initially came about because he was dissatisfied with playing for the Panthers, however, signing this one-year deal may not solve the problem long-term, as the Panthers have made no promises not to slap the franchise tag on Peppers once again next year.

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