Do you think we need to franchise Peppers before trading him?

[Cyberjag]

Based on what he's said, I think he's looking for us to engineer a sign-and-trade deal. That would allow us to keep the franchise tag in case things don't go well with Gross.

Is that a possibility?

[charlottenian]

I don't think you can do that because the team would then take a cap hit doing it that way.... the only was is to FT him

[carpanfan96]

I'm not sure, but the way espn had it worded it seemed as if pep was wanting carolina to release him of his contract now.

[TheJza]

Based on what he's said, I think he's looking for us to engineer a sign-and-trade deal. That would allow us to keep the franchise tag in case things don't go well with Gross.

Is that a possibility?

I hope so. It doesn't appear to be hostile at this point. I expect Julius to handle this with class, as he has since day one. At the end of the day though, his personal wellfare has to be consideration number one. No different than you and I.

[Snake]

Im almost sure he will get the Tag but I do think the staff knew of this before now. More then likely a trade has been in the works with another team an as soon as we tag him he will be traded.

[Cyberjag]

I'm not sure, but the way espn had it worded it seemed as if pep was wanting carolina to release him of his contract now.

If we did that we wouldn't get anything in return. If we franchise him, we can trade him where we want (not where he wants) or keep him here. From his POV, if we don't franchise him he can go where he wants, so it's in his interest to agree to a sign-and-trade if he gets to specify the team. Otherwise we could slap the tag on him and ship him off to the Lions for draft picks.

If he does agree to a sign-and-trade, we lose a little leverage in negotiations with the other team, but keep our tag if we need it.

[Bama Panther]

I'm not sure, but the way espn had it worded it seemed as if pep was wanting carolina to release him of his contract now.

His contract expires in late February. The Panthers, or any other team, is not going to "release" a guy whose contract is expiring anyway.

[CBDellinger]

of course he wants to be released now... then he can pick the team he goes to and still get tons of loot...