During a radio interview that aired Tuesday morning, Julius Peppers said he doesn't want a long-term extension from the Panthers.
Panthers beat writer Darin Gantt says "it's becoming more and more clear that Peppers isn't going to be here next year." Peppers is upset that the Panthers are giving him and his agent the "silent treatment." Gantt suggests that the Panthers should put the franchise tag on Peppers with designs on trading him. The Eagles, Patriots and Falcons are rumored as possible landing spots.
Panthers DT Hollis Thomas is not expected to be back with the team in 2010.
The massive Thomas immediately stepped into the starting lineup for the Panthers after being signed in Week 5. At 36, he was a quality one-year fill-in for a Carolina defensive line plagued by injuries in 2009, but the Panthers have younger alternatives for 2010 and beyond. His career could be finished.
The Panthers are expected to try and re-sign special teamer/safety Dante Wesley if the price is right.
With all of Carolina's injuries on the defensive side of the ball in 2009, Wesley saw extensive action as a hybrid linebacker/defensive back in Ron Meeks' defense. He is also a quality special teams player and is known for laying that vicious, illegal hit on Bucs PR Clifton Smith in October. All in all, the Panthers would like for him to return to the team.
The Panthers are expected to re-sign veteran DE Tyler Brayton for 2010.
Brayton resurrected his career in Carolina in 2008 and the Panthers love his work ethic and high motor playing style. He also said last season that he would be "heartbroken" if the Panthers didn't bring him back. Brayton, 30, notched five sacks and 45 tackles in 15 games in 2009.
DeAngelo Williams said the ankle injury that kept him out of Weeks 16 and 17 is completely healed.
It better be, because Williams played in the Pro Bowl. The ankle won't be an issue at all this offseason, but Jonathan Stewart's emergence will be. Stewart had 331 yards on 44 carries over the final two weeks of the year and he could very well be a better option for the Panthers in 2010. We'd expect an even timeshare at the very least.
Julius Peppers' agent, Carl Carey, doesn't think his client will be back with the Panthers next season.
Carey said the Panthers have "not made a single inquiry this offseason" about Peppers, an impending unrestricted free agent. "Julius wants to thank the Carolina fans and know their support has meant a lot to him over the years," Carey said. Peppers will fetch a hefty price tag on the open market in an uncapped year, with the Eagles, Falcons and Patriots among possible landing spots.
According to beat writer Steve Reed, Matt Moore is not a "slam dunk" as the Panthers' starting quarterback in 2010.
John Fox has been loyal to a fault with his veterans, but we have a hard time believing a washed-up Jake Delhomme has a legit chance to win an open competition. Though Panthers are expected to "add a younger quarterback to the mix as well," Moore has to be considered the favorite to open Week 1 as the starter.
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