The Panthers have a three-week window to discuss a contract extension with Julius Peppers because of the NFL's July 15 deadline for all teams to sign players who were given the franchise player designation to a long-term deal. If Carolina doesn't sign Peppers to an extension by then, they would have to wait until after the 2009 season to resume contract talks. The Panthers likely would have to make Peppers the highest paid defensive player. Source: Charlotte Observer
