Jan. 18, 2008

Updated as of 11:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 20

With DE Julius Peppers just one year away from free agency, the Panthers have a difficult decision to make this offseason. Carolina was reportedly close to signing Peppers to a long-term extension in training camp, which likely would have made him the highest-paid defender in the league, but negotiations fell through. The six-year veteran just completed, statistically, the worst season of his career, recording just 2½ sacks. In a matter of four months, Peppers’ extension went from the top of the squad’s to-do list to well behind several other more pressing needs. Peppers will be the Panthers’ highest-paid player next season with a base salary of $6.5 million, but that could change if a restructuring takes place. The primary goal of general manager Marty Hurney and head coach John Fox this offseason will be to remodel the offensive line. Both of Carolina’s starting offensive tackles, Travelle Wharton and Jordan Gross, are free agents.