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Negotiations on a long-term contract extension for Panthers DE Julius Peppers are ongoing, the way we hear it. Sources in Carolina say the team is in wait-and-see mode with its freakishly athletic star pass rusher, who had a career-high 13 sacks in 2006, and talks could heat up if Peppers comes to camp in good condition and shows the ability to shake off last year’s puzzling 2½-sack campaign. Peppers, 28, is in the final year of his rookie contract. Reports from a year ago said he wanted to become the highest-paid defensive player in the league, and Carolina seemed willing to oblige. Word is, despite his baffling decline last season, the Panthers aren’t expected to make Peppers a significantly lower contract offer than the one that was discussed last offseason. They still hold him in high esteem, as head coach John Fox has made clear in statements throughout the offseason, and slashing money out of the offer would be a hit to Peppers’ psyche right before the start of the season. He is known to be sensitive about such matters, and such a tactic would become distracting.
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