Matt Loede over at Panther Gab spreads a rumor that the Panthers would apply the franchise tag to Pro Bowl DE Julius Peppers if they are unable to get a long-term deal done.

Charley Casserly of CBS is reporting that the Panthers are going to apply the franchise tag on DE Julius Peppers, that is if the team can't work out a long term deal. The one-year franchise tender for Peppers - more than $17 million.

Having applied the tag to LT Jordan Gross in the offseason the Panthers are not afraid of using the pricey option. I have to say though $17M is some serious coin for a one year deal. I think it makes it imperative for the Panther brass to work a deal before this becomes a necessity.

Given Peppers is tied for 4^th in the NFC with 11 sacks the price isn't going to get any lower by dragging this out. I imagine the sticking point is the amount of guaranteed money, the incentive clauses and the length of the contract. I thinks its also a no-brainer that Peppers will be the highest paid player in Panther team history.