Just re-watched this video from NFL.com from right after Carolina slapped the Franchise tag on Pep.  All this talk about Peppers having to be traded has been distracting.  But these guys might be on to something.  The Panthers have a formula to win now.  Trading Peppers breaks up that formula.  

They seem to agree that the Franchise tags means, like Hurney has been saying, they want Peppers in Carolina. They brought in Ron Meeks to take what should have been a stout defense, and to sure it up. Meeks for sure wants to work with a player of Peppers caliber.  And they might be thinking he can help mix things up and convince Pep to stay here for the long haul.