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Carolina Panthers defensive end Julius Peppers didn't really want to be in Carolina in 2009. Yet after skipping off-season workouts and mini-camps, Peppers signed his franchise tender today.

"I have signed the franchise tender and am now under a one-year contract with the Carolina Panthers. Recently, I've had positive and productive discussions with the organization. I am optimistic and focused as I look forward to the upcoming NFL season."

"Julius is more than satisfied with the outcome and is looking forward instead of backward," Carey said. "He is motivated. he's prepared and he's ready to play football."

Whether Peppers has truly had a change of heart or not, he's due to earn a guaranteed one-year salary of $16.683 million in 2009. In addition to the base salary, Peppers could earn an additional $2.5 million in incentives ($1.5 million if he makes the Pro Bowl and $250,000 per playoff win).

So, without the incentives, Peppers will earn more than $1,042,687.50 per game.

"I've said it a number of times, we want Julius Peppers here," [GM Marty] Hurney said. "This one-year contract was signed with the intention of him coming to training camp on Aug. 2 with the Carolina Panthers."

It's unlikely that the Panthers would be able to sign Peppers to an extension, which leads to the question of will they trade him?

Hurney's statement doesn't sound like the Panthers will move him and an NFL GM would never lie to us, right? That being said, Hurney and the Panthers should entertain and seriously consider any legitimate offers whether they actively seek to move him or not.

Otherwise, they will find themselves in the same situation after this season - to franchise him (for $20 million plus) or to let him walk in 2010.