"The five-month Julius Peppers saga took two dramatic turns Wednesday.First, the Carolina Panthers announced their Pro Bowl defensive end had finally signed his offer sheet and would play for them this season. Then, late in the evening, agent Carl Carey said Peppers was satisfied with his contract situation, and also open to considering a possible long-term deal.
For about two years, Peppers has resisted the Panthers' attempts to sign him to a contract extension, turning down offers that would have made him the NFL's highest-paid defensive player.
Peppers' change of heart apparently occurred after recent meetings with team officials.
"Julius has always had tremendous respect for the individuals in the organization, and he had the opportunity to sit down face to face and talk with the people he's had great respect for," said Carey. "Sometimes it takes a discussion to begin to understand each other's perpectives."
Carey's comment amplified a statement Peppers released through Carey earlier in the day.
"I've had positive and productive discussions with the organization," Peppers said in the statement. . "I am optimistic and focused as I look forward to the upcoming NFL season."
The Panthers have a three-week window to discuss a contract extension with Peppers because of the NFL's July 15 deadline for all teams to sign players who were given the franchise player designation to a long-term deal.
If Carolina doesn't sign Peppers to an extension by then, they would have to wait until after the 2009 season to resume contract talks.
The Panthers likely would have to make Peppers the highest paid defensive player and top the deals signed this offseason by Oakland cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha (three years, $45.3 million) and Washington defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth (a seven-year deal that is widely viewed as a four-year, $48 million contract)."
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