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05/01/2009 01:52 PM

Panthers open minicamp without Peppers

By: Associated Press

the Panthers have placed the franchise tag on Julius Peppers, limiting his options in free agency.
the Panthers have placed the franchise tag on Julius Peppers, limiting his options in free agency.
CHARLOTTE -- Disgruntled defensive end Julius Peppers was a no-show at the start of the Carolina Panthers’ three-day minicamp.

The stalemate continued Friday with the four-time Pro Bowl selection, who wants to play elsewhere. But the Panthers have placed the franchise tag on him, limiting his options in free agency.

Because Peppers has not signed Carolina’s one-year, $16.7 million tender, he can’t be fined for missing the mandatory minicamp.

General manager Marty Hurney says Friday he’s had several conversations with agent Carl Carey and they’ve been “all positive.”

Second-round pick Everette Brown of Florida State got more reps in Peppers’ absence.

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