Panthers Franchise Peppers, Sign Gross

The Carolina Panthers placed the franchise tag on defensive end Julius Peppers on Thursday, setting up a potential nasty showdown with their four-time Pro Bowl defensive end who wants to play elsewhere next season.

The move came moments after the Panthers signed All-Pro left tackle Jordan Gross to a six-year deal worth more than $30 million in the first three seasons. Having locked up Gross, the Panthers then placed the non-exclusive tag on Peppers, who had said he would request a trade under that scenario.

"Julius was expecting to be franchised," Peppers' agent, Carl Carey, wrote in a text message. "We will continue to work toward a resolution that is in line with his professional goals."

Under the non-exclusive franchise tag rules, Carolina offered Peppers a one-year guaranteed deal worth $16.7 million that will immediately count against the salary cap. While Peppers can still solicit offers from other teams, any club signing Peppers would have to surrender two first-round draft picks to Carolina.

Placing the tag on Peppers theoretically allows the Panthers to trade him for something less than two first-rounders and get some compensation instead of letting the cornerstone of their defense walk away in free agency. But Peppers has power because no team would likely trade for him without first securing a long-term contract agreement.

A person close to Peppers on Wednesday said he would agree to be traded to only four teams.

COLTS: Indianapolis signed cornerback Kelvin Hayden to a five-year, $43 million deal.

RAIDERS: All-Pro cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha re-signed with Oakland, agreeing to a three-year, $45.3 million contract that gives him the highest salary in NFL history for a defensive back.

SEAHAWKS: Seattle placed its franchise tag on linebacker Leroy Hill.

STEELERS: For the second straight year, offensive tackle Max Starks was designated as Pittsburgh's franchise player.

TEXANS: Houston placed its franchise tag on cornerback Dunta Robinson, the first time it has used the designation.

TITANS: Tight end Bo Scaife will earn $4.46 million for 2009 after being named the team's franchise player.