All talks are off...at least until spring. The Panthers and Julius Peppers could not come to terms on a new contract by the 4 p.m. deadline on Wednesday. Peppers will cost the Panthers $16.683 million this year.

With that bit of news, the fans may rest easy knowing that Peppers is once again in a contract year, so his performance shouldn't suffer. He should put up quality numbers like last year.

Until the offseason, the Panthers may not talk with Peppers about any contract negotiations. Once the offseason comes and before free agency begins, hopefully the team and Peppers will be able to work out a deal, but don't be surprised if the Panthers are left with no other choice than to franchise Pep again, for over $20 million.

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