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Two months from now, the Carolina Panthers are scheduled to be nearing the end of their first week of training camp.
By then, the Julius Peppers saga either could be old news or big news depending upon whether he has signed his offer sheet and reported to duty.
It doesn't look like Peppers has many options. That's been the case since the NFL draft passed in late April.
Barring an incredibly creative type of trade, there isn't much another team could offer the Panthers that would help them enough this season to make them consider dealing away their Pro Bowl defensive end.
Before the draft, there was always the possibility – albeit remote – that the Panthers could get enough in 2009 draft currency to warrant considering trading Peppers.
The situation is entirely different now. Team officials are under pressure to win this season and to finally make the playoffs in consecutive years for the first time in team history.
Peppers is a big part of the defensive plan for '09 and trading him for future draft picks doesn't help their immediate needs at all.
Team officials expect and believe Peppers will show up for training camp with other players on Aug. 2.
Peppers wanted to play for another team next season, but his mobility as a potential unrestricted free agent was severely limited when the Panthers placed their franchise tag on him.
At this point, it's unlikely Peppers will contest the situation. He's scheduled to make nearly $17 million this season. That's way more than any player, especially one nearing his 30th birthday, should be willing to risk.
Notes & Observations
Center Ryan Kalil looks a bit bigger and more muscular than last season, which should serve him well next season.
Among those who helped convince former Panthers safety Mike Minter not to enter politics was close friend and ex-defensive end Mike Rucker, whose primary concern was the amount of time a campaign and the public office would take Minter away from his family. Minter said he also conferred with his pastor and didn't discern a calling to make the move.
Minter may receive some friendly razzing from his buddies for appearing on the cover of the June issue of Today's Charlotte Woman magazine. Minter is featured in a Q&A about his diverse post-football career path.
If fourth-round draft pick Mike Goodson is anywhere near as good as he looks in summer school practices, the Panthers have added an extra dimension to their offense.
There was a reunion of former Carolina defensive linemen at a fundraiser Thursday night. Rucker, Sean Gilbert, Al Wallace and Shane Burton were present and all still looked capable of doing some damage on the field.
The Panthers held their annual golf outing this week, which coach John Fox likes for its team-bonding value. According to several participants, the event included lots of fun, a wide diversity in golfing skills and some bizarre shots that belied description.
Wide receiver Steve Smith had some fun in informal position drills last week during school when he lined up as a defensive back, joking with coach Fox that he was excited about playing Cover 2. Just to be sure no one gets the wrong impression, Smith will remain a full-time receiver.
The Panthers are scheduled for eight more days of summer school practices – Monday through Thursday for the next two weeks – before getting their long-awaited break before training camp.
