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If the reaction of two Carolina Panthers leaders is any indication, defensive end Julius Peppers can expect a warm reception from his teammates when training camp begins in early August.
“Not surprised at all about Julius,” quarterback Jake Delhomme said by text message about the news that Peppers had signed a one-year tender with the team Wednesday. “All of us will be elated he will be present on the first day of camp.”
Linebacker Jon Beason writes on his blog (jonbeason.com) that he feels the same:
“We're glad to have JP back and I think he's happy, too. In some ways that's the way I expected the procedure to unfold. The Panthers would have had to trade him for lesser value because his value is through the roof. A team would have had to give up several high draft picks and then pay him close to $100million, so it's a double-edged sword.
“It's been great getting to know Pep as a person the last few years and to see him play in games is unbelievable. He's such a specimen, such a freak, he's so gifted and talented it's unbelievable.
“He's definitely the most talented lineman I've ever seen and maybe the most talented player.”
The Panthers signed their two fourth-round draft picks – Texas A&M running back/kick returner Mike Goodson and Syracuse fullback Tony Fiammetta – on Friday. The Panthers are high on Goodson's game-breaking potential as a situational running back, receiver and possible kickoff returner. Fiammetta agreed to a four-year deal, according to his agent.
To make room for Goodson and Fiammetta, the Panthers waived long-snapper Patrick MacDonald and defensive tackle Babatunde Oshinowo.
