[vincesanity82]

There's talk in league circles that a contract between the Carolina Panthers and defensive end Julius Peppers is in the works, and that it could be wrapped up within the next couple of weeks.

Per one source, the numbers in the Peppers contract could eclipse, perhaps significantly, the six-year, $72 million contract signed by Colts defensive end Dwight Freeney.

Earlier this month, there were reports and that Panthers and Peppers had put their talks on hold pending the outcome of the Freeney discussions. Now that Freeney's deal is done, the Panthers would be wise to get Peppers signed before someone else sets the bar even higher.

So what will Peppers be worth, given that Freeney received $30 million in guaranteed money and an average of $12 million per year? Could Peppers be the first player to get $40 million in guaranteed money? We'd be surprised, but not shocked. Indeed, the Panthers might ultimately decide to go higher with the guarantee and, relatively speaking, lower with the total package. Thus, six years, $78 million with $40 million guaranteed seems plausible.

Meanwhile, any team dealing with other players who are poised to get paid might want to get their deals done before the Peppers numbers hit the fan.

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[Lefty Noob]

$40 million in guaranteed money. Geez. And this is for defensive players, not even glory-boy skill-position guys! What happened to the salary cap?

[cwstech]

Peppers deserves it more than Freeney does. He is a better overall player. Peppers can hang with some wide receivers and cover them like a CB. If Freeney gets this kind of money, Peppers should too.