--In addition to his $16.683 million contract, defensive end Julius Peppers stands a chance to make an additional $1.5 million this year if he makes the Pro Bowl and $250,000 for every playoff game the Panthers win this season.

Panthers general manager Marty Hurney said placing the tag on Peppers was not a means for making a trade with another team.

"I've said this a number of times over the past few months we want Julius Peppers here," Hurney said. "The contract was signed with the intention of coming to training camp on August 2 with the Carolina Panthers. He's a valuable member to us and we want him here."

--The Panthers are moving Sherrod Martin, a safety at Troy, to cornerback and so far the transition seems to be going well. Coaches have been impressed with Martin's athleticism. He's viewed as the team's potential nickel back.

"I think I'm adapting pretty good," Martin said. "I can always get better. Right now I have to focus on the little things at cornerback. Right now it's fundamentals and techniques for me to help me on down the line. I have to be like a detective out there -- every little thing counts."

Fox downplayed the change to corner, saying that for Martin -- as well as most rookies -- it's more mental than physical.

"He's played the position before, so it's not totally foreign," Fox said. "It's not like he's going from defensive back to offensive tackle. It's not quite that kind of a carryover. But he's done it in college and there's competition there, too.

--Coach John Fox has been impressed with the progress of the young players on this year's roster.

"I think excellent. We are trying to lay a good foundation so that when we get to camp we are not starting from square one," Fox said. "That's what the OTA's are designed for. Whether it's minicamp or OTA's, those are all situations where we can get guys prepared."

QUOTE TO NOTE
"I'm not going to get into all the discussions that have taken place. Obviously Julius signing the one-year tender I think shows that he is happy and comfortable being here. We have certainly said all along we feel that way and I think everyone that has followed us knows how valuable he is to us." -- Panthers GM Marty Hurney on Julius Peppers signing his franchise tender

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