Gross says Peppers' contract not a distraction to team

Carolina Panthers

Gross says Peppers' contract not a distraction to team

Carolina Panthers kicker John Kasay, center, is surrounded by his teammates after his field goal as time expired in an NFL football game in the Superdome in New Orleans on Sunday, Oct. 7, 2007. The Panthers won 16-13. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

By Tim Hall

Jun 11, 2009

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It was an ugly end for the Carolina Panthers in January. A disappointing playoff loss to the Cardinals left fans wondering if Jake Delhomme could cut it quarterback. Soon after the team's star defensive player says he wants to leave.

But optimism remains high in the locker room. Even with uncertainty looming, left tackle Jordan Gross feels better days are ahead for the Panthers.

"The good news is that isn't our last hurrah with this group of guys," Gross told 99.9FM The Fan ESPN Radio on Thursday. "We didn't lose that many major parts of the puzzle and I think we have the opportunity to be a better team this year than we were last."

One of the most critical pieces of that puzzle from last year is four-time pro bowl selection Julius Peppers. The defensive end has been slapped with the franchise tag after making it known early in the off-season that he didn't want a long term deal in Carolina and wanted to "reach his full potential" with another team.

Peppers has been a no-show to all of the team's summer school sessions the last two weeks and could hold out of training camp as well. He has yet to sign his one year tender that will pay him $16.7 million. But even a high profile contract dispute like Peppers' doesn't consume the locker room that much.

"It comes up but I would definitely say it's not a distraction," Gross said. "With Pep, he's the kind of guy that can shoe up at the end of training camp and get a preseason game in and then have an all-star year. No one is really too upset or worried about it and most of us just want him to be back."

The quarterback position was a major issue in Carolina after the aging Delhomme committed six turnovers in the playoff loss to Arizona. To some people's surprise Delhomme then landed a five-year extension worth $42.5 million. The 34 year old is now under contract until 2014. But the 2008 pro bowl selection wants him under center.

"Oh yeah he's great, and I've said that ever since I've been playing," Gross said. "He's just a special guy I think that he's made the most out of his talent and potential, and he works hard in the weight room to get better. I think that shows me how much he still wants to prove.....he's just an all-around outstanding quarterback."

The 28 year-old tackle is sticking around in Carolina for sometime himself. In February Gross inked a deal for six-years and $60 million and he sees the Panthers as a team he could stay with the rest of his career.

"Yeah I've said that even before I signed that this is the best place in the NFL as far as quality of life and quality or organization and ownership all the way down to the coaches.

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RE: Gross says Peppers' contract not a distraction to team

The Panthers need to resolve the Peppers issue. He is tying up a lot of $$$ and he's made it clear he doesn't wish to be with the organization any longer. I don't know what happened, and I hate to see him go, but the Panthers need to move on.

RE: Gross says Peppers' contract not a distraction to team

If a frog had wings he would not bump his every time he hopped. I think Pep should go, he plays hard when he wants to play hard.

RE: Gross says Peppers' contract not a distraction to team

This one is truly hard to understand. Does Peppers have a problem with the coaching staff, other players, or what? He can sign off and make over 16 million dollars. What if he goes to another team and they don't run the defense that he wants? What if he goes into a new team, and then they fire the Defensive Coor., a new guy comes in, runs a differnt scheme. What does he do then? I wish that he would sign.

I do hope that they are grooming another QB too. JD is not cutting the the pie.

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