The Panthers tried trading cornerback Ken Lucas to the Detroit Lions. Once the two sides were engaged in discussions, Lucas let it be known that he did not and would not play in Detroit. Thus, trade talks were abandoned even though some in the league thought the trade might go through. The talks are an indication of what Carolina has in mind for Lucas, who is scheduled to make $5.6 million in base salary this season. If Carolina cuts Lucas this week, it will free up $2.375 million against its salary cap.

The Panthers have cut wide receiver D.J. Hackett and two others players in a cost-cutting move. Carolina released running back Nick Goings and offensive lineman Jeremy Bridges along with Hackett. The moves saved the team roughly $4.74 million in cap space.

The Panthers have re-signed offensive tackle Jordan Gross and placed their franchise tag on defensive end Julius Peppers. Gross reportedly received a front-loaded, six-year contract that pays him $30.5 million over the first three years of the deal. "We're done, I want to confirm that," Gross told the Observer. "I'm ecstatic to be part of the Panthers." Peppers has said that he'd demand a trade if the team tagged him. "Julius was expecting the franchise tag and we will continue to seek a resolution that is in line with his professional goals," his agent said.

Defensive end Julius Peppers wants out of Carolina, but will only agree to a trade if he's headed to one of four teams. Peppers would welcome a trade to the Cowboys, and three others unnamed teams.

Carolina defensive end Julius Peppers reiterated in a conference call with reporters that he will ask for a trade if the team places the franchise tag on him. "If they decide to use the tag on me the first thing I will be doing is request a trade," said Peppers, who was then asked if he would holdout if the Panthers weren't able to deal him. "Anything after that is basically I don't know," Peppers said. "I don't know what would be the next course of action." Franchising Peppers would cost the Panthers about $17 million.

Panthers owner Jerry Richardson reportedly underwent a heart transplant on Sunday. Richardson, 72, had been on a heart transplant list since December. A medical center spokeswoman would not confirm the transplant and said Richardson's name was not in the hospital directory, according to the television report.