Julius Peppers still wants out of Carolina, and two of the four teams he'd welcome a trade to are the Patriots and Cowboys. On Monday, the Panthers refuted rumors that they were in negotiations with the Patriots on a deal involving Peppers. Along with Dallas and New England, two unidentified NFC teams are reportedly on the list of clubs Peppers would prefer.

The Panthers denied a report Monday they've discussed trading defensive end Julius Peppers to the Patriots, according to an Associated Press report. The reason: They aren't allowed to have any trade talks involving Peppers until he signs his one-year tender worth $16.7M, or until his agent brokers a deal with another team and comes to the Panthers for approval.

It is appearing more and more likely that the Patriots' cost-cutting trade with the Chiefs will allow them to land Julius Peppers. According to several league sources, New England and Carolina are hoping to put the finishing touches on a trade involving Peppers sometime between the end of the month and the NFL Draft. Peppers would likely be converted to outside linebacker in New England's 3-4 defense.

The Panthers have released starting cornerback Ken Lucas in a move to create salary cap space. The decision clears about $2.3 million and comes after Carolina was unable to trade the veteran, who just seven months ago got into a physical alteration with receiver Steve Smith. "We had some teams approach us and we talked to some teams and nothing worked out," general manager Marty Hurney said. "We just thought this was the time to do this. ... Ken's been a very good starter for us for four years."

The Patriots saved a tremendous amount of money by trading quarterback Matt Cassel, but where will they spend it? Julius Peppers is the hottest name on the market, and he's the young, defensive force that New England is coveting. Carolina franchised the defensive end for $16.7 million, which upset Peppers, who is trying to get out of town.