Julius Peppers, Carolina's franchised all-pro defensive tackle, signed an offer sheet Wednesday, locking him up with the Panthers at least one more season after saying in January he wanted to be elsewhere. The deal makes Peppers perhaps the highest-paid player in the NFL with a one-year contract that could pay him up to $19.183 million this season. ?I've had positive and productive discussions with the organization,? Peppers said in a statement. . ?I am optimistic and focused as I look forward to the upcoming NFL season.?