Wednesday's deadline for a long-term deal came and passed for the Panthers and defensive end Julius Peppers.
"Both sides tried," agent Carl Carey said. "Julius feels good about the one-year deal and is ready for the season to begin."
The one-year contract will pay Peppers $16.7 million in 2009, but creates the prospect of another offseason filled with uncertainty next year.
Peppers, Panthers 'Tried' For Long-Term Deal