Carolina Panthers last year were pressurized to use franchise tag on left tackle Jordan Gross because both the sides had failed to reach a long term deal. Now, this year Carolina Panthers are in a hope that the same thing is not repeated again this year.

It is a rumour spread that within the next couple of days the deal may be done to keep this 28 year old with the Panthers.

It is heard that the Panthers are working out to sign Gross who has helped turn an offensive line, which was a weakness only couple of years back to one of the teams strongest parts.

This deal will also allow the Panthers to use the franchise tag on Julius Peppers. If Peppers is given the franchise tag then he will only remain on the Panthers until a suitable trade can be made because earlier Peppers has clearly said that he will never play for the Panthers again.

If both, the Gross and the Panthers do not conclude to the terms by 19th Feb, the deadline for the franchise tag, then the Panthers may be forced to use it on Gross. This in brief means that they would have to let Peppers go without getting anything in return.

Tags: carolina panthers, Jordan Gross, peppers