For a little salary-cap space and most of the core players under contract, the Panthers are expected to be quiet when free agency begins. As long as the four-time Pro Bowl defensive end Julius Peppers’ future remains uncertain, the Carolina Panthers will remain in the NFL offseason spotlight.

Peppers has made it well known that he wants to play elsewhere next season. The Carolina Panthers still slapped the franchise tag on him the previous week. This mean that they are on the hook for a one-year deal that is worth $16.7 million and that eats up a large chunk of the salary cap and makes a free agency spree impossible.

But this move of Peppers also won’t allow him to leave unless another team gives up two first-round picks. With that unlikely, Carolina Panthers could still pull off a trade for less compensation — if Peppers agrees to a fresh contract with that team.

The agent of Peppers, Carl Carey, and Panthers general manager Marty Hurney remained mum on the issue Thursday as it appeared Carolina won’t be a major player elsewhere in free agency. Hurney said to the media, “If you look at our situation, we’ve got our starters back from last year.” He also adds, “We’ve got a good part of our nucleus back. I think we’re in a situation where we have a good young core that has either headed into or is heading into their second contracts. I think it’s good situation to be in.”

Tags: carl carey, location change, peppers