Panthers don't sign DE Julius Peppers

CHARLOTTE, N.C., July 15 (UPI) -- Carolina failed to come to terms with defensive end Julius Peppers before Wednesday's deadline for negotiating long-term deals with franchise players.

Peppers, a 6-foot-7, 283-pounder and former two-sport star -- football and basketball -- at North Carolina, signed one-year franchise tender June 24 worth $16.7 million, ending a possible training camp holdout.

He was made Carolina's franchise player for the 2009 season.

"Recently, I've had positive and productive discussions with the organization," Peppers, 29, told The Charlotte Observer when he signed the tender.

His agent, Carl Carey, told the newspaper Wednesday the two sides attempted to reach an agreement but ultimately could not and they will not be able to discuss a new contract until the end of this coming season.

Peppers switched from left to right defensive end in 2008, recorded a career-high 14 1/2 sacks with 51 tackles.

The second overall pick in the 2002 NFL draft has made four Pro Bowl appearances during his seven-year career with the Panthers.