After locking up the anchor of their offensive line, the Panthers turned their attention to their defense, placing the frachise tag on defensive end Julius Peppers.

Theoretically, tagging Peppers would make it more likely the talented defenseman would return to the team. Any team attempting to sign Peppers away from the Panthers would be required to give up two first round draft picks, as well as signing the player to what is bound to be a very large contract.

However, Peppers previously stated that he would request a trade if tagged, and his agent today, gave no indication that the 7 year Panther intended to depart from that plan of action, telling reporters “Julius was expecting to be franchised. We will continue to work toward a resolution that is in line with his professional goals.”

Sproles has spent the bulk of his three years in San Diego as a kick returner and backup to LaDainian Tomlinson. However, the running back was thrust into the spotlight late in the season last year, due to a Tomlinson injury, and certainly didn’t disappoint. Sproles put up back to back 100+ rushing yard games, headlined by an impressive performance against the Indianapolis Colts in the playoffs, gaining over 320 all purpose yards, and scoring two touchdowns including the game winner in overtime.

By tagging Sproles, the Chargers have created a solid fallback option should they not be able to reach an agreement on a renegotiated deal with Tomlinson. Sproles, however, will not immediately sign the tendered offer, thus allowing the running back to speak with other teams to guague interest in a possible trade. Since it would require two first round draft picks as compensation for signing Sproles away, any interested team would likely try to work out a trade should they seek to acquire the running back.

However, both Sproles and his agent have professed a desire to work out a long term contract for the back to remain with the Chargers. And, since the salary cap hit would be lessened by a multi-year deal, it’s expected that San Diego will accomodate that desire.

Suggs would receive a guaranteed salary of $10.2 million for the coming year and has expressed a desire to stay in Baltimore, suggesting fellow free agents Ray Lewis and Bart Scott should give the Ravens a “hometown discount” to keep the vaunted defense together.

Suggs made his third Pro Bowl appearance this year, led the team in sacks, and is still just 26 years old.

For a look at this move from the Baltimore perspective, be sure to check out Total Gridiron’s take.