Jon Beason is convinced that Julius Peppers will love Carolina's new defense. Getting Peppers, a four-time Pro Bowl defensive end, to see that for himself is going to be the hard part.
Peppers was, predictably, a no-show for the start of three weeks of optional offseason workouts yesterday. It also marked Beason's first practice under new defensive coordinator Ron Meeks since Beason, a middle linebacker, had offseason shoulder surgery.
"I know one thing, Pep is going to have a lot more freedom to let his God-given ability and his talent that he's fine-tuned over the years, to really showcase it," Beason said. "Pep is a freak, a special type of guy."
And a quiet one, too. Peppers hasn't spoken to reporters since January, when he said he had "maxed out" in Carolina, wanted to move to outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense, and pleaded with the Panthers to let him leave in free agency.
The Panthers weren't swayed by that or threats by agent Carl Carey and put the franchise tag on Peppers, their all-time sacks leader. That required giving Peppers a one-year tender worth $16.7 million. In turn, another team could sign Peppers only by giving Carolina two first-round draft picks.
Carey couldn't find a suitor or arrange a trade for less compensation. With training camp two months away, Peppers' options are dwindling. Yet he still hasn't signed his tender or communicated with the team in months -- an uncomfortable position for Carolina since Peppers accounted for 64 percent of the team's sacks last season.
Beason, one of the few players to speak to Peppers this offseason, said Peppers has spent the past month working out in Arizona and will stay there until the start of training camp.
Beason remains confident that Peppers will eventually return to the team that made him the second pick in the 2002 Draft.
"I hope so. The way it's working out with the trades and all that stuff, it's getting late," Beason said. "So you can assume or hope that he is. He's said that if he is back, he's going to be ready to go."
He'd rejoin a team that will have a new look under Meeks, who had been Indianapolis' defensive coordinator. Meeks, known for depending on speedy, athletic defensive ends Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis, is giving his players more freedom than Mike Trgovac -- who left after the Panthers' defense imploded late last season, including in a 33-13 playoff loss to Arizona.
"Look at Dwight Freeney and Mathis that were in Indianapolis. They've had very productive careers," safety Chris Harris said. "Pep has already had a productive career, so I think it work well."
The Panthers haven't changed their stance that they expect Peppers to return for the start of training camp on Aug. 2. So far, Charles Johnson has stayed ahead of second-round pick Everette Brown and has worked with the first team in Peppers' spot at right defensive end opposite Tyler Brayton.
Johnson and Brayton combined for 10½ sacks last season. Peppers had a career-high 14½.
Beason said that Peppers could even be more productive if he gives the Panthers and Meeks' defense a chance.
"I think it allows the athletes we have on our defense to showcase that," Beason said. "That's going to be huge for us this year, just flying around and making plays."
Notes: The only veteran other than Peppers absent yesterday was wide receiver Muhsin Muhammad.... The Panthers got half of their running-back tandem back. DeAngelo Williams (hamstring) practiced after missing the earlier minicamp. Jonathan Stewart (ankle) remained sidelined.... Harris, defensive tackle Damione Lewis and linebacker Na'il Diggs practiced after missing minicamp with shoulder injuries.... The Panthers signed cornerback Reggie Sullivan of Johnson C. Smith and safety Paul Chiara of Syracuse.
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