Panthers use franchise tag on Gross
Carolina Panthers02/20/2008 9:41 PM The Charlotte Observer reports the Carolina Panthers have used their franchise tag on OT Jordan Gross. That means that Gross, whose agent had been trying to negotiate a long-term deal with the team, will be locked up for the 2008 season at the average salary paid the five highest-paid offensive linemen in the NFL in 2007. Teams can still make Gross an offer, but Carolina would have the right to match it, and should Gross sign with some other team, that club would owe the Panthers two first-round draft choices. Read more