Both stars are due to become unrestricted free agents on Feb. 27 and the Panthers have the option to put the franchise tag on one of them - but not both -- at some point between Feb. 5 and 19. However, the Panthers can only franchise one player, which means it's possible they'll be forced to let the other one walk out the door - without any compensation -- if they can't reach a long-term contract with one of them.

The ideal scenario for Carolina general manager Marty Hurney would be to sign both players to long-term contracts, but Peppers' disclosure after the season that he doesn't want to play for the Panthers suggests that isn't going to happen.

Given Peppers' preference to leave, the next best move for the Panthers is to sign Gross to a long-term contract, thus allowing them to put the franchise tag on Peppers and work out a trade with another team. At least under that scenario the Panthers would be able to get some draft picks and/or players in return for Peppers.

The problem is the Panthers still haven't been able to work out a deal with Gross.

Repeated calls to Hurney and Gross' agent, Ethan Lock, have gone unanswered, so it's difficult to gauge where the two sides are in contract talks, although it's not a stretch to say there has been communication.

So who do the Panthers franchise if neither signs by Feb. 19?

Clearly Lock still holds the cards in this high-stakes game of poker.

Not only was his client set to cash in on a big pay day after being selected to the Pro Bowl and named All-Pro in 2008, but he knows the Panthers are desperate to get his client signed to free up the franchise tag for Peppers. At the same time, he'd probably rather see his client get a long-term deal rather than be franchised again.

In the end, the Panthers may be forced to overpay for Gross, but it might be worth it if it means getting some high draft picks in a trade for Peppers. Quality defensive ends like Peppers, who has averaged better than 10 sacks a season since coming into the league in 2002, are hard to find. Last year, Kansas City traded stud defensive end Jared Allen to Minnesota for a first-round pick and two third-round draft picks. It's safe to say the Panthers would be asking for a similar compensation.

Of course, getting anything at all is contingent upon getting Gross signed. And they will need to do so at the very latest by Feb. 19, the last day they can use the franchise tag.

The Panthers have attempted to avoid just such a scenario over the last year by negotiating with both agents. However, they can't get either to sign on the dotted line. Now, knowing they have to use the franchise tag by Feb. 19, the pressure is really on.

If both players remained unsigned by Feb. 19, the Panthers will have to choose which player to use the tag on.