CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Carolina Panthers placed the franchise tag on Julius Peppers yesterday, setting up a potential nasty showdown with their four-time Pro Bowl defensive end who wants to play elsewhere next season.

The move came moments after the Panthers signed All-Pro left tackle Jordan Gross to a six-year deal worth more than $30 million in the first three seasons. Having locked up Gross, the Panthers then placed the non-exclusive tag on Peppers, who had said he would request a trade under that scenario.

"Julius was expecting to be franchised," Peppers' agent, Carl Carey, wrote in a text message. "We will continue to work toward a resolution that is in line with his professional goals."

Under the non-exclusive franchise tag rules, Carolina offered Peppers a one-year guaranteed deal worth $16.7 million that will immediately count against the salary cap.

Placing the tag on Peppers theoretically allows the Panthers to trade him for something less than two first-rounders and get some compensation instead of letting the cornerstone of their defense walk away in free agency.

RAIDERS

CB ASOMUGHA AGREES

All-Pro cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha re-signed with the Oakland Raiders yesterday, agreeing to a three-year, $45.3 million contract that gives him the highest salary in NFL history for a defensive back.

Asomugha, who's heading into his seventh NFL season, was selected for the Pro Bowl and chosen to the AP All-Pro team last season.

Asomugha is guaranteed $28.5 million in the first two years of the contract. The Raiders have an option for a third year in 2011, which would be worth either $16.8 million or the amount of the quarterback franchise tag, whichever is greater.

STEELERS

HOLMES FINED $10,000

The NFL fined the Pittsburgh Steelers' Santonio Holmes $10,000 for using the football as a prop during his post-catch celebration in the Super Bowl, which came well after the play ended.

Holmes, impersonating NBA star LeBron James' pregame ritual of tossing powder into the air, shook the football and tossed it after his 6-yard scoring catch with 35 seconds left sealed Pittsburgh's 27-23 victory over Arizona.

The Steelers were not penalized for excessive celebration, apparently because the officials were getting ready for the point-after attempt and did not see Holmes' display.

Two weeks ago, NFL vice president of officiating Mike Pereira said the celebration should have drawn a 15-yard penalty on the ensuing kickoff.

SHORT SNAPS

Dolphins: Coach Tony Sparano said Miami won't use the franchise tag on a player, which will mean one more hole to fill when free agency begins next week.

Seahawks: Seattle got insurance against a potential void at linebacker by placing its franchise tag on Leroy Hill, who will earn $8.3 million this year.

Texans: Despite a salary of $9.957 million for 2009, cornerback Dunta Robinson was not happy after Houston used the franchise tag for the first time in team history.

Titans: Tennessee slapped the franchise tag on tight end Bo Scaife, the team's leading receiver in 2008 with 58 catches, who will earn $4.6 million.