NFL.com writer Vic Carucci, who started a maelstrom of speculation last month when he wrote that the New England Patriots and Carolina Panthers were discussing a trade for disgruntled DE Julius Peppers, wrote yesterday that New England is still "very much interested" in acquiring the Pro Bowler.

In a story listing five trades to look for as the NFL draft approaches next weekend, Carucci ranks the potential deals from most- to least-likely to occur; the Pats-Panthers deal comes in at number 3.

Writes Carucci:

Nothing seems to have changed since word initially surfaced that Peppers no longer wants to be a Panther. The standout defensive end has yet to sign his one-year, franchise-tender contract worth nearly $17 million with the Panthers, presumably because it affords him greater control of his destiny because his agent is allowed to independently broker a deal that could then be brought back to the Panthers.

According to multiple NFL sources, the Patriots remain very much interested in acquiring Peppers to play outside linebacker in their 3-4 scheme. However, the Pats would prefer that he sign the tender, thus allowing the Panthers to deal directly with them.

Now that 2008 NFL Defensive Player of the Year and Super Bowl XLIII hero James Harrison has signed his new deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers, there is a standard ($51.75 over six years).