Obviously, the Carolina Panthers would like to get offensive tackle Jordan Gross and defensive end Julius Peppers signed to long-term deals, but as of yet that hasn’t happened. However, stay tuned over the next few months for updates on contract talks.

   It makes sense to get Gross done first.

   His contract is up after this coming season. Peppers is signed through 2008.

   Gross certainly wasn’t pushing for a new deal or trying to pressure the team when asked about it on Wednesday, but admitted he’d love to have a contract in place before he reports to training camp on July 27 so it won’t become a distraction.

   Either way, he hardly seemed worried that a deal would get done eventually.

   “It would be nice,” said Gross, who is moving back to right tackle this season. “I'd like to just so you don't have to worry about it. I'm not the type of guy that wants to draw anything out or make a big fuss over anything. But, yeah, it would be a little more difficult during the season because you've got a lot more on your plate.”

   When Panthers owner Jerry Richardson brought five players to his lake house a few weekends ago, Gross and Peppers were among those invited. Obviously Richardson views them as an important part of the franchise’s future as the team moves forward.  

   "That's a point he made, that we've got a lot of leaders on this team who have been leaders for a long time,” Gross said. "He was kind of letting us know what he expects us to do now and try to take the reins a little bit.''