The Carolina Panthers haven’t used a franchise tag since placing defensive end Julius Peppers under the tag in 2009, but with uncertainty looming in labor negotiations, they could most certainly opt to place one of their impending free agents under the franchise tag this year. The question, then, is who that lucky (or unlucky, depending on the player) guy happens to be.

If the franchise tag is available at the end of this month – and it might not be, judging from the way labor talks are going – the Panthers have several options as to who they want to retain. The no-brainer for the tag this year is running back DeAngelo Williams, a standout player who is set for free agency, but there are other names the Panthers might not be willing to give up without a fight, as well.

Players like Jonathan Stewart, Mike Goodson and Ryan Kalil could also be on their way out of Carolina in the near future, giving the Panthers some more options to consider with the franchise tag. What happens with labor talks will influence what the Panthers do with the tag, and it could all change sooner than expected. Stay tuned to see how labor talks will have an impact on the 2011-12 Panthers.

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