CHARLOTTE, N.C.— Disgruntled defensive end Julius Peppers was the only player missing from the start of the Carolina Panthers' three-day minicamp on Friday.

The stalemate extended for the four-time Pro Bowl selection, who wants to play elsewhere.

It was hard to find anybody visibly upset or concerned that the franchise's all-time sacks leader was sitting at home instead of signing a contract that would pay him more than $1 million a game.

"It's kind of what I expected. He hasn't signed his tender yet," coach John Fox said. "I know he's working out. He'll be in great shape."

Added defensive tackle Damione Lewis: "It's business. It doesn't make him a bad person. When he's ready to come in he'll be here."

General manager Marty Hurney remained confident that it will have a happy ending. That's despite Peppers saying he's "maxed out" in Carolina and won't sign a long-term contract with the Panthers.

Hurney said he remains in contact with Carl Carey, Peppers' agent.

"It's all been positive," Hurney said. "It just takes time."

Carey didn't return messages on Friday. No trade involved Peppers at the draft last weekend, so Carey's options are limited. It's unlikely another team will sign him to a deal because that club would have to surrender two first-round draft picks to Carolina.

Because the 29-year-old Peppers hasn't signed the one-year, $16.7 million tender, Carey can negotiate a trade with other teams for less compensation. He would then have to come to the Panthers for approval.

But with the draft over, any picks Carolina would get would be for next year and not address the giant hole Peppers would leave on the defensive line.

Peppers' absence overshadowed Carolina's first workout under defensive coordinator Ron Meeks, who left Indianapolis to try to shore up a defense that faltered at the end of last season.

Charles Johnson worked in Peppers' spot at right defensive end opposite Tyler Brayton. They combined for 10› sacks last season while Peppers alone had a career-high 14›.

Second-round pick Everette Brown of Florida State worked on the second-team defensive line. He, too, claimed to be unfazed that the player he idolized growing up in eastern North Carolina was a no-show.

"Julius is a great player and he's had a great career in Charlotte," Brown said. "I'm just coming out here and preparing to the best of my ability as if I'm a starter."

That might happen if Peppers is traded or holds out. But Fox was convinced Peppers will be on the field for the start of training camp. If that's the case, why hasn't Peppers already signed the tender?

"I couldn't tell you," Fox said.

If there was animosity among teammates who were sweating through two workouts without Peppers, it was hidden well.

"If we were playing today and he wasn't here, yeah, I'd be disappointed," quarterback Jake Delhomme said. "Things have a way of working themselves out. I don't think there's any doubt we'd love to have Julius out here."

Lewis said he last spoke to Peppers about a month and half ago, but they talked little about Peppers' contract or his future. Lewis insisted there will be no ill will in the locker room if Peppers returns.

"We'll be great with him. We love playing with him," Lewis said. "He's the leader of this defense. We want him here. We want him to stay here."

Notes: Lewis was held out of team drills as he recovers from offseason shoulder surgery. Nick Hayden worked with the first team in his absence ... LBs Jon Beason and Na'il Diggs and S Chris Harris also sat out because of recent shoulder surgeries. All are expected to be ready for training camp. ... RBs DeAngelo Williams (hamstring) and Jonathan Stewart (ankle) did not practice, leaving DeCori Birmingham getting carries with the first team. ... WR-KR Ryne Robinson participated after missing last season with a knee injury. ... G Keydrick Vincent practiced after being sidelined late last season with a groin injury. ... TE Dante Rosario was diagnosed with a lower back injury and will undergo surgery Monday.