Free-agent signing period begins

Muhsin Muhammad is scheduled to hit unrestricted free agency. (PHOTO: ANDREW MASON / PANTHERS.COM)

CHARLOTTE -- A new era for the league began at midnight EST when the free agent signing period began with neither salary cap nor salary floor.

In addition to the Panthers eligible for free agency who were tendered contracts prior to the deadline Thursday, there are eight players on last season's roster who became unrestricted free agents. The group is led by defensive end Julius Peppers, who the Panthers declined to name a franchise player last week.

Five of the eight unrestricted free agents started for the Panthers in 2009.

PANTHERS UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS
PLAYER	POSITION
Tyler Brayton	Defensive end
A.J. Feeley	Quarterback
Josh McCown	Quarterback
Muhsin Muhammad	Wide receiver
Julius Peppers	Defensive end
Hollis Thomas	Defensive tackle
Keydrick Vincent	Right guard
Dante Wesley	Cornerback