Julius Peppers looks on as Gerald McCoy prepares to take center stage.

Tuesday morning was the first day of the mandatory mini camp for the Carolina Panthers. On hand for the most recent practice session was former Carolina Panther great Julius Peppers.

Peppers, however, was not there to play. The recently retired 17 year NFL veteran and future Hall of Famer, who now works in the front office for the team, simply appeared to be enjoying the day on the sideline or perhaps to get a look at newly signed DT Gerald McCoy.

McCoy seemed to blend well with his new teammates and coaches as they went through the paces of a light summer practice session. Teams are not permitted to wear pads or make heavy contact during these sessions.

"What we did today that's going to help us in the long run is communicate," McCoy said after Tuesday's practice session.

McCoy, originally drafted third overall out of Oklahoma in 2010 by Tampa Bay, agreed to a one year deal with the Panthers. The deal, reported by the NFL Network, is reported to be worth an estimated 8 million dollars plus incentives that would allow McCoy to earn more than 10 million this season. The ex-Buccaneer has 297 total tackles and 54.5 career sacks.

The Panthers' mini camp practice sessions will run through Thursday.