Available Free Agent Safeties

by Jaxon on Jun 2, 2007 1:49 PM EDT in Panther News

Here’s a list of available free-agent safeties. Obviously they all have their draw backs. I think we can rule out Kiel because JR is big on character. If you also scratch those past their prime or coming off injuries then it leaves Derrick Gibson, Lance Shulters and Sammy Knight. Gibson might be on his last shot to stay in the NFL. My pick would be Sammy Knight. I know the Panthers will keep an eye on the waiver wire once training camps get under way but I would think they would bring in someone sooner than that. For that reason Branch might still be a possibility given he knows the playbook. This will be a closely watched development as training camp approaches.

Player Ht Wt Age '06 Team

Matt Bowen 6-1 203 30 Buffalo
Comment: Leg injury limited him to five games last year.

Colin Branch 5-11 205 27 Carolina
Comment: Serious '05 knee injury might have long-term effects.

Derrick Gibson 6-2 215 27 Oakland
Comment: 2001 first-round pick has just three interceptions.

Robert Griffith 6-0 202 36 Arizona
Comment: Durable 13-year vet might have something left.

Tebucky Jones 6-2 220 32 New England
Comment: Ex-standout released after spending '06 on IR.

Terrence Kiel 5-11 207 26 San Diego
Comment: Multiple arrests led to release of '06 starter.

Sammy Knight 6-1 214 31 Kansas City
Comment: Long-time starter released in March in youth movement.

Mike Logan 6-11 211 32 Pittsburgh
Comment: Recurring injuries the past three seasons.

Anthony Mitchell 6-1 215 32 Cincinnati
Missed '06 after preseason foot injury.

Lance Schulters 6-2 202 31 Atlanta
Comment: Mid-season signee played in seven games in '06.

Troy Vincent 6-1 200 35
Comment: Former star brings experience but fading skills.

Shaun Williams 6-2 218 30 Carolina
Comment: Hasn't stayed healthy a full season since '03.

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Comments

Re: Bowen, Vincent

As a Bills guy, I can confidently say that neither Vincent or Bowen are the answer for your safety issue. Vincent just doesn't have it anymore; he's merely a name player at this point. Bowen isn't starting material; he lost out on a roster spot to Jim Leonhard here in Buffalo, a former UDFA. Neither of these two is worth your while.

by Brian Galliford on Jun 2, 2007 9:38 PM EDT reply actions

Thanks for the Insight

I have no recollection of Bowen doing anything. Vincent was a big name but as you say, past his prime. Any thoughts on Sammy Knight?

by Jaxon on Jun 3, 2007 10:16 AM EDT up reply actions

Ballhawk

He might have a year left. Probably not much more. He'd be a good stop-gap, at least; he's certainly a much better option than Bowen.

by Brian Galliford on Jun 3, 2007 5:19 PM EDT up reply actions

Not impressed...

Have to say, I'm not impressed with the names out there. Obviously, I'm not expecting an All-Pro or something to be a free agent right now, but yeah...
Hopefully something will come from the cuts or via trade (Kris Jenkins for a safety?).
If not, you might as well go with Salley and Wilson (and maybe moving Davis back to safety???) and see if the future starter is on the squad now or if he has to be drafted early next year.

Just my $0.02, of course.

http://winorgohome.wordpress.com Win Or Go Home

by UtesFan89 on Jun 4, 2007 8:28 PM EDT reply actions