Panthers May Franchise Tag Gross

by Jaxon on Feb 4, 2008 2:37 PM EST in Panther News

If the Panthers cannot agree to a new long term deal with free agent right tackle Jordan Gross you can expect the Panthers to throw the franchise tag on him.

"That's what we anticipate," Gross said last week, while vacationing in Idaho. "It's a possibility, sure, but I wouldn't say it's the No. 1 possibility.
"The only way it's going to happen is if we couldn't agree to a (long-term) deal, and I'm still confident things are going to work out."

Vacationing in Idaho in February? I guess that’s where you go when you’re from Utah. But I digress.

It seems the cost of applying the tag to a tackle this year has dropped compared to last season.

A year ago, the cost to apply the franchise tag to an offensive lineman was $9.556 million, the average of the top five salary cap numbers at the position. That was a 36.8 percent jump from 2006, when the franchise number for blockers (centers, guards and tackles are lumped together for the calculation) was $6.983 million. But this year, the cost of the tag will be a more reasonable $7.455 million, a 22 percent drop. It's a steep price for a one-year deal, but one the Panthers would almost certainly prefer to losing one of their cornerstone players without compensation.

That’s even more reason to resign him to even a one year deal if we can’t get a long term deal done. Expect some movement on this by Feb. 21st, the last day to apply the tag. The Panthers have rarely used the tag having applied it to only one player in the past, punter Todd Sauerbrun of all people.

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WR Dwayne Jarrett Determined to Get on the Field in 2008

Here's some good news. Dwayne Jarrett is already focused on getting ready for the 2008 season.

"Dwayne wants to show the Panthers he's very determined to get out there," agent Darin Morgan said. "He's making a commitment to improve himself however he can."

The kid was obviously overwhelmed in 2007 and has a lot to prove this coming season. Let’s hope this is a demonstration of maturity and having the right attitude. Lord knows we need a big receiver like Jarrett to make plays if we are going to turn things around.

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let's get this thing going

I said it in an earlier post, the team seems to have a real sense of urgency and we've already been busier this offseason than last season. Gross seems as if he won't be completely distraught (Asante Samuel and Lance Briggs style) if he gets franchised and they make him take $7 million. The difference between him and those other guys, though, is that their teams made it clear they were not part of the long term plan.

Jarrett has the skills and talent to be a real star. He could be as good as, or close to, Keyshawn Johnson. Take a look at the Hall of Fame inductees. If he learns to be unselfish, a hard runner, and a great blocker like Art Monk, he can be great for another 10 years. Keep in mind that Carter had over 500 yards receiving and 4 TDs. With his size and speed, he could be the best #3 provided Jarrett earns the #2 job. When your #2 and #3 are 6'4", and Smith is the top dog, what do you do with Colbert? Cut him...

by usana_gaines on Feb 5, 2008 8:39 AM EST reply actions

Franchise Tag Idaho?

First, Jordan Gross is vacationing at his farm in Idaho because he is from Idaho, not Utah.

Second, it would be a huge mistake for Carolina to not come to terms on a long-term deal but franchise tag him instead. I do not see a franchise tag in this situation as a vote of confidence of the front office's commitment. Look for a long term deal to be signed, sealed, and delivered.

by bluepegs on Feb 5, 2008 11:59 AM EST reply actions

Fruitland, ID

You are correct bluepegs, Gross went to school in Utah but he's from Fruitland, Idaho. I sure Jake has razzed him about that name for sure. Almost as bad as Cumming, GA or Cowpens, SC.

I also agree a one year deal makes no sense. They have until Feb 29th to get it done.

Welcome to the blog. I appreciate your comments.

by Jaxon on Feb 6, 2008 4:44 PM EST up reply actions