Panthers Resign DT Williams; Toefield Speaks

by Jaxon on Apr 8, 2008 11:23 PM EDT in Panther News & Notes

I saw this Panther signing roll on the NFL Network ticker before I ever saw a post on it, which you can find via the link on the next post. That’s not surprising considering this is a low level resigning at best. Stephen Williams is a 2nd year UDFA from NW Missouri St. that went through training camp last season with the Panthers but was one of the last cuts. He received an injury settlement due to a shoulder injury and sat out the year recuperating. He must have healed up ok and is ready for another go at the Panthers roster.

I’m just as excited to see which DT we target in this draft as anything else. Here’s a list of the remaining FA DT’s:

There are plenty of other recognizable names on the list of available defensive tackles, including Larry Tripplett, Grady Jackson, Anthony McFarland, Keith Traylor, Ted Washington, Orpheus Roye and Russell Davis.

There are some very recognizable names on this list but most appear to have little left in the tank after long NFL careers (for a DT anyway). If the Panthers remain unhappy with their depth at DT after the draft then we might see them bring one of these guys in.

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Toefield Just Wants a Chance

Panthers free agent RB signee LaBrandon Toefield explains why he came to Carolina:

"I felt like it was a great opportunity for me," said Toefield, 27. "In Jacksonville, it was a tough situation. We had three, four or five good backs that could start. I felt it was time for a change and I thought Carolina was a great spot for me. There is an opportunity here and it's up to me to come in and grab it."

Toefield is not tall at all but at 235 lbs he could be the short yardage specialist the Panthers have been seeking. When asked about the possibility of the Panthers drafting another RB, he displayed the experience gained from five NFL seasons as a back-up:

"We drafted a running back every year I was in Jacksonville. That's no big deal. I always find some spot on the team. And hey, that might be better for us. It might make us better as a team. Look at Jacksonville - it made everyone at the running back position better.

I think Toefield is going to be a pleasant surprise for the Panthers and one of our top free agent signings of this offseason. The only question is whether the Panthers will give him the chance.

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DT

That's a pretty good list of FA names, but I think they all want to be starters, or at least get paid starter money. I'm not sure anyone of those guys is as good as Kemo or Lewis, even if they were much better at one point in their careers. I'm curious about Grady Jackson, though, as I think he might have a couple good years left. Maybe we'll draft one on the second day as an insurance pick and groom him to take over later. We can really set ourselves up for long term success through this draft, and I'm getting impatient waiting for it.

by usana_gaines on Apr 9, 2008 1:37 PM EDT reply actions

I'm getting Very impatient

I feel like I've analyzed this thing as much as I can yet we still have over two weeks to go. It is draggggging out!

by Jaxon on Apr 9, 2008 2:16 PM EDT up reply actions

that's the truth

I'm ready for the draft and when that's done, waiting for training camp is going to be a beast. We have a lot of new people on the roster, many who are potential starters on both sides of the ball, but we haven't seen them play. Last year, your comments about training camp were awesome.

by usana_gaines on Apr 10, 2008 8:26 AM EDT up reply actions

Thanks

Hopefully I can get to a few more workouts this training camp than I did last year. Since your back state-side maybe we could meet there during one of the afternoon sessions. Sit up on the hill and watch the start of a dynasty!

by Jaxon on Apr 11, 2008 3:35 PM EDT up reply actions