Panthers Finally Annouce Cuts

by Jaxon on Feb 25, 2009 2:21 PM EST

The Associated press reports:

The Carolina Panthers began shedding veteran players to clear salary-cap space Wednesday, releasing receiver D.J. Hackett, offensive lineman Jeremy Bridges and running back Nick Goings. The moves combine to save more than $4 million as the Panthers scramble to get under the $123 million cap before the start of free agency on Friday.

No surprise Hackett was cut but I am very surprised they released the versatile OL Jeremy Bridges. I wonder if all the trouble he kept getting into off the field finally influenced the Panthers to part ways. Goings has been an adequate back-up for years but I bet age and the fact 2008 practice squad player Decori Birmingham looked real good in TC last year. Why not let the kid move up?

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Nick Going

He’s really the only one that surprised me, but you’re right about Birmingham. If I remember correctly, many thought he should have made the team last year and possibly instead of Goings.

Also, I think the off field issues is exactly why Bridges was let go. But of course that means re-signing Hangartner would be that much bigger. But I expect he wants to make it to FA and test the waters.

by LittleKing on Feb 25, 2009 2:29 PM EST reply actions

I am a little surprised they cut Goings simply because he was great on special teams and really could do everything. That being said, I think Birmingham had a great camp last year and there is nothing wrong with giving him a look this year when there is actually a roster spot open (potentially).

I think Bridges being released could be a sign the Panthers are interested in resigning Hangartner, but I may be wrong. It at least tells me the Panthers are going to be targeting a RG/LG at some point in the draft. The one thing this could tell me, that gets me excited is that the Panthers believe Mackenzy Bernadeau is ready to compete for a backup spot in training camp this year. I know the team liked him but viewed him as more of a project, but he did make the team last year out of camp. I think it is likely the Panthers will address the need for a backup in the draft though.

With Hackett being cut, I think that indicates both Jason Carter and Ryne Robinson’s rehabs are going well. It could also indicate that John Fox only wants three total WR on the active roster this year, which would not shock me either.

by bengoodfella on Feb 25, 2009 3:10 PM EST up reply actions

OG

Bridges off-field issues probably did him in.
It’s not much for the future, but a Vincent/Bernadeau rotation isn’t too bad if Vincent can be as solid as he was this season.

Goings… solid chemistry guy and special teamer, but that’s it. Never thought Fox would let him go though.

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by UtesFan89 on Feb 25, 2009 3:33 PM EST up reply actions

I thought Goings had a death grip on that roster spot until the end of time. I guess I was wrong. I think the Panthers may take a run at re-signing Hangartner, though I may be wrong.

by bengoodfella on Feb 25, 2009 3:40 PM EST up reply actions

Remember is was Goings who whiffed the block

on the blocked punt against the Bears. Not that I’m holding a grudge for a single mistake or anything…;)

I blog the Carolina Panthers at www.catscratchreader.com

by Jaxon on Feb 25, 2009 3:44 PM EST up reply actions

Of course not

I remember Hackett was the one who was supposed to be a good wide receiver and then could not beat Dwayne “8 Yard Slant” Jarrett for a roster spot.

by bengoodfella on Feb 25, 2009 3:48 PM EST up reply actions

Since we won

I’m not either :)

by LittleKing on Feb 25, 2009 4:30 PM EST up reply actions

Possibly

Could we bring any of these guys back at a lower salary? Goings has been a Panther seemingly forever and Bridges is pretty useful.

by bravesfan91 on Feb 25, 2009 4:34 PM EST reply actions

I don't know

I think Goings is a pretty versatile guy who would probably really like a change of scene in the NFL for himself and I think he may have some market value. He is not a great running back but he can catch the ball and may have some value as a lighter fullback/running back if used correctly.

Bridges will probably sign somewhere else as well. I would not mind having them back but they were not really that expensive to begin with, so I don’t see them coming back. I could be wrong though.

by bengoodfella on Feb 25, 2009 4:40 PM EST up reply actions

Bridges

I don’t see. The off-the-field stuff can’t be helping him.

Goings… it could depend on who else we are targeting.

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by UtesFan89 on Feb 25, 2009 9:17 PM EST up reply actions

They could come back

I would think there is a better chance of Bridges coming back due to his versatility versus Goings.

I blog the Carolina Panthers at www.catscratchreader.com

by Jaxon on Feb 26, 2009 8:17 AM EST up reply actions

Nick Goings

I love that guy and I hate that he was cut. He still holds the Panthers record for most consecutive 100 yard games (5), and clearly would’ve had over 1,000 yards that season if he started more than 6 or 7 games. He also laid that vicious hit on some poor Seattle Seahawk in the NFC Championship game in 2005 (and both players were out for the rest of the game due to concussions).

But as for anyone else, well, whatever…I think DUIs are worse than EPhedrine and marijuana.

by usana_gaines on Feb 26, 2009 1:03 AM EST reply actions

That was the Tatupu

He’s either the LB or SS, don’t remember which. But that is a hit I will remember for a long time.

I blog the Carolina Panthers at www.catscratchreader.com

by Jaxon on Feb 26, 2009 8:18 AM EST up reply actions

More cap space...

Damione Lewis’ contract extended through 2014… giving them more years to spread his guaranteed money over. Highly doubt he’s around that long though.

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by UtesFan89 on Feb 26, 2009 9:01 AM EST reply actions

Goings release was a shock

but the others are okay in my book…I still think that Delhomme’s contract needs to be reworked and something need to be done about Lucas as well

Wait for the the 2009 Oaklands A's season to start I can not. Herh herh herh.

by A'sfaninNC on Feb 26, 2009 9:33 AM EST reply actions

I like Lucas

I like Lucas and I think he’s a good CB, but he seems to have outgrown his 7 interception season from not too long ago. Because of the size of his contract, I thought he would get cut. Iwould like to keep him on the team, though, for a lot less money as a nickelback/back-up safety. He can’t get paid starter money if he can’t cover #1 receivers.

I wonder if anyone has even spoken to Jake about re-structuring his contract. I think when you ask a QB to take a pay cut, you’re letting him know he is not the future and confidence in him is falling off. Everyone knows he is on the hot seat because of some really bad games last year. He led us to a 12-4 record, even when the defense was the 3rd best unit on the team, but his overall low passer rating and lack of TDs are good indicators of what’s going on with him. I think he gets paid in full next year, and he either earns it or gets a lot less money starting in 2010, whether it’s as a Panther or not.

by usana_gaines on Feb 26, 2009 10:27 AM EST reply actions