Good-bye OL Depth: Omiyale, Hangartner, and Bridges getting early looks
While Frank Omilyale and Geoff Hangartner completed their contracts and hit FA and we released Jeremy Bridges, our offensive line depth never the less has been depleted. However, since we do have all the starters from 2008 returning for next year, our depth can be replenished later in FA and through some later round draft picks. The early ones of course should be used for the D-line.
Omilyale hit pay dirt early in FA by signing a four year, $14 million, contract with the Chicago Bears. He hasn't had a lot of playing time in Carolina since he arrive in 2007. It appears he wasn't active in any game for 2007 and only in 10 game for 2008, but did start in one for Jordan Gross. Also, before he came to Carolina he was in Atlanta for two years but was only active for one game during that time. While I am not surprised that he was signed by another team, I am surprised by the size of the contract. But he's a younger player and I wish him the best.
Hangartner is also getting some early looks. He will meet with the Buffalo Bills today and I would expect he will be offered a contract. If he wants to look around more is another question but I would be surprised if he doesn't get a fairly big pay check, close if not larger than Omilyale. I would have loved to have him resigned but you can't keep everyone and he should start where ever he goes, something that wasn't going to happen here.
Finally, while I haven't heard any news for Bridges, he should garner a least a little interest. His of the field troubles may slow down the contacts offers, but I would be surprised if he wasn't signed somewhere by training camp.
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Comments
So it is in the NFL...
We’re lucky to keep our starting five. Given the job they did with the line last year, I’m thinking they will be able to build sufficient depth at a cheaper price. Both Hang and Bridges were valuable for their ability to play two positions, so it won’t be an easy job replacing them.
I blog the Carolina Panthers at www.catscratchreader.com
by Jaxon on Feb 27, 2009 1:36 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Agreed with Jaxon
We can replenish it in free agency. It’s worthy to note that the average offensive line in the NFL has 4 starters caliber players on their O-line. We have 5, and we had 7 last year.
I’m not that worried unless the injury bug hits.
"Once again the trowsers of evil are yanked down by the mocking hands of justice!"-Revshawn
by Revshawn on Feb 27, 2009 2:49 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
No FA open thread, so I'll post it here...
no link, but rumor has it that Cassel is going to Tampa for a 1st and a conditional 2010 pick.
by UtesFan89 on Feb 27, 2009 8:30 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Nope to KC
Now Darin Gantt thinks NE is going to make an offer for Peppers. Even I am growing weary of the Peppers postulating. Interesting that the Patriots may just pay the two 1st round pick price. I’d be oaky with that!
I blog the Carolina Panthers at www.catscratchreader.com
by Jaxon on Mar 1, 2009 3:02 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I would be too
but the idea of a first and 2 of their 2nds (at least) sounds interesting too.
by UtesFan89 on Mar 1, 2009 8:31 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs


















