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.