Gantt reveals Panthers' strategy for free agency, and another target emerges
by James The Aussie on Mar 11, 2010 12:15 PM EST
36 comments
Panthers' fans have been trying to get inside the minds of the Carolina front office since the great purge of last Friday begun. While there was a school of thought that the Panthers would make a splash in free agency, other thought that the Panthers would make no moves and field a cheap young team.
Today via Twitter Darin Gantt revealed what appears to be the Panthers' strategy for the 2010 offseason, as well as re-tweeting a new target that the Panthers are interested in.
More after the jump
Gantt started with the Tweet:
Panthers working the fringes of the market, talking to a handful of RFAs who weren't tendered, some other cheap guys.
This represents a very smart and wiley strategy by the Carolina Panthers. Most often teams will retain RFAs but not tender players they believe have promise, but want to keep cheaper than the tendered amount. This appears to be the case with free agent signing Wallace Wright. By targeting these players the Panthers get the opportunity to sign players that clearly have value to other teams, players they are interested in retaining... but not worth top dollar.
With the case of Wright it seems to be a universal analysis that he is an extremely solid special teamer, and a prospect at receiver which led to much of the Jets fanbase being both shocked and surprised that they lost him without compensation. It's these kind of shrewd moves that allowed the Panthers to pick up Matt Moore when the Cowboys attempted to drop him from the roster and reaquire him for their practice sqaud.
Most importantly it seems to indicate that the Panthers have a plan, and have a focus- which lately a lot of fans have accused them of not having. It shows that the front office are not willing to overspend for free agents with the labor agreement up in the air, while at the same time not settling for putting an inferior product on the field.
The second part to Gantt's Tweeting today was actually a retweet stating that according to his agent the Panthers are interested in San Francisco 49er CB Marcus Hudson, who was not tendered by the team. Here are Hudson's 2009 stats:
| Season | Team | Tackles | Interceptions | Fumbles | |||||||||||
| G | GS | Comb | Total | Ast | Sck | SFTY | PDef | Int | Yds | Avg | Lng | TDs | FF | ||
| 2009 | San Francisco 49ers | 12 | 0 | 21 | 17 | 4 | 0.0 | -- | 0 | -- | -- | 0.0 | -- | -- |
0 |
The four year pro out of NC State is a depth player for the 49ers and represents player who can fill the 4th CB spot. If the Panthers sign him it raises questions about the role C.J Wilson will play in the future.
Update: Hudson's agent is Drew Rosenhaus. Rosenhaus has a good working relationship with the Panthers' organization (he represents both Jon Beason and Richard Marshall, along with several other Panthers). This is key because Rosenhaus wont normally reveal when a team in interested in his client if a contract offer isn't close.
More updates as they're revealed.
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its not a bad strategy
and its been proven to work. its just frustraiting as a fan because you dont know how these guys are going to pan out down the road
...
anyone know hudson’s background on special teams? could he be a gunner alongside wright? I wish we would keep Dante Wesley and have Wright. Those are two great special teamers. I was never one to put a lot of stock into special teams until I saw how atrocious ours was last year…now I want all the special teams help we can get.
by SouthernPanther on Mar 11, 2010 12:34 PM EST reply actions
I was wondering the same thing
Dante Wesley has not been re-signed. Maybe Wallace is intended to replace Wesley on special teams but that would mean there is a CB spot open.
I blog the Carolina Panthers at www.catscratchreader.com
Hudson was one of the top players at NC State when I was there.
So I know a few things about him. Everyone with athletic talent at NC State under Chuck Amato was expected to play special teams; Mario Williams even played special teams. So yes, he’s a strong special teams player, good speed, good tackler. Those defenses, which included a number of future NFL players (Mario, Manny Lawson, John McCargo, Pat Thomas, Stephen Tulloch) also were among the best defenses in the country. But those teams all lacked discipline, among the most penalized in the country. Hudson was definitely a part of that, too.
by r3 on Mar 11, 2010 1:30 PM EST up reply actions
SSDD
Same….Strategy…Different Day.
This system works. People just want a big splash and to feel warm and fuzzy about players they’ve heard of. Ask Washington and the Raiders fans how those free agent signings have worked out.
Aside from the one year when we ran out and overpaid Lucas and Wahle, this has been standard operating procedure. I think they might have learned their lesson form those two signings.
Do or do not. There is no try.
Lucas was a BEAST his first year here.
Our secondary was pretty special in 2005, and our corners got a lot of picks (Gamble, Lucas and Manning Jr). Lucas brought a lot of attitude to the secondary that year. It was overall a good signing, even if his play fell off in subsequent years.
by r3 on Mar 11, 2010 1:33 PM EST up reply actions
Maybe a lesson learned from MeShawn as well?
Of course he wasn’t extremely expensive, but we should be able to do better.
Otherwise known as SouthTunnel. Change is inevitable - except from a vending machine.
As long as these no-nothings can contribute, then I’m all for it.
I guess we’re banking on Matt Moore being a legitimate full time starter, Bernadeau starting capably at G, getting a #2/3 WR in the draft, Dwayne Jarret being a #2/3 WR, Dan Conner/James Anderson starting capably at OLB, Louis Leonard and Tank Tyler/Corey Iriving starting capably at the DT positions, and Everette Brown and Charles Johnson starting capably at the DE positions.
As long as ALL of the above happens, then yes, this strategy will work. Either way we save money and get younger.
People think I'm crazy for being concerned about these guys
Seems the general feeling is that since they all showed promise in a backup role, that they will all play at a high level as starters. I don’t doubt some of them will. But the truth is this approach with a lot of 1st time starters creates uncertainty that none of us can really predict.
Otherwise known as SouthTunnel. Change is inevitable - except from a vending machine.
I think everyone is concerned
Whether they can admit it or not. Some of this hope is definately “nervous” hope.
Sure I'm concerned..
And I understand your concern as well. I expect we have some growing pains but otherwise am remaining positive. To be honest, rather I have positive or negative reactions to the moves they’re making is absolutely the least of their concerns and it’ll change nothing. So why would I spend the entire off season worrying we’re going to suck when I can instead just go with it and hope for the best? lol
by D-Ranged1 on Mar 11, 2010 4:38 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Rec'd
It’s always better to be optimistic, it prevents ulcers. :)
Jake Delhomme, QB Carolina Panthers, 2003-2009.
120 TDs+16000+ passing yards=Good
89 INT's+27 lost fumbles=Bad
Most comeback wins since 2003=Priceless
by Flowing Willow on Mar 12, 2010 12:59 AM EST up reply actions
Actually studies show critical thinkers are better problem solvers
And better prepared in unpredictable circumstances.
Otherwise known as SouthTunnel. Change is inevitable - except from a vending machine.
In other words, they can analytically figure out how to get rid of that ulcer ;)
Otherwise known as SouthTunnel. Change is inevitable - except from a vending machine.
I'm not seeing a critical thinker.
I’m just seeing someone being critical. ;)
Jake Delhomme, QB Carolina Panthers, 2003-2009.
120 TDs+16000+ passing yards=Good
89 INT's+27 lost fumbles=Bad
Most comeback wins since 2003=Priceless
by Flowing Willow on Mar 13, 2010 5:04 AM EST up reply actions
panther fan till the end
I pull for the cats win or lose but I don’t understand anything they are doing. All we needed last yr was a qb change. They waited to long but when they made the move we became a team that was wearing out everyone we played. Probably playing superbowl type ball at the end of the season. We should have spent the money and kept everybody and went for it all in 2010 (uncapped yr) all these moves seem cheap to me and we will be playing with cheaper talent so I don’t expect much next year. Kinda sad for a fan to me.
by Glenn Ross Steffey on Mar 11, 2010 10:57 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Just keep in mind..
Cheaper doesn’t always mean worse.. And every star must be born at some time.
by D-Ranged1 on Mar 11, 2010 11:35 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
The uncertainty of the next cba and potential salary cap decrease it the single biggest reason for the vet dump.
Future stability is more important than overpaying for the present.
Will Parker
by WillParker81 on Mar 13, 2010 5:33 PM EST up reply actions
I don't know that Gantt is "revealing" anything we didn't already know.
It’s called “wait and see”, if you can call that a ‘strategy.’
This is great for adding depth and improving special teams
But depth means little if the starters aren’t up to par. Hopefully they can also find a couple underrated guys that can fill larger roles, like guys like Vincent did. The 2010 Panthers will maintain a lot of its core strengths, but also have a lot of new looks. Should make for an interesting season.
Otherwise known as SouthTunnel. Change is inevitable - except from a vending machine.
I think this strategy comes from lessons Hurney and Fox have learned over the years
MeShawn signing produced .500 season. Pepper’s 17mil year produced a .500 season. I don’t remember any big signings in their winning seasons 2003, 2005, 2008… But I do remember them filling holes with underrated talent. Except maybe Stephen Davis in 03’… Anyone remember whether or not he was high profile that year?
Seems a little extreme this year. Could back-fire or work to perfection… If it’s the latter than I hope we can lock Fox up in another contract. Because I don’t think many people could win by plucking talent this way.
Otherwise known as SouthTunnel. Change is inevitable - except from a vending machine.
Davis was viewed as long in the tooth by most teams when we signed him
but he was still the best FA back available.
Do or do not. There is no try.
I agree with ElBacano & James the Aussie
Aussie great post as usual and I agree with you and Bacano in that in 2003 , 05, 08 the Panthers didn’t sign the high profile free agents and did great b/c they were already so close. We have the best young QB in the NFL in Matt Moore, definately the best RB tandem that we have and will need money to lock up shortly after CBA or 2011 season deal is worked out whether their is a lockout or not.
Why sign these overpaided, vet’s to 3-4 yr deals when a labor stoppage is looming, why pay someone to not work.
These below players and coaches are on the hot seat with regard to the 2010 season:
John Fox, M. Hurney, D. Conner, C. Johnson, C. Godfrey, R. Marshall.
It is time to see whether or not R. Marshall can be as good as his tender says (2nd round) and become the elite CB that he has the potiental to be. The same goes really for D. Conner, and C. Johnson it is “put up or shut time” for these two and they get their chance to start this season and they need to perform and play at a high level to get new deals or they are out the door.
We are able to do two things build and still have a great defense while cutting a ton of older-some what aging and underperforming vets outside of (Hoover, D-Lew and Brayton). Regardless of whom is gone I just don’t see it on paper as a bad thing. We are just as good as we where in 2009 even without or whole DL returning. Yes I put Godfrey on this list as well an he needs to play b/c S. Martin is going to be a beast and more than likely take over the position from Godfrey after 2010 season .
Think about it:
DE; C. Johnson & E. Brown ~ Backup H. Taylor & TBD
DT; T. Tyler & L. Leonard ~ Backup Ed. Johnson, C. Irvin, N. Hayden and TBD more than likely a draft pick say round 4 or 6 or anyone free agent that we can get that is RFA w/out giving up any compenstation.
LB’s: Beason, Davis, Conner ~ Backup J. Anderson & J. Senn & TBD I don’t view or see Culberson returning specially after they see him truthly play in preseason plus he did nothing for us last season.
CB’s C. Gamble, R. Marshall ~ Nickel, C. Munnerlyn, Backup a M. Hudson type guy and CJ Wilson. No draft picks needs to wasted here unless someone great falls to us but Meeks loves taking CB’s in drafts so who knows. SS – Harris, FS- Godfrey ~ Backups S. Martin & TBD since Teal is gone look for us to grab a Safety in the lower rounds such as the 7th round to be nothing more than a backup or sign someone. Not really a need b/c Godfrey can play both Safety spot and Martin could easily start for us and vice versas.
Safeties
So you see things don’t look that bad for the Cats on defense this year and offense is about the same, Since our O-Line backups are set of Course we need to take a WR within our top two picks in the draft.
Go Panthers.
by Holty_Panthers_Fan on Mar 11, 2010 3:18 PM EST up reply actions
Not sure what you mean by "put up or shut up" about Charles Johnson
He’s performed great in the 2 years he’s played, with 46% of the snaps on D in ’08, and 53% last year. Plus he graded 16th of all the 4-3 DEs (73 of them) in the league last year.
(and Culbertson was one of best ST tacklers we had last year)
marshall
i thought marshall already lived up to his tender and then some. i thought he should have received a first rounder…
by SouthernPanther on Mar 11, 2010 5:17 PM EST up reply actions
Off topic.
But you’re new screen name makes me want to change mine to ElTaco… Oh how I must resist the temptations.
Go for it!
Maybe I’ll change mine to Procton ;)
Otherwise known as SouthTunnel. Change is inevitable - except from a vending machine.
Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!
Do or do not. There is no try.
‘05: Ken Lucas, Marlon McCree
’08: Vincent, Brayton, D.J. Hackett, Landon Johnson (the last two didn’t work out, but they were not cheap.)
Advance apologies if the contents of this sports-based post offended you. I'm just aiming to educate the masses. My law professor says they're asses.
by MichaelProcton on Mar 15, 2010 9:09 PM EDT up reply actions
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