Per Darin Gantt, the Panthers tendered both LB Thomas Davis and QB Matt Moore at the highest level, a 1st and 3rd draft if they sign elsewhere. The high tender on Davis was expected but Moore's was not assured. It sends a strong message that the Panthers think highly of the 3rd year signal caller that ended last season with a 4-1 record.

The most curious (and risky) tender was the 2nd rounder to CB Richard Marshall:

Cornerback Richard Marshall received the second-round level tender per an ESPN report. That means a one-year, $1.759 million offer from the Panthers. He can still shop for another offer, and the Panthers would have seven days to match. If they don’t, they’d get a second-round pick as compensation.

The Panthers chose Marshall in the second round of the 2006 draft, and he played well last year in his first season as a full-time starter, tied for the team lead with four interceptions and second on the team with 81 tackles.

I wouldn't be surprised to see another team to make a run at Marshall. The Panthers better hope there are no poison pills int here either. Another thought, does this lower than expected tender mean the Panthers are high on 2nd year CB Captain Munnerlyn?

More RFA news after the jump...

Panthers put original-round tenders on LB James Anderson (3rd), DT Tank Tyler (3rd) and CB C.J. Wilson (7th), none on Teal, Petitti, Lloyd.

They also put 2nd round tenders on TE Jeff King and DT Louis Leonard. I guess that gives us a hint as to Leonard's anticipated contribution next season. The Panthers also addressed their ERFA's:

Panthers also put tenders on their four exclusive-rights free agentsL WRs Kenny Moore and Charly Martin, DT Nick Hayden and LB Jordan Senn.

Overall it seems like pretty shrewd maneuvering on the Panthers part. Even if another team goes after Marshall the Panthers could still match the offer essentially letting the market set Marshall's price.

What do you think?