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Around SBN: MLB Trade Deadline: Where each team stands right now

Carolina's Answer at OLB

Yesterday the Carolina Panthers released 5 players, most notably being long-time Quarterback Jake Delhomme, but Carolina also released 2 Outside Linebackers (Na’il Diggs and Landon Johnson). This leaves a hole at one of the starting OLB positions, which was previously occupied by Na’il Diggs. Now, the obvious thing to think is that this is part of the ‘youth movement’, and well, him just not being very productive. This now brings up the question of who’s going to fill the void at that position? The Panthers are almost certain to draft a WR with their 2nd round pick, but they could use their 3rd round pick on an OLB. I, however, think they could (and should) go in a different direction.

Star-divide


    Michael D. Smith reports the Philadelphia Eagles are set to release OLB Will Witherspoon. Witherspoon, who was dealt to Philly from the Rams in exchange for Brandon Gibson and a 5th round pick midseason last year, played well in Philadelphia, recording over 50 tackles, 1 interception returned for a touchdown, 1 sack, and 1 forced fumble in 11 games. Will Witherspoon was drafted 73rd overall by the Carolina Panthers in the 2002 NFL Draft, and excelled under John Fox’s system in his 4 seasons with the team. This is why Will Witherspoon, in my opinion, would be a fantastic addition for the Carolina Panthers. We need an OLB, and just as we do, a former Panther who knows the system arises. There would be no learning curve for him and he can come in and make an immediate impact. He is still only 29 years old, as well, and there is no denying Will would be a vast improvement over Diggs.

What are your thoughts on bringing Will back to Charlotte?

Source: http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/03/05/eagles-will-release-will-witherspoon/

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Sign Will Witherspoon?
Yes
114 votes
No
21 votes

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Sounds good.

But the way they are moving it seems he’s at least 5 years too old…

by EyeSack on Mar 5, 2010 7:32 PM EST reply actions  

Yes???

How’about HELL YES…’love Witherspoon…

But with Meeks emphasis on speed, mobility, and youth over bulk, power, and experience on D, do you think he’d want to recruit ‘Spoon?? I know Fox would like him, but it seems like its Meeks’s call on getting players for his style defense…

I don’t know the answer to this, but I am very skeptical that we are going to add him…but would love it!!

by jkp1516 on Mar 5, 2010 8:14 PM EST reply actions  

Wasn't he a WLB?

maybe he was strong side. Regardless he doesn’t seem to fit what the Panthers are looking for…just a guess

I blog the Carolina Panthers at www.catscratchreader.com

by Jaxon on Mar 5, 2010 8:54 PM EST reply actions  

Hurney has stated that he expects Connor and/or Anderson to take over Diggs' spot.

He’s reiterated that they’re going with their younger players. And the extension of that statement is that they’ll use the draft to build for the future.

That’s why they’ve shed the older players they have, and have avoided the FA carousel of older players released by other teams.

Teams like the Bears, Lions, Seahawks, Ravens, Jets, etc have the philosophy of trying to buy improvement by going with vet castoffs — the Panthers have their own philosophy, and agree with it or not, we’ve got to admire their sticking to their game plan. They seem to feel strongly they haven’t got many holes to fill, and their young roster is ready to get the job done, without any older mentoring.

Therefore, I doubt they’ll look at ’Spoon. Likewise, they passed on Boldin, Burleson, and other guys that we thought attractive.

by bigdavis on Mar 5, 2010 11:15 PM EST reply actions   1 recs

Witherspoon

is also a WLB. I fully expect Connor to be our starter at strong side this year.

by Mr. E on Mar 6, 2010 1:45 AM EST up reply actions  

This

With Anderson spelling him with some speed.

The early bird catches the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese.

by Flowing Willow on Mar 6, 2010 4:09 AM EST up reply actions  

Hoping for Connor to start

He was a beast in college and I’ve been waiting for him to start for some time. I think he deserves to fight for Diggs’ spot

by Shockers on Mar 9, 2010 3:08 AM EST up reply actions  

CONNOR

it’s about damn time. i’m going to compare him to D-Will. D-Will left college as the all-time leader in yards from scrimmage. For 3 years, i would yell for him to get the ball while watching Foster pull his famous spin/fumble move. Well Connor is the all-time leading tackler at Penn State. It means nothing if he can’t get on the field. It seems that he will now get his chance.

I expect to see two Carolina LBs in the Pro Bowl next season. Then they’ll have to pull out, of course, because we’re gonna be playing in the superbowl.

by usana_gaines on Mar 6, 2010 5:19 AM EST reply actions  

3

youre forgetting a certain Thomas Davis in your thinking there

by jojoisthemann on Mar 6, 2010 10:57 AM EST up reply actions  

ive been waitin to see connor take over for diggs

by ieatcrayons on Mar 6, 2010 4:20 PM EST reply actions  

I was pissed when we lost Witherspoon, I would love to see him back here.

by dcflw on Mar 6, 2010 7:52 PM EST reply actions  

Sign him

He’s the last missing piece of our perfect LB corp

by RaWrASaUrUs on Mar 8, 2010 8:41 PM EST reply actions  

Sign the 'Spoon

And then draft the new ’Spoon!lol I would love to sign Witherspoon.:)

This sig is dedicated to those cut in the 2009 purge.

by chinchillas sword on Mar 9, 2010 5:39 AM EST up reply actions  

Too late

Signed with the Titans :[

by RaWrASaUrUs on Mar 10, 2010 6:43 PM EST reply actions  

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