Reporting live from the 'moves that make too much sense' headquarters here in CSR, the Tennesee Titans and Dallas Cowboys have released DT Jovan Haye and G Andre Gurode respectively. Following a week where the Carolina Panthers weaknesses were exposed on the offensive an defensive lines it just so happens two players emerge who could play the role of stop-gap very nicely.
Undeniably the Panthers were waiting to see what kind of players hit the open market when cuts occurred, and judging from the talent we're seeing lately it's indicative of a league where all 32 teams are looking to get younger, or in the process of building with young talent. Carolina sit somewhere in the middle after starting the youth movement last year, but now due to injuries and lack of development they find themselves in need of talent in the trenches.
Andre Gurode is a five time pro-bowler whose skills are still of an NFL caliber. He was released when he became unwilling to restructure his contract with the Dallas Cowboys. Gurode may carry a price tag as hefty as his frame though, with numerous teams in the league needing offensive line help and Gurode is the best option available at this time. Should the Panthers sign him it would solidify a line that could be without Geoff Schwartz in 2011, presuming he will be placed on IR tomorrow due to his hip injury, a scenario which is becoming all the more likely.
More after the jump
For Tennessee Titans DT Jovan Haye his NFL career could come full circle with a return to Carolina, the team that drafted him in 2005. While he is a smaller DT (6'2", 277lbs) he is a player with starting experience who could help hold the line at the under tackle spot and take a lot of the pressure off rookies Sione Fua and Terrell McClain. Haye's best season occurred in 2007 when he amassed 68 tackles and 6 sacks for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, while he hasn't played at that performance level again he is still more talented than anyone we have on the roster and the most ready to contribute.
It is important to note that both Gurode and Haye are 'vested veterans' as defined in the CBA, so rather than becoming waiver targets they are immediately paid, released and become unrestricted free agents, so Carolina would have competition.
What do you think Panthers fans? Should we go after Gurode and Haye?