I was operating all along under the impression that the Free Agent Signings (Johnson, DeAngelo Williams, Payne, Mare) and the new contract guys (Jon Beason, Thomas Davis, James Anderson) Would automatically be able to practice on August 4th because of a "waiting period"

Not necessarily the case. I just read that none of these guys can practice until the new CBA is ratified and that hasn't happened yet. Per Ryan Clark of the Pittsburgh Steelers the issue of Roger Goodell's heavy handed disipline is holding up the players ratifying the deal .

To me this seems a bit like sour grapes and something that can be fixed. What do these guys want no rules???

Anyway for a team like the Carolina Panthers who need every available player (yes I know Beason is still hurt) on the field every practice to learn, this could really hurt.

Thoughts?