Free Agency Rumors That Could Affect Panthers Draft
by Jaxon on Jan 29, 2012 11:25 AM EST
in NFL Draft
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PrintUnless the Panthers make some unexpected roster changes to free up some salary cap space they will not be big players in free agency. That doesn't mean the upcoming free agency period could not have a dramatic impact on the franchise. There area couple QBs out there who could end up at a couple QB starved teams that draft ahead or around the Panthers in April. I know many of you hope the Panthers can trade back from #8-9 to a QB starved team if there is a guy guy still on the board. Here's a couple free agents to keep an eye on:
Matt Flynn to the Dolphins
These rumors started almost immediately after the Dolphins hired former Packer OC Joe Philbin:
"It would be a slam dunk," Packers broadcaster and former defensive back LeRoy Butler said. "All of those guys would be on the same page from day one."
If the Dolphins don't land Flynn then they would be a good candidate to move up for RG3. Even if they land Flynn I don't see the Dolphins competing with us at a defensive position since run a different scheme and they are strong in the secondary.
Peyton Manning to the Redskins
Picking at #6 the Redskins are the most likely team to trade up for RG3, but if they instead landed Peyton Manning in free agency then they would not need a QB:
According to a tweet from ESPN Anchor Bram Weinstein, Indianapolis Colts’ quarterback Peyton Manning – who missed the entire 2011 NFL season while recovering from one-level cervical neck fusion surgery – could be part of a package deal with Colts center Jeff Saturday to get shipped to the Washington Redskins.
I'm not sure why Jeff Saturday is being included in this rumor. If both the Dolphins and the Redskins solve their QB problems then you can bet RG3 ends up in Cleveland at #4. No one else would have the ammo to move up past Cleveland. Knowing they have no one to worry about moving up past them they simply wait at #4.
This is not a good scenario for the Panthers in my view. Without a need for a QB the Dolphins & Redskins would instead be drafting players that might interest the Panthers, like a DT or a CB. Both would also be trade back candidates if the Browns pass on RG3 themselves. Hence winning the toss with the Dolphins for #8 is a little more key than I thought it would be.
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I just dont understand why teams would put high value on free agent quarterbacks who had one good game like Matt Flynn
The same thing happened last year with Kevin Kolb. Dont get me wrong, Flynn had a GREAT game against the lions n=but it was just one game against a team that had almost no tape to help them prepare for him. If i were a GM i would have no problem with signing Flynn to like a two year, 8 million dollar deal or something along those lines but i can almost guarentee that he is going to get at least 4 years with a pretty huge sum of cash which just doesnt make sense to me. Has Kevin Kolbs piss poor performance of this year taught teams nothing? you cant accurately judge any player from one game, regardless of how well or poorely they played.
Matt Flynn seems more legit than Kolb
He played well (not great, but okay) against the Lions after Rodgers went out with the concussion. But the next week they almost upset the Patriots and he played very very well.
Flynn did it more than Kolb!
Kolb was a joke and Az were stupid enough to fall for it!
by TheWhite Mamba on Jan 29, 2012 12:13 PM EST up reply actions
That's what happens when you set a record breaking game in all categories.
And it’s not like Flynn has ever been bad or anything. In fact, it was Flynn that had originally beat Rodgers for the starting job when they both came to the Packers together.
ACC Championship Member Brandon Thompson is the new Jacoby Ford. You better pick him Panthers or you will be doomed to relive the 2010 season over and over again in the Twilight Zone.
Clemson 2011 ACC Champions! Look forward to doing it again next year! :D
I think you are thinking of Brohm
Flynn and Brohm were both drafted in 2008 and Flynn as a 7th rd pick beat out Brohm the 2nd rd pick
anybody know if the toss will be televised?
though my wife may give me a weird look when she sees it on the dvr
Probably not
It’s on the last day of the combine. It might be on NFL.com during their coverage
I believe I read somewhere that the Dolphins are transitioning to a 4-3 defense...
but I could be wrong.
by brettdigitty79 on Jan 29, 2012 11:48 AM EST reply actions
I've read this aswell
I think it said they’re thinking about switching to a 4-3 and also thinking about drafting Coples
by rscott94 on Jan 29, 2012 12:03 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
on their blog i recently read that they expect us to full out switch to a 3-4.
"Don't tell me about the pain, just bring me the baby" Cam Newton
by braves&panthers4ever on Jan 29, 2012 1:59 PM EST via Android app up reply actions
at least one of their posters thinks that that is.
"Don't tell me about the pain, just bring me the baby" Cam Newton
by braves&panthers4ever on Jan 29, 2012 2:00 PM EST via Android app up reply actions
I saw that, and I'm not sure where that is coming from
although I think you guys could make the switch to a 3-4 with a good NT. If you signed Soliai in FA (expected to be let go with a scheme change) and then drafted Ingram or Upshaw at 8/9, you’d be fully set for a 3-4.
You could have Johnson, Soliai, next best DT) as your 3 man front. Ingram/Upshaw, Norwood, and or Hardy as you 3-4 rush OLBs. Conner and Beason would be your ILBs.
This front would mask your weaknesses (D-line) and accentuate your strengths (LB core).
aka "The Duke"
Proponent of I-AA Football
Captain of the Draft Brian Quick Bandwagon
Captain of the Titan, a warship in the Draft Robert Griffin III Fleet
Occupy Joe Robbie
Beason would be just as big a factor, if not more of a factor, in a 3-4
Karlos Dansby and Patrick Willis are very good ILBs that make plays in that scheme. 3-4 defenses require linebackers that can make plays, and Beason would excel in that front.
aka "The Duke"
Proponent of I-AA Football
Captain of the Draft Brian Quick Bandwagon
Captain of the Titan, a warship in the Draft Robert Griffin III Fleet
Occupy Joe Robbie
Part of the issue is that Beason is seriously undersized to play that position.
I don't always fail, but when I do...
I do it awesomely.
by BusyBeingAwesome on Jan 30, 2012 9:15 AM EST up reply actions
I'm not quite sure I buy that.
Beason: 6’0" 237lbs
Willis: 6’1" 240lbs
Follow me on Twitter at @JakeHumphrey91
by Jake Humphrey on Jan 30, 2012 10:11 AM EST up reply actions
I always thought Willis was bigger.
I don't always fail, but when I do...
I do it awesomely.
by BusyBeingAwesome on Jan 30, 2012 3:08 PM EST up reply actions
TWSS
The truth will set you free, but not until it is finished with you. ~David Foster Wallace
I may not always be right, but even a blind nut finds a squirrel every once in a while.
I agree that we probably could transition to a 3-4
But we’re better out of a 4-3, and i would have our personnel arranged slightly differently.
"What do you want to say to those critics now?"
"Just sit back and watch the show." -Cam Newton
Well Ron's said nothing like that.
We’re a base 4-3 that will have some 3-4 looks. Our big-money players are at their best in the 4-3.
Follow me on Twitter at @JakeHumphrey91
by Jake Humphrey on Jan 29, 2012 5:46 PM EST up reply actions
Washington is where QB's...
…Go to die. This is the mentality that I hope Manning shares in that scenario.
Not sure how it would work with Kolb’s contract in the way, but Manning going to AZ seems a better idea, imo.
And a question, how far back can the Panthers conceivably trade back to and still get the personnel they need/want? Brockers/Dre K surely won’t hang around on the board long…
Just when I thought you couldn't be any dumber, you go and do something like this... AND TOTALLY REDEEM YOURSELF!
Arizona won't be able to afford Manning
Or afford to release Kolb after one year.
"What do you want to say to those critics now?"
"Just sit back and watch the show." -Cam Newton
I thought I remembered them selling the farm for him.
Bet they are kicking themselves now…
Just when I thought you couldn't be any dumber, you go and do something like this... AND TOTALLY REDEEM YOURSELF!
Forsure
Maybe their best defensive player (DRC), a second rounder and 60 million dollars.
"What do you want to say to those critics now?"
"Just sit back and watch the show." -Cam Newton
this makes me feel sick
I don’t know if I’ve ever felt so sorry for another team…. Pity….. Ouch
Save us Pilares
by LimeyPanther on Jan 29, 2012 1:58 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I think the Jets would be stupid to not make a play for Manning. sanchez is never going to take that team anywhere, and if they want to try and win now with the fat man at the helm, they should try and get Manning. Going to the deadskins would be a stupid move IMO. They are just not a good team, and haven’t been for a long while.
Proud Member of Cat Scratch Reader and coiner of the (minus Bowers) meme
they are better
than the colts were without manning
by TXPantherGuy on Jan 29, 2012 12:37 PM EST up reply actions
i personally think the jets would be stupid to not make a play for richardson
Could make the difference between them making the playoffs and 8-8
Save us Pilares
by LimeyPanther on Jan 29, 2012 2:40 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Haha, I actually mentioned this in a post last week
Said I hadn’t seen this mentioned in any mock or here and that they’re probably the ONLY real trade partner that makes sense for us. (I won’t reiterate all the points I made bc they can be looked up) And for you guys still thinking the bengals, I refer you to James and the guys from cincy jungle’s chat.
If it happens and the Jets do trade up for TR I want you guys to remember that it was Me and Limey that first brought it up, haha :)
The jets are MUCH further away than just having a RB
They need help all over that offense. They have much bigger needs at QB, WR, RT, OLB, and the safety position. Plus they are about $5M over the cap and will have to cut some key players like Holmes. That team is moving backwards, not forward.
aka "The Duke"
Proponent of I-AA Football
Captain of the Draft Brian Quick Bandwagon
Captain of the Titan, a warship in the Draft Robert Griffin III Fleet
Occupy Joe Robbie
Don’t forget though: Indy hasn’t had a great RB there in years (least ever since Edge left) and they were still winning games based off of Manning’s arm. You need a great QB to win in this league, not necessarily a great RB (example NE). Also, Tom Moore, Manning’s old offensive consultant in Indy is in NY now… I’m sure he is lobbying for Manning to come there.
Proud Member of Cat Scratch Reader and coiner of the (minus Bowers) meme
yeah but sparano's hiring has supposedly signaled a return to 'ground and pound' for the jets
That takes the pressure off sanchez for now, LT is likely gone, their running game just isn’t strong enough for that atm.
Save us Pilares
by LimeyPanther on Jan 29, 2012 9:28 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
We need not worry
Honestly, I think Carolina should look into acquiring a free agent DL. I would like those guys who stepped up last year deserve a chance to prove themselves as starters on a regular basis. As you mentioned, Miami has no secondary needs so if they do sign Flynn, chances are the will go OL with their first pick. Honestly, I like Martin, Decastro or Reiff with our first rounder since Cam needs protection. However, if we go DT we may be pressed for Michael Brockers (personally I am not sold on him just yet, but trading down for Devin Still may be tough). I do like Kirkpatrick despite his recent off field antics. Perfect world, in my opinion, wait to see about drafting CB in the second and see what happens.
Integrity first. Service before self. Excellence in all you do. -- USAF Core Values
by Disciple of Carolina on Jan 29, 2012 12:09 PM EST via mobile reply actions
the phins might well be a threat to us in the draft jaxon
Its not a forgone conclusion that we are aiming for the secondary by any means. Its unlikely to me that the dolphins will trade up, what seems more likely imo is they aim for flynn or manning. They become a threat because their o-line is rubbish and we may well draft o-line. I think whoever wins the toss will take reiff or martin depending on who has the better combine.
I also think the browns are the most likely landing spot for griffin, they’ve got way more ammo.
Save us Pilares
by LimeyPanther on Jan 29, 2012 1:16 PM EST via mobile reply actions
The biggest areas of need for the Dolphins are QB, DE/OLB, RT, and FS
Unless the Panthers have a need in one of those areas, then you don’t have to worry about the Dolphins getting in the Panthers way.
aka "The Duke"
Proponent of I-AA Football
Captain of the Draft Brian Quick Bandwagon
Captain of the Titan, a warship in the Draft Robert Griffin III Fleet
Occupy Joe Robbie
not ready to roll the dice on matt moore than?
To be fair you guys will have a really solid back up qb in moore, and I’m happy he’s had some success and proven he has the ability to make plays for you.
Save us Pilares
by LimeyPanther on Jan 29, 2012 1:55 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Our FO is known for their smokescreens
But most things coming from those who know in Miami is that getting a franchise QB is the top priority of the team. The biggest rumor is that Peyton Manning is the top target, but I don’t think that will happen given our cap situation. When you look at the full situation, I think the QB Miami will target is Ryan Tannehill. Our new OC Mike Sherman coached him at Texas A&M and is very familiar with him. Unless he goes really high, he is expected to be around when Miami drafts in the 2nd round. That would allow us to focus our FA money on guys like Carl Nicks or Mario Williams. That would also allow us to have some draft flexibility. Flynn isn’t out of the picture, but his projected contract would eat up too much cap space for a guy with 2 starts.
In my best case scenario, the Dolphins would sign Williams in FA, draft Riley Reiff, and then move back up into the late 1st round to draft Tannehill. That would take care of 3 of our biggest needs.
aka "The Duke"
Proponent of I-AA Football
Captain of the Draft Brian Quick Bandwagon
Captain of the Titan, a warship in the Draft Robert Griffin III Fleet
Occupy Joe Robbie
Good call on Tannehill...
I didn’t really think about that connection. Would you rather have him than Flynn?
~A bullet may have your name on it...but grenades are addressed 'to whom it may be concerned...'
by boywonderncsu on Jan 29, 2012 2:41 PM EST via Android app up reply actions
I'm not a fan of Flynn...
We gone the FA route before with no avail. He’s going to get a big contract for 2 whole starts. Plus he’s not going to be considered a stop-gap for a younger QB. He’s an “all-in” option and I’m not fond of that.
aka "The Duke"
Proponent of I-AA Football
Captain of the Draft Brian Quick Bandwagon
Captain of the Titan, a warship in the Draft Robert Griffin III Fleet
Occupy Joe Robbie
I've been doing some different mocks myself and have actually projected you guys in 1 to trade back into the 1st (NE's 31/32 pick) and grab Tannehill
It’s cool that you guys over there are thinking the same thing (either that you’ll trade back up or just scoop him up in the 2nd). In the one’s where I have projected others to move up for NE’s pick I always have you guys taking RT in the 2nd.
I think Manning is done.
I think Flynn could go to Cleveland or Washington. I personally don’t think Cleveland should give up on McCoy so quickly. He’s had NO weapons in that offense. His best WRs wouldn’t start for most teams. Hillis was vastly overrated and he had no TEs to speak of. I think Cleveland would be better served to draft Blackmon if he’s available and use their second 1st rounder to draft someone like Dwayne Allen. They would immediately upgrade their WR and TE positions.
If that happened and Flynn went to Washington, RG3 would fall to 9, assuming another team didn’t move up. I could see the draft playing out this way:
1. Luck
2. Kalil
3. Reiff
4. Blackmon
5. Claiborne
6. Martin
7. Coples
8/9. Brockers and Griffin
10. Mike Adams
Washington might also be tempted to wait until the 2nd round to draft a QB.
aka "The Duke"
Proponent of I-AA Football
Captain of the Draft Brian Quick Bandwagon
Captain of the Titan, a warship in the Draft Robert Griffin III Fleet
Occupy Joe Robbie
Wish you all had gotten Brees off the market instead of NO… thanks a lot man!
;)
Proud Member of Cat Scratch Reader and coiner of the (minus Bowers) meme
Ugh... that's a sore point for many Dolphins fans
we are trying to forget that ever happened.
aka "The Duke"
Proponent of I-AA Football
Captain of the Draft Brian Quick Bandwagon
Captain of the Titan, a warship in the Draft Robert Griffin III Fleet
Occupy Joe Robbie
like i said
I think whoever gets the 8th drafts reiff
Save us Pilares
by LimeyPanther on Jan 29, 2012 4:07 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
He might be gone before then though
aka "The Duke"
Proponent of I-AA Football
Captain of the Draft Brian Quick Bandwagon
Captain of the Titan, a warship in the Draft Robert Griffin III Fleet
Occupy Joe Robbie
I'm a little confused why so many experts think Peyton Manning is going to be traded
Yes, I understand that they think the Colts will move him prior to March 8th to avoid the roster bonus, but as it stands from what I’ve read it seems Peyton wouldn’t be able to pass a physical by 3/8 in order to ratify the trade.
Furthermore, why would any team trade for something they knew would be free after the 8th?
No trade, released...why not wait and see what the market bears for him
but why give up a pick when you still have to pay big$ to re-sign him
I actually kind of hope they trade him to Washington...
I love peyton and hate the skins, but if he goes to washington then it means they won’t have any resources to fill the multitude of other holes on their team, namely their o-line…thus ensuring their mediocrity for another few seasons :)
Nobody fucks with the Jesus! -Big Lebowski
Peyton would have to be on board with that though.
After he gets cut, he probably wouldn’t be too receptive. I know I wouldn’t be.
Follow me on Twitter at @JakeHumphrey91
by Jake Humphrey on Jan 29, 2012 6:34 PM EST up reply actions
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