Decisions Galore for Panthers Front Office
by Disciple of Carolina on Feb 8, 2012 9:29 AM EST
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The long, excruciating wait known as the off season is upon us. Just like the other teams in the league, Carolina will be busy breaking down scouting reports, attending the combine and pro days, making roster moves and determining which players can turn the franchise into a playoff competitor. Just like everyone else in the football world, I am analyzing the draft class and free agents that could be targeted by the Panthers over the next few months. After the jump, I will take a look at possible moves the Panthers front office will make to build the 2012 team.
Welcome to the off season.....
Roster Cuts/Contract Restructuring
Carolina has the benefit of having secured their top players and are in no danger of losing a key playmaker to free agency. However, the money to spend is tight. The biggest area of concern is the health of OLB Thomas Davis' knee. He started last year on a promising note but went down soon after defensive captain Jon Beason was lost in Week 1. Davis has stated he wants to remain a Panther and the general perception around the fan base wants him to stay as well. The Panthers worked out an extension for Davis but given the fact he is an injury risk, his contract may need to be adjusted to help free up money and not locked into a salary cap liability. As of now, Davis' contact is for five years at $36.5M. I have seen the dangers of committing a lot of cash into an injury prone player and it does not bode well for the team in terms of signing top free agents to fill their needs. Essentially, there is no money to be spent. This brings me to the roster cuts. There are three players that stand out who are getting paid more than what their production suggests. Jimmy Clausen is tied up with a four year deal worth $6.3M. Armanti Edwards has a four year deal worth $2.5M. Jason Baker is in the last year of a six year contract worth $9.1M. These three need to be cut because there is no reason why $8.8M needs to be tied up in two guys with limited field time (especially Clausen, who did not dress for much of the season). Baker should be let go and the Panthers fill his spot via the draft. I have seen a lot of mock drafts taking UGA punter Drew Butler in the last round. That move makes sense because you attain a quality special teams player at a low price. Then there are the free agents. I won't list them, but here is a link to view them. Out of the list of twelve, Carolina will probably re-sign five or six of them. Those players are Derek Anderson, Mackenzy Bernadeau, Richie Brockel, Dan Connor, Geoff Schwartz and/or Jeremy Shockey. Out of this group, I think Shockey and Anderson may command the most money. There is one more person to consider...Jonathan Stewart. He becomes a free agent in 2013 and the front office has to decide whether or not to sign him to an extension or use him as trade bait. The only way I see him being dealt is if the Panthers try to acquire a third round pick or a late second. Since Stewart is an instrumental part of the offense, the idea of him being traded seems distant at best. The Panthers will give him a new deal, hopefully before the new season begins.
Free Agency
How the Panthers draft could very well depend on their roster moves and the free agents they are able to sign. There are three areas I believe the Panthers will look into addressing with veterans prior to the draft in April. Both the defensive line and the secondary have gaps in them which will most likely be filled with free agents. However, the money available will determine if a run at these guys is in the cards.
Robert Mathis (DE) - Indianapolis looks to be on the verge of rebuilding and its not clear whether a guy who is use to winning would want to be part of a rebuilding project. He would give Carolina an interesting rotation that already includes Greg Hardy and Charles Johnson.
Antonio Garay (NT) - This guy played in Ron Rivera's system in San Diego and could solidify the interior, while giving the Panthers an optimal 3-4 scheme with speed on the outside. The only concern here is whether or not Jerry Richardson will be comfortable signing a player who likes to make an artistic spectacle of head.
Cortland Finnegan (CB) - The secondary needs help and probably moreso at cornerback. Finnegan would allow Captain Munnerlyn to return to the nickel corner position and provide Chris Gamble a potent partner in stopping the passing game. Finnegan is a wild card to land in Carolina, but a player I think will garner much attention will most likely be...
Carlos Rogers (CB) - Its hard to say whether or not the 49ers will re-sign Rogers to a long term deal, especially since they have another option that is both young and affordable. Carolina made a run at him last year so I wouldn't be surprised if they did again over the next several weeks. Either way, adding one of these guys to the roster instantly improves the secondary.
Dennis Dixon (QB) - The Panthers need a backup QB with a similar skill set to Cam Newton. The list of free agent QBs who meet this criteria is short, very short. Dixon is mobile but he lacks the talent possessed by Newton. His career numbers are truly those of a backup: 35/59 402 yards 1TD/2INTs, 10 rushes for 56 yards and 1 TD.
Josh Johnson (QB) - Johnson is a familiar face as Carolina saw him in the first meeting against Tampa Bay last season. Like Dixon and his teammate Josh Freeman, he is a mobile quarterback. He has size too which would make his acquisition that more interesting. His career numbers are better than Dixon's, but he needs to be more polished: 96/177 1,042 yards 5 TDs/10 INTs, 37 rushes for 254 yards.
Draft
What Carolina does not address in free agency they should address in the draft. Many players have been mocked to the Panthers on both sides of the ball, but the one common theme remains the same: its usually a lineman. On offense, OT Jonathan Martin and OG David DeCastro have been slotted as potential picks if Carolina decides to go in that direction. Defensively, there are several players from different positions the Panthers could pick first. On the line, there are defensive tackles Devon Still and Michael Brockers. Defensive end Melvin Ingram is a potential pick, but I doubt Carolina would take him inside the top ten. Cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick is an interesting selection given his recent off field exploits. It will be interesting to see how much his stock will recover even though he was found innocent of all charges. He will need to impress the most at both the combine and at his pro day. Carolina has made it a habit to select the best player available (BPA) and if I had to rank their needs, it would be defensive line, secondary and offensive line in that order. The combine and pro days will be crucial to a prospect's chances of being a top ten pick so all of these guys need to bring their "A" game.
Conclusion
There is a lot to be done between now and the start of training camp. In my opinion, I feel Carolina's roster will remain mostly intact, but hopefully with some strong additions. The Panthers proved they can score often and a lot with the guys they have on offense so the biggest area of concern is the defense. However, Newton needs to improve and cut back on turning the ball over. He needs to win games in which he throws an interception and learn to move on when he does give away the ball. Special teams needs to improve in the kicking game and returning. The defense needs to improve their tackling and prevent huge gains othe secondary needs to neutralize opposing wide receivers and not give up the big play. Overall, I look forward to the off season and am ready to see how much this team improves in 2012.
Go Panthers!!!
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I don't think Armanti will be cut for cap space
seeing as how he makes so little. I also don’t think Connor or Mack Bern will be back. I would add Thomas Williams & Stanford to your list of resigned players. Both young guys that make very little money and provide good depth.
Cool post, looking forward to the others.
"One step at a time"
AE may not be a roster casualty
He doesn’t make that much sure, but he hasn’t helped secure his spot on the team. With the emergence of Pilares on special teams, Edwards may be shown the door. If he survives to see training camp, he is going to have to perform at a very high level.
I won’t rule out William and Standford not being re-signed, especially the latter who played alright towards the end of the season. I like Connor to return because I think he gives us a very solid backup for Beason, but as for Bernadeau goes I think his status on the team will be to help mentor young players and give the Panthers veteran depth on the line.
In the end, I am anxious to see what this team does next season. Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts.
Integrity first. Service before self. Excellence in all you do. -- USAF Core Values
by Disciple of Carolina on Feb 7, 2012 7:03 PM EST up reply actions
Connor's going to be testing the FA market and most of us here on CSR figure him to definetly be gone come next year.
And yeah Bernadeau I’d like to see him bounce. Re-sign schwartz and hangartner IF HE WILL COME BACK CHEAP!!! but if not then only keep Geoff and take a flyer on a late round O-Linemen because we freaking rock at grabbing O-line late.
Regarding Schwartz
I would love to see his little bro picked up by Carolina in the draft.
Integrity first. Service before self. Excellence in all you do. -- USAF Core Values
by Disciple of Carolina on Feb 7, 2012 9:26 PM EST up reply actions
I think we all would
Integrity first. Service before self. Excellence in all you do. -- USAF Core Values
by Disciple of Carolina on Feb 10, 2012 9:00 AM EST up reply actions
Connor should test the market
but hopefully he will entertain an offer from Carolina first.
Integrity first. Service before self. Excellence in all you do. -- USAF Core Values
by Disciple of Carolina on Feb 7, 2012 9:28 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah Lil Schwartz would be a nice addition to the team and would probably help push both to their absolute A game
And yeah if we could re-sign connor for decent then that would be crazy good. If not, then we really need to grab another backup in FA or draft.
He'll entertain our offer for as long as it takes his agent to get hold of him.
He’ll get paid way more than we can afford this off season.
"Nah, you look like Elijah Wood." - danmerqury
Im excited about the offseason as well
(Despite our limited funds)…. I like Connor I just don’t see it happening. There are a lot of teams I could see giving him decent $ and bringing him in to start. Good news is that our LB experience is pretty deep. I know its a long shot but if we could trade back and get an extra 2nd that would be amazing. Imagine if we picked up some combination of Jenkins/Ta’amu/Z. Brown/one of the many SS’s
"One step at a time"
by mcdonaldwr on Feb 7, 2012 11:34 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
resign Stanford HAAAA!!!
Panthers better let his butt walk. He is a waste of a roster spot. He was getting burned on every play i seen. I dont know what Riveria and staff seen in him.
Two things always burn me up...
Belittling someone’s opinion…
resign Stanford HAAAA!!!
And spelling our coaches name wrong…
Riveria
I don't always fail, but when I do...
I do it awesomely.
by BusyBeingAwesome on Feb 8, 2012 9:34 AM EST up reply actions
At least he didn’t spell it Riviera like most people do.
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.
So true.
I don't always fail, but when I do...
I do it awesomely.
by BusyBeingAwesome on Feb 8, 2012 10:01 AM EST up reply actions
this could be a phone correction
Like the Superb Owl of yesteryear.
I'm not sure
Spending the kind of money signing a 30 year old Carlos Rodgers or 30 year old undersized Robert Mathis would require is the best allocation of our limited funds. Mathis would have been a thought if Meeks was still the Def Co. But I think the days of undersized DE’s is over in Carolina. Rodgers I think would be the better of the two. I like the idea of dumping Baker, Pickles, and Edwards but think the latter gets one more shot. I like the thought of adding a Josh Johnson or Dennis Dixon to back up Cam but both have expressed interest in competing for a starting spot and we know there’s no chance of that here. Perhaps later in the FA process if one hasn’t found a chance to compete we could land one of them. As far as the draft, there’s a long way to go between now and April and things will change a hundred times but one thing I think we can all agree on is Def has to be to some degree the priority. Great post btw!
"Beer, both the cause of and solution to all of life's little problems." - Homer Simpson
The free agency period will be interesting sure
If we bring in a veteran end, I don’t see it being long term. Two or three years maximum but I would like to get a dangerous rotation that will confuse opposing offenses. The draft will change between now and April, but I feel the probability of drafting a defensive player first is around 90%.
Integrity first. Service before self. Excellence in all you do. -- USAF Core Values
by Disciple of Carolina on Feb 7, 2012 7:00 PM EST up reply actions
Your Right Kris, All The Free Agents Listed Cost Too Much, Except Maybe The 2 QB's
Probably the only way NT Garay can be signed is if DT Ron Edwards is traded (probably in a sign and trade with the Chargers), because he would stil count $2 million (not his full $3 million) if he’s just cut.
Teams Added Their Players Who Were On IR To Their Rosters Yesterday & The Panthers (16) Didn't Have The Most, The Jaguars Had 25
It’s posted at nfl.com, in theit transactions list.
I never said I wanted to get any of these free agents
I was addressing possible free agents in regard to positional needs that the Panthers are faced with this off season. Yes, most of them are pricey and are a reach but if professional writers/football experts think these moves can be done, then it shouldn’t be overlooked. A lot of that will depend on how Carolina will go about restructuring their current roster. If I were dreaming, I would suggest going after WR Stevie Johnson or WR Vincent Jackson. Each free agent listed addresses a need the Panthers have as of now.
Integrity first. Service before self. Excellence in all you do. -- USAF Core Values
by Disciple of Carolina on Feb 7, 2012 7:13 PM EST up reply actions
No safeties targeted in free-agency?
"Hope for the best plan for the worst"
"They laugh at me because I'm different, I laugh at them because they're all the same"
I thought about it
But I think the safety position may be addressed in the draft. Some names I considered at safety included Brent Grimes and LaRon Landry. However, I just don’t see the Panthers being able to afford them even with roster moves to free up money.
Integrity first. Service before self. Excellence in all you do. -- USAF Core Values
by Disciple of Carolina on Feb 7, 2012 7:15 PM EST up reply actions
My bad
He was under my safeties/cornerback list. I never labeled his position. Thanks fir pointing that out.
Integrity first. Service before self. Excellence in all you do. -- USAF Core Values
by Disciple of Carolina on Feb 7, 2012 9:25 PM EST up reply actions
LaRon Landry has an achilles injury that he refuses to have surgery on.
Steer well clear.
"Nah, you look like Elijah Wood." - danmerqury
Trevelle Wharton will be cut
He will save us 8 million by himself to cut him. Schwartz is a RFA and Hangartner I think is signed on for this year as well. They are our 2 starting guards. Connor will sign else where because he wants a starting job, and he won’t get that hear with a healthy Beason. MacBern won’t be resigned either because of all of the linemen coming back from injury. Pretty sure Stewart will get an extension, but don’t look for much else as far as free agency goes. I think they draft a DT, but won’t sign one unless he is cheap and a no name. Safety is an area where they may be able to get a solid veteran like Landry because of his past injuries they will be able to afford him.
With a name like Lesbian I have to be awesome!
by Lesbian Montgomery on Feb 7, 2012 8:45 PM EST reply actions
Do you really think Wharton is gone this year?
I don’t like him too much at tackle, but he seems steady at guard. I think he stays but that is why I’m the fan and not the general manager.
Integrity first. Service before self. Excellence in all you do. -- USAF Core Values
by Disciple of Carolina on Feb 7, 2012 9:23 PM EST up reply actions
Wharton will not be cut
Too valuable a player on the line, and has missed very few games (that I’m recollecting) due to injury. Would be foolish as well to release him, with most of the OL backups coming up as FA soon. Would not be a wise decision to release him.
Don't give up, don't ever give up ~ Jim Valvano
They may restructure his contract...
but I think he will be cut. Reliability in this league doesn’t mean much because it is a business. And the fact that we are over 10 million on the salary cap means we are going to have to make some tough decisions. I think Wharton is a pretty good guard, not elite, but sometimes you have to bite the bullet.
With a name like Lesbian I have to be awesome!
by Lesbian Montgomery on Feb 8, 2012 12:41 PM EST up reply actions
I think reliability is one of the most important things in the league
Because of the business aspect of it. Why get rid of a player who’s always played well and never been a concern to miss time? Letting go of Wharton just opens up more holes to fill, and I think we’d be very hard pressed to find another G as reliable as Wharton has been for us.
While true, we had some major injuries on the OL before the season even started yet still managed a top-15 line
Guard is actually the one position we can probably fill easily. Bell, Schwartz, Hangartner, and Zeimba can all play guard.
Travelle Wharton will NOT be cut
That would totally f* up the line, neither of our other G’s have the same talent. Schwartz might, but he’s young and needs some more time to compare.
I'd put money on Wharton not being cut.
Restructured, most likely. But not outright cut. Hangartner is a free agent.
Follow me on Twitter at @JakeHumphrey91
by Jake Humphrey on Feb 7, 2012 11:07 PM EST up reply actions
I would imagine he sticks around
He has been pretty reliable in terms of performance and durability.
Integrity first. Service before self. Excellence in all you do. -- USAF Core Values
by Disciple of Carolina on Feb 8, 2012 8:59 AM EST up reply actions
No Money
Why does everyone think we have all this money for free agency? We are over the cap. Any restructuring of deals will be to simply get under the cap and pay for our draft picks. We will get bottom of the barrel guys – unless something drastic happens. Think payroll guys!
That is why restructuring TD's contract needs to be a concern over the next few weeks
Carolina really can’t deal him away and get a decent return and they don’t want to tie in a bunch of cash into someone who has been on the field just under two games in three years. I pointed out the money was tight and I was throwing out ideas that were bounced around regarding the draft and free agency. I stated I felt the roster would remain mostly intact, but with a few strong additions. However, those additions were about draft picks not free agents. I have full confidence in the team and their decision making.
Integrity first. Service before self. Excellence in all you do. -- USAF Core Values
by Disciple of Carolina on Feb 8, 2012 9:06 AM EST up reply actions
Cutting TD won't give us money to spend.
It’ll keep us from going over the cap though.
Follow me on Twitter at @JakeHumphrey91
by Jake Humphrey on Feb 8, 2012 1:40 PM EST up reply actions
Why does everyone
Assume that Big Cat and Hurney didn’t plan for this? We have no idea how the deals from last year were structured and 2012 is the last “funny money” year where you can manipulate bonuses and incentives to adjust the cap. Turning some of the salary into “likely to be earned incentives” will greatly reduce our cap liability. I can’t see them doing what they did last year and putting themselves into a bad situation when they are still trying to build a team. I don’t remember who said it last night on Cat Scratch Radio but JR always prepares for the worst, and this is surely going to be one of those situations. I like Hurney but if he put himself behind the cap 8 ball just on year after having all of that cap space he should be fired. I don’t think he’s that dumb…
"Beer, both the cause of and solution to all of life's little problems." - Homer Simpson
That was me who said that about JR preparing for the worst.
For those who are genuinely concerned. ;-)
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.
Rogers has already stated that he will come back to SF, maybe even taking a hometown discount for it...
Outside of that, I’m going to be surprised if any of these guys are on our radar; like pompy pointed out, we reallllllly don’t have the cash to be spending on a bunch of FA this year (seeing as we locked up so much last year). Don’t be surprised or disappointed if this year is similar to 2003 with a focus on the draft and some mid-level FA (think something similar to the Stephen Davis signing- not a big signing, but someone who can fit in easily).
Nobody fucks with the Jesus! -Big Lebowski
Hey that was the same year we went all the way to the big dance
So if we have a quiet off season and make a deep playoff run, I’m all for it. Carolina has proven to win games without marquee players, so I won’t lose any sleep if any veterans signed are simply designated to a backup role. They just need to make the right picks to strengthen last year’s weaknesses.
Integrity first. Service before self. Excellence in all you do. -- USAF Core Values
by Disciple of Carolina on Feb 8, 2012 9:10 AM EST up reply actions
That's basically what needs to happen...
getting the right pieces for the puzzle; I think people tend to mesh “big name” with “right piece” all too often, but in reality a lot of our holes can be filled with the proper draft picks and some mid-level FA who happen to possess a skill set we need
Nobody fucks with the Jesus! -Big Lebowski
As far the safety position is concerned...
what do you guys think about signing LaRon Landry? The recent trend is that ex-Redskins players go on to have Pro Bowl seasons elsewhere. I know his Achilles injury is a legitimate concern, but I believe he could a medium-risk, high reward addition to our team. Signing Landry would likely move Charles Godfrey back to his natural FS spot, thus upgrading two positions. What do you guys think?
I like the idea of bringing him in but.....
I doubt we can afford him. I think Landry stays in DC after its all said and done
Integrity first. Service before self. Excellence in all you do. -- USAF Core Values
by Disciple of Carolina on Feb 8, 2012 9:43 AM EST up reply actions
No thank you...
he is no better at coverage than Godfrey or Martin; normally I subscribe to the theory about Skins players reaching their potential once they leave the cesspool on the potomac, but in his case he has been “on the verge” of breaking out for awhile now, yet he still sucks at coverage just as bad as he did in his rookie year (he is a hard hitter, but watching the games you’d be surprised how many tackles he ends up missing).
Nobody fucks with the Jesus! -Big Lebowski
Marcus McNeil is expected to be cut
I know we dont need another injury prone tackle, but he might be a cheap FA pickup because of his injury. Something to think about, if the Panthers think he can stay healthy.
by Smith is alegend on Feb 8, 2012 9:46 AM EST reply actions
I liked the idea of getting Josh Johnson as a back-up when I saw he was a free-agent,
I just don’t think Tampa would let him walk.
"You know the new iPhone? It’s faster, more powerful and smarter. It’s revolutionary. Why can’t the quarterback be like that? Why can’t you be a big, tall, fast, quick, strong, smart, mobile quarterback who’s unstoppable?"
-Cam Newton
by carolinapillpusher on Feb 8, 2012 9:59 AM EST reply actions
Me neither
I strongly believe that Cam’s backup will be brought in via the draft….or they stand pat, cut Clausen and put AE as his backup. I know thats a reach but hopefully I got a few chuckles from that statement.
Integrity first. Service before self. Excellence in all you do. -- USAF Core Values
by Disciple of Carolina on Feb 8, 2012 5:19 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Fixed it for you
@ or they stand pat, cut Clausen and put AE as his backup. @
"Beer, both the cause of and solution to all of life's little problems." - Homer Simpson
Damn didnt work
or they stand pat, cut Clausen and put AE as his backup.
"Beer, both the cause of and solution to all of life's little problems." - Homer Simpson
Damn straight put AE at backup!!! He has the same skill set as Cam to run this offense albeit under-sized. But he can do it with speed, a strong arm and great decision making. The Panthers and this columist need to stop jamming on AE as a PR and start using him as the offensive weapon he can be!
The only problem with that
is AE hasn’t taken regular snaps or worked out as a QB. His primary role has been working as a receiver or fielding punts. I’m not saying he can’t step up and be a good backup to Newton, but I think its a long shot.
Integrity first. Service before self. Excellence in all you do. -- USAF Core Values
by Disciple of Carolina on Feb 11, 2012 10:40 AM EST up reply actions
No offence to AE fans
But there was a reason he was drafted as a WR. He simply doesn’t have the ability to play QB at this level. His stature hurts him too. Drew Brees is the exception not the rule when it comes to QBs under 6ft. This comparison is as bad as people saying because RG3 ran a spread and can run he’s a Cam clone. There’s a lot more to it than just that. The fact is AE if he sticks in the NFL, and that’s yet to be seen, it will be as a WR/KR.
"Beer, both the cause of and solution to all of life's little problems." - Homer Simpson
by Kris Mynatt on Feb 13, 2012 10:25 AM EST up reply actions
Alright...
how about Rocky McIntosh? I think the Panthers could get him for a bargain deal. Considering the way the Skins treated him last year, he would be wise not to re-sign with them. He is versatile enough to play on either the strong side or in the middle, and he could also be a valuable asset on special teams. If Thomas Davis lands on the IR yet again, I believe Rocky could be a permanent solution at strong side linebacker (with James Anderson on the weak side and Beason obviously in the middle). When taking into account the recent ex-Redskins trend and the success rate of Miami linebackers who wear the black and blue, signing McIntosh seems like a no-brainer to me.
Rocky could be a good low risk, high reward pickup...
he has the talent to be a solid OLB, and unlike Landry I do think he needs a change of scenery more than anything (he’s a bit like Rogers; the talent is there, just something isn’t clicking in DC)
Nobody fucks with the Jesus! -Big Lebowski
Can Clausen and the others mentioned be cut with no cap hit?
If a guy is due $4m and you only save $400k by cutting him it really doesn’t do any good, unless you save almost 100% in the remaining years of the deal. I think they structured TD’s deal so it can be ripped up and redone when needed. That being said, I don’t think they should resign him to even a team-friendly deal. I know I am in the minority and I have seen how his teammates love him (he is a good guy as well) but it is a wasted roster spot to keep him around. Whatever intangibles he brings do not outweigh his injury history. This team needs upgrades at several positions and has even bigger needs such as building roster depth. I love the guys passion and skill but the truth is there, he is done.
by TXPanther on Feb 8, 2012 12:49 PM EST via mobile reply actions
I'd take a 1-2 million dollar
determined Thomas Davis over whichever FA we pick up that noone else wanted. I understand what you’re saying but if there’s any chance he comes back 50% of the player he was then he’d be better than most guys that we’d pick up to fill his role. He is the guy who can bring that smack-mouth defense that offense players dread getting hit by.
"One step at a time"
I really don't know about the cap hit
I never took that into consideration when I compiled that short list. However, its ridiculous to think a player with Clausen’s contract remains on the team and doesn’t suit up. Common sense suggests you cut bait and move on.
Integrity first. Service before self. Excellence in all you do. -- USAF Core Values
by Disciple of Carolina on Feb 8, 2012 5:22 PM EST up reply actions
WHY NOT TRADE CLAUSEN
HE HAS TO BE WORTH AT LEAST A 5 OR 6 ROUND PICK TO A QB STRAPPED TEAM
That very well could happen
At the time I posted this, I was unaware the Seahawks might have some interest in Clausen. I would like to get a return out of a player instead of cutting him out right. Plus, by doing so Clausen can finally say he contributed to the team.
Integrity first. Service before self. Excellence in all you do. -- USAF Core Values
by Disciple of Carolina on Feb 12, 2012 9:13 AM EST up reply actions
Inside voice, please.
Follow me on Twitter at @JakeHumphrey91
by Jake Humphrey on Feb 12, 2012 3:09 PM EST up reply actions
LOL
whoops…I meant lol
Integrity first. Service before self. Excellence in all you do. -- USAF Core Values
by Disciple of Carolina on Feb 12, 2012 3:47 PM EST up reply actions
YES YOU ARE PROBABLY RIGHT.
Cam Newton, when a reporter asks him who will win the Heisman Trophy on Saturday: "I'll tell you Sunday."
by Son of a Newton on Feb 13, 2012 5:23 PM EST up reply actions
anyone interested in working out braylon edwards?
he could come cheap after struggling with injuries, but if there’s anything left chud can get it. also, my man laron landry is out there and could be our ed reed (injuries aside, again), he’s expensive though. i also like joe webb better than josh johnson, but not as mush as dennis dixon. however, i’m thinking denver makes a fast and hard run at dixon to push tebow, (i would if i was foxy). in that case, we probably don’t win out. a couple of other free agent names i like, though i am not 100 percent sure they haven’t signed: rocky mcintosh, terrell thomas, the other d-end from state that moved to linebacker – not mario williams, i can’t remember his name, but he was in san fran last year – there’s vincent jackson, but he’s probably out of our league. san diego has a safety (is it nelson?) that rivera liked when he was there, and they broke the bank on weddle, so… lemme see, there’s others. that’s a little food for thought on fa, though.
Edwards Might Be A Good Idea If He's Healthy, But The Panthers Need A Sure Thing As Their 3rd or 4th WR
The Panthers only had 3 WR’s with more than 1 catch (Ajirotutu, 0 for Edwards and Palires), and Naanee is a free agent. The Panthers may only have room for 1 new veteran WR (if Naanee isn’t re-signed), and 1 rookie WR. Can Edwards be counted on to replace Naanee’s 40+ catches next season?
Edwards wouldn't have to
LaFell’s role would increase and we’d be adding Gettis back to the mix at WR.
Follow me on Twitter at @JakeHumphrey91
by Jake Humphrey on Feb 9, 2012 8:42 AM EST up reply actions
If it was uncertain.
I’m against bringing in Edwards.
Follow me on Twitter at @JakeHumphrey91
by Jake Humphrey on Feb 9, 2012 9:26 AM EST up reply actions
I'm not really sold on Edwards
He isn’t much of an upgrade from Naanee and he has health issues. Carolina would probably be better off re-signing Leggs. There is another WR who could be targeted, but I think he is staying in SF….Ted Ginn. I like him more for his return ability and he would make a good 3rd WR. But like I said, I see him staying put.
Integrity first. Service before self. Excellence in all you do. -- USAF Core Values
by Disciple of Carolina on Feb 9, 2012 9:25 AM EST up reply actions
would be nice wouldn't it.
i really want a big target whose open even when someone’s on him, though. i think that would help cam. the biggest thing for me – why i’m dreaming of receivers – is to get the double teams off smitty, though. i’ve always envisioned smitty being optimal in that slot role rather than as a jump ball man. not that i don’t love having him as a #1 or anything….
I feel you
Smitty needs help to shake those double teams and if Carolina were able to get two big receivers on the outside, Smith could have his way in the slot.
Integrity first. Service before self. Excellence in all you do. -- USAF Core Values
by Disciple of Carolina on Feb 9, 2012 2:03 PM EST up reply actions
HELL'S YEAH!
gettis may be one of them, too. smitty patroling the middle of the field with 80 and and 88 would be great, wouldn’t it? he’s got the intestinal fortitude to not only absorb a hit, but make guys think twice about plowing him too. he can stick ya.
Let's hope Gettis gets healthy first
Integrity first. Service before self. Excellence in all you do. -- USAF Core Values
by Disciple of Carolina on Feb 9, 2012 3:39 PM EST up reply actions
I think you're thinking of Manny Lawson
I’d like to have him too. He signed a one year contract with the Bengals last year for $3 million. He wouldn’t be a bad pickup if we can get him for close to that price.
Lawson would be a good pickup. He's got the size and speed to play any LB slot.
Byline is probably thinking of Steve Gregory as the SD Safety, and he would also make sense. These are actually two moves that we might could squeeze under the cap and make a big difference.
I want to throw out another name that hasn’t been brought up before… Steve Slaton (5’9, 200 lb) is, I think, ready to break out as a change of pace back in the Sproles mold. I doubt Miami will be all in to re-sign him, since they have Reggie already.
So much to be done, and so few people willing to do it for me.
Seems like a way of suggesting a move of Stewart
Slaton is an interesting choice and if Stewie is traded, D-Will would be the hands down feature back.
Integrity first. Service before self. Excellence in all you do. -- USAF Core Values
by Disciple of Carolina on Feb 9, 2012 2:06 PM EST up reply actions
i think they want three, really.
rivera said he wants scat. i haven’t seen him so much in the league, but in w. va. he scatted, haha
No, trade Goodson and pick up Slaton is what I meant...
So much to be done, and so few people willing to do it for me.
oh okay
i’ve been on the defensive bout jstew since a lot of folks see him as an atm on draft day at this point, haha. what if d-will goes down? don’t think jordan senn can line up behind cam, and there are only so many trick plays to spring brockel, haha. goodson’s gotta go, though i still believe in him. that wouldn’t be awful
Oh ok...
Thought you might be hinting at something none of us knew yet. What kind of trade compensation do you think Goodson can bring to the table?
Integrity first. Service before self. Excellence in all you do. -- USAF Core Values
by Disciple of Carolina on Feb 9, 2012 3:42 PM EST up reply actions
I don't know what he might bring, but a 7th is better than nothing. I don't think Rivera wants him around anymore.
I feel the same about Martin. BAMF only gives so many chances before dropping the hammer. Maybe Foxy would like to have them both (???).
So much to be done, and so few people willing to do it for me.
Goodson is a real possibility in Denver
With Moreno’s health concerns and off field troubles, another RB may be useful to Fox
Integrity first. Service before self. Excellence in all you do. -- USAF Core Values
by Disciple of Carolina on Feb 9, 2012 6:54 PM EST up reply actions
i had a crazy idea during the super bowl.
would anyone else consider giving up the first pick to bring nicks back to charlotte? i doubt it’s a possibility, but DAMN! that guy is good:)
If there weren't several, immediate needs trading our first rounder might be an option
however, we still need to shore up the defense and we might find the answer with our first pick.
Integrity first. Service before self. Excellence in all you do. -- USAF Core Values
by Disciple of Carolina on Feb 9, 2012 9:21 AM EST up reply actions
Too far in the forest to see through the trees again
If Nicks wasnt a UNC product or from somewhere in the southeast people wouldnt be thinking this and no I wouldnt want to trade picks for the second best wr on the Giants.
"If I have to find Jesus does that mean he is hiding ?" THE SOESBEAST " death solves all problems, no man no problem" Joseph Dzhugashvili
by allthatremainsstillowns on Feb 12, 2012 2:07 PM EST up reply actions
I wouldn't consider this
like I said before there are too many needs to fill and I like the corps if receivers we have now.
Integrity first. Service before self. Excellence in all you do. -- USAF Core Values
by Disciple of Carolina on Feb 12, 2012 3:48 PM EST up reply actions
Unpopular moves that will never happen
Steve Smith is coming off a great season but is going to be 33 in the last year of his contract. Package him with Otah to see if the Rams would let us take Kalil: they get a Pro Bowl receiver + a young first round Tackle and we get our LT for the future and cap relief.
Spend that money to get Jackson from SD and try to keep Connor and Schwartz. Williams looked pretty good at Will; if we can get Thomas back on the cheap (give him an incentive-heavy contract in case he can stay on the field) and convert him back to Safety, he’s the nasty hitter we need back there.
This is one of the deepest CB classes in years. Trade down for Jenkins and use the bonus pick for Minnifield (Yes, two CB’s). Hopefully, Poe is still available for our 2nd; we could certainly use a space-eater inside.
Drop Baker and Mare. Use our last two picks at UGa for Butler and Walsh and keep Kunalic around for camp to see if he might yet pan out.
So basically:
Swap Smitty for VJax: No way
Use any money saved from above swap to pay a backup LB: I’d rather not
Draft 2 CBs: We have other holes to address before overloading a position
And if we’re going for cap relief, cutting Mare is not the way to go. It’d be more expensive to cut him.
smith in another uni would be whack.
i can smell what you’re cooking, but don’t think i’m coming over for dinner, haha
No way
That will never happen
Integrity first. Service before self. Excellence in all you do. -- USAF Core Values
by Disciple of Carolina on Feb 11, 2012 10:41 AM EST up reply actions
LOVE THE IDEA OF DROPPING MARE AND BAKER
BUTLER IN THE 7TH WOULD BE GREAT BUT I STRONGLY WISH WE HAD JOHN KASEY LAST SEASON
What Player Would You Have Cut To Carry Another Kicker To Handel Kickoffs For Kasey, So You Could Have Improved The FG Percentage By 4%?
Mare was 20% above the league average in touchbacks (thank goodness as bad as the Panthers kick coverage was), getting touchbacks on 2/3rds of his kickoffs.
by PanthersRoar on Feb 13, 2012 1:37 PM EST up reply actions
My thoughts exactly
plus Kasay had the benefit of kicking indoors for much of the season. His numbers compared to Mare weren’t earth shattering better. I think that Mare gets one more season to improve his game and keep his roster spot.
Integrity first. Service before self. Excellence in all you do. -- USAF Core Values
by Disciple of Carolina on Feb 13, 2012 2:36 PM EST up reply actions
BRO YOU SPELLED HIS NAME WRONG!!! ITS JON KASAY.
AND I WOULD RATHER HAVE HAD MARE. ITS ALL ABOUT THE TOUCHBACKS!!!!
Cam Newton, when a reporter asks him who will win the Heisman Trophy on Saturday: "I'll tell you Sunday."
by Son of a Newton on Feb 13, 2012 5:26 PM EST up reply actions
Some folks just need to sound off
nothing wrong with that
Integrity first. Service before self. Excellence in all you do. -- USAF Core Values
by Disciple of Carolina on Feb 13, 2012 8:39 PM EST up reply actions
keep stewie
he makes dwill and whole offense much better. i might only trade him for a mid-first rounder
I hope we keep him too
The only way we should trade him is if the right deal comes along. But that has to be one helluva deal to let go of Stewie. However, I think we keep him and get him signed to a new deal.
Integrity first. Service before self. Excellence in all you do. -- USAF Core Values
by Disciple of Carolina on Feb 11, 2012 7:01 PM EST up reply actions
which we wont get
The days of running backs having that kind of value are absent for now
"If I have to find Jesus does that mean he is hiding ?" THE SOESBEAST " death solves all problems, no man no problem" Joseph Dzhugashvili
by allthatremainsstillowns on Feb 12, 2012 2:18 PM EST up reply actions
It's really not that complicated... if the cap is a little over $120m, then we've got to get there.
First, there’s an option in 2012 to “borrow” $2m on top of the cap, but it has to be repaid in 2013.
Then, there’s a 3-veteran credit of $500k each (total $1.5m) for 2012.
Based on this site, using a projected cap of $123.5m, the Panthers are almost $7m over. Take away for the two provisions above, and we’re $3.5 million over. Draft picks and “roster fillers” will likely cost around $10m, so we have to trim $4.5m just to make the cap number.
By releasing Travelle Wharton, we save $5.7m. I’m not saying I want it, but I do expect it. Re-working contracts for TD and Smitty could save around $10m. Cutting or trading Goodson, Martin, Baker, and Hartsock saves another $3.3m or so. Total savings for this paragraph equals $19m.
$19m minus the $4.5m current overage gives us potentially $14.5m in free cap space.
Don’t spend it all in one place, as my Dad used to say.
So much to be done, and so few people willing to do it for me.
Math Error Alert.... Paragraph 2 ... "we have to trim $13.5m or so just to make the cap number.
Final Calculation: $19m minus $13.5m gives us potentially $5.5m in free cap space. Damn, we’re in a tight spot.
So much to be done, and so few people willing to do it for me.
All of those numbers are making my head hurt
then again, I am not a math whiz…lol
Integrity first. Service before self. Excellence in all you do. -- USAF Core Values
by Disciple of Carolina on Feb 11, 2012 6:53 PM EST up reply actions
Another Update: Just found out that we have some unused 2011 cap space we can carry over...
According to Florio, the Panthers can carry and additional $2.8 mil over to 2012.
So, if things work as I projected above, we could have over $8 mil in wiggle room. That could be enough for a couple of off-season acquisitions.
"Love is like a booger. You keep picking at it until you get it, then wonder what to do with it." : Author Unknown
So would any of that go towards signing our draft picks?
Guess I’m still trying to better understand the team’s finances/payroll going into the new season.
Integrity first. Service before self. Excellence in all you do. -- USAF Core Values
by Disciple of Carolina on Feb 12, 2012 3:52 PM EST up reply actions
No, I already included an estimated $10mil to sign draft picks and fill out the roster as needed.
"Love is like a booger. You keep picking at it until you get it, then wonder what to do with it." : Author Unknown
Thanks for the clarification
Integrity first. Service before self. Excellence in all you do. -- USAF Core Values
by Disciple of Carolina on Feb 13, 2012 11:43 AM EST up reply actions
Good find
It’s not much, but that cap space could be critical.
Follow me on Twitter at @JakeHumphrey91
by Jake Humphrey on Feb 12, 2012 4:04 PM EST up reply actions
CUT THE SPECIAL TEAMERS THEN OVERHAUL IN THE DRAFT/FA
Mare & Baker suck, all are return men fumble more then gain yardage. the only bright spot was the LS and he’s resigned. Draft Butler in the 7th and see if Kasey might come back on the cheap. If we can get minnefield and maybe rainy in the draft that might solve the return game. And people out here on the west coast say im nuts but trade down in the first round to get more picks later on there cheaper to sign the free agents
I really think Baker is gone
Mare will be staying. I don’t see Carolina cutting or trading him. However, he does need to have a better season next year to secure a spot on the roster. Expect Kunalic to hang around and offer competition.
Integrity first. Service before self. Excellence in all you do. -- USAF Core Values
by Disciple of Carolina on Feb 12, 2012 9:17 AM EST up reply actions
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