****The 2019 Carolina Panthers Thread**** We Rhule At Losing (2 Viewers)

[The Commish]

The more I think about it, the less I think they "have" to keep Hardy around. If they can get something for him, let him go. It would suck not to get anything for him though.

 

[NCCommish]

The more I think about it, the less I think they "have" to keep Hardy around. If they can get something for him, let him go. It would suck not to get anything for him though.

Well if the NFL really raises the cap to 130 million we would have around 30 million to play with this year.16 million DG saved us with restructures, 6 million carry over from unused money last year and then the rest is based on the cap increase. We could definitely keep Hardy if that is the case. In fact we could tag him and not write him a long term until next year when the cap is supposed to go up a pretty good amount again. That would still leave us with 18 million. So we'll see.

 

[JFS171]

Interesting video over on NFL.com with Gettleman talking to Will Brinson. Deflects a lot, but is asked fairly directly about Hardy and responds with the familiar refrain of "we've got cap issues to handle. That forces tough decisions."

I do think the increase in cap, if it happens, would be huge in the retention of Hardy, but I'm not sure he's their priority. I believe Munnerlyn's people are supposed to be meeting with the Panthers at the combine. I would also prioritize keeping Jordan Gross around another year.

I agree Hardy is not a must-have guy, but his versatility is quite nice to have, and he's been productive. Franchise tag wouldn't be the worst thing there, making him prove it once again. Meanwhile they can continue bringing along Alexander and others while perhaps picking up another DE in the 5th or 6th. After all, that's where the Kraken first surfaced.

 

[pantherclub]

I disagree. I think Hardy is a definitive must have guy as the Panthers team is based around a solid defense and guys like Hardy are pretty irreplacable. I still think, as I said earlier, there is simply no way they let Hardy go. Especially if Atlanta or Tampa is a potential landing spot.

I think Gross is the key to this years draft and next years team. If he comes back then they can wait until the 2nd or later to draft a LT if he doesnt then we may be screwed.

 

[NCCommish]

I disagree. I think Hardy is a definitive must have guy as the Panthers team is based around a solid defense and guys like Hardy are pretty irreplacable. I still think, as I said earlier, there is simply no way they let Hardy go. Especially if Atlanta or Tampa is a potential landing spot.

I think Gross is the key to this years draft and next years team. If he comes back then they can wait until the 2nd or later to draft a LT if he doesnt then we may be screwed.

When you look at it though Hardy had a hard time with good tackles. He was really productive in just a few games. Now he still got a ton of pressures and that is definitely important. He can play the run and he also plays pretty much every position on the line. So that's big. But for me he hurt himself when CJ was out. He didn't show up. You want elite money you got to get it done when you have to. Basically he had the same chance as LaFell and didn't do much with it. I think it hurt his chances for the huge payday here.

 

[BassNBrew]

I disagree. I think Hardy is a definitive must have guy as the Panthers team is based around a solid defense and guys like Hardy are pretty irreplacable. I still think, as I said earlier, there is simply no way they let Hardy go. Especially if Atlanta or Tampa is a potential landing spot.

I think Gross is the key to this years draft and next years team. If he comes back then they can wait until the 2nd or later to draft a LT if he doesnt then we may be screwed.

When you look at it though Hardy had a hard time with good tackles. He was really productive in just a few games. Now he still got a ton of pressures and that is definitely important. He can play the run and he also plays pretty much every position on the line. So that's big. But for me he hurt himself when CJ was out. He didn't show up. You want elite money you got to get it done when you have to. Basically he had the same chance as LaFell and didn't do much with it. I think it hurt his chances for the huge payday here.

Having one good DE makes the other look much better. Our DTs aren't too shabby either. I would love to keep Hardy, but not at the risk of going back to cap hell.

 

[NCCommish]

I disagree. I think Hardy is a definitive must have guy as the Panthers team is based around a solid defense and guys like Hardy are pretty irreplacable. I still think, as I said earlier, there is simply no way they let Hardy go. Especially if Atlanta or Tampa is a potential landing spot.

I think Gross is the key to this years draft and next years team. If he comes back then they can wait until the 2nd or later to draft a LT if he doesnt then we may be screwed.

When you look at it though Hardy had a hard time with good tackles. He was really productive in just a few games. Now he still got a ton of pressures and that is definitely important. He can play the run and he also plays pretty much every position on the line. So that's big. But for me he hurt himself when CJ was out. He didn't show up. You want elite money you got to get it done when you have to. Basically he had the same chance as LaFell and didn't do much with it. I think it hurt his chances for the huge payday here.

Having one good DE makes the other look much better. Our DTs aren't too shabby either. I would love to keep Hardy, but not at the risk of going back to cap hell.

Yep

 

[stratocatter]

No doubt we may not be willing give him the long term deal he wants, and I'd support that. I'm sort of hoping we may tag him and postpone the issue a year but my pipe dream is the tag and trade. I like him a lot on the team but we can't spend 25 million per on two DEs long term.

 

[NCCommish]

No doubt we may not be willing give him the long term deal he wants, and I'd support that. I'm sort of hoping we may tag him and postpone the issue a year but my pipe dream is the tag and trade. I like him a lot on the team but we can't spend 25 million per on two DEs long term.

I don't think, with really looking at it after we are out of the emotion of the season, as a GM I could tie myself to a 12-14 million a year contract for him. Not right now. Now if we can swing the tag awesome. But even if we get 130 million his tag would eat a serious amount out of what we have to spend. We have to have money for our draft picks. Then we will still have a bunch of positions to fill, Seemed to me Gettleman made it fairly clear they weren't going to spend every dollar. I think you can expect the Panthers to carry over 5 million or so a season. Getlleman likes to have just in case cash laying around. And that is probably the smart play.

 

[pantherclub]

Yeah they are going to keep Hardy.

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2014/02/24/4721770/thomas-davis-restructuring-give.html#.UwyEkl7qLgo

They should have a full load for 2014. I would bet there are some massive cuts after next season in order to sign Cam and possibly Luke. This is probably Davis's last year in Charlotte. Hopefully Gross comes back in 2014 but he would have to play at a discount which I doubt he will do.

 

[JFS171]

I would agree Gross is key for this upcoming year. Even if they draft an OT in the first (which they very well may do), you don't want him on the blind side right out of the gate if you don't have to. I'd much rather have a guy play RT for a year and then swing over the the left side after getting a season under his belt. If they do get Gross to come back, I'd bet it's just for one last year... I don't think they can convince him to sign a multi-year deal.

Restructurings and the raising of the cap are both good news -- they've got some money to use, but still a lot of holes to fill. Hardy may well be franchised, and they still haven't cut Godfrey yet which would also free up a good chunk.

Should be interesting to see how it plays out. At least the depth of this draft (especially at WR) aligns to the primary need of the team.

 

[NCCommish]

Yeah the restructures seem to point to being able to keep Hardy if they want. I am still not sure they will though. I could see them still not signing him and using the money to pay half as much for a serviceable DE while plugging more holes and signing other veterans. Plus Gettleman has said a couple of times he doesn't want to spend every dollar he has.

 

[The Hank]

I would agree Gross is key for this upcoming year. Even if they draft an OT in the first (which they very well may do), you don't want him on the blind side right out of the gate if you don't have to. I'd much rather have a guy play RT for a year and then swing over the the left side after getting a season under his belt. If they do get Gross to come back, I'd bet it's just for one last year... I don't think they can convince him to sign a multi-year deal.

Restructurings and the raising of the cap are both good news -- they've got some money to use, but still a lot of holes to fill. Hardy may well be franchised, and they still haven't cut Godfrey yet which would also free up a good chunk.

Should be interesting to see how it plays out. At least the depth of this draft (especially at WR) aligns to the primary need of the team.

Gross retiring

 

[FUBAR]

Interesting video over on NFL.com with Gettleman talking to Will Brinson. Deflects a lot, but is asked fairly directly about Hardy and responds with the familiar refrain of "we've got cap issues to handle. That forces tough decisions."

I do think the increase in cap, if it happens, would be huge in the retention of Hardy, but I'm not sure he's their priority. I believe Munnerlyn's people are supposed to be meeting with the Panthers at the combine. I would also prioritize keeping Jordan Gross around another year.

I agree Hardy is not a must-have guy, but his versatility is quite nice to have, and he's been productive. Franchise tag wouldn't be the worst thing there, making him prove it once again. Meanwhile they can continue bringing along Alexander and others while perhaps picking up another DE in the 5th or 6th. After all, that's where the Kraken first surfaced.

Captain wants to return and he was one of their best players this year. Hope they bring him back

 

[JFS171]

Ugh - Gross hanging them up. One of the best Panthers in franchise history in terms of both his on-field production and his off-field contributions to the community. Just a great, great player. I'm glad to see him go out on his terms, but Carolina has a major need at OT now that must be addressed, honestly on both ends of the line.

Bell is a RFA, but he's not much of a solution. I think we could see some of that money freed up used on a veteran stopgap on the OL, and I expect to see GMan draft heavy on the OL as it fits his Hog Molly approach, and is now the top need of the team. Sucks since they also need WR help, but I don't see how they don't take an OT at 28 unless the value is just impossible to ignore at another position.

Team needs just became (in order): OT, WR, DB

 

[NCCommish]

Ugh - Gross hanging them up. One of the best Panthers in franchise history in terms of both his on-field production and his off-field contributions to the community. Just a great, great player. I'm glad to see him go out on his terms, but Carolina has a major need at OT now that must be addressed, honestly on both ends of the line.

Bell is a RFA, but he's not much of a solution. I think we could see some of that money freed up used on a veteran stopgap on the OL, and I expect to see GMan draft heavy on the OL as it fits his Hog Molly approach, and is now the top need of the team. Sucks since they also need WR help, but I don't see how they don't take an OT at 28 unless the value is just impossible to ignore at another position.

Team needs just became (in order): OT, WR, DB

Gettleman will draft BPA. He isn't going to reach for a need over best player. Now this draft has a lot of good lineman in it. I would expect them to draft one or two lineman along the way but I don't think it will necessarily be the first round.

 

[stbugs]

Ugh - Gross hanging them up. One of the best Panthers in franchise history in terms of both his on-field production and his off-field contributions to the community. Just a great, great player. I'm glad to see him go out on his terms, but Carolina has a major need at OT now that must be addressed, honestly on both ends of the line.

Bell is a RFA, but he's not much of a solution. I think we could see some of that money freed up used on a veteran stopgap on the OL, and I expect to see GMan draft heavy on the OL as it fits his Hog Molly approach, and is now the top need of the team. Sucks since they also need WR help, but I don't see how they don't take an OT at 28 unless the value is just impossible to ignore at another position.

Team needs just became (in order): OT, WR, DB

Gettleman will draft BPA. He isn't going to reach for a need over best player. Now this draft has a lot of good lineman in it. I would expect them to draft one or two lineman along the way but I don't think it will necessarily be the first round.

Nice thing is that the draft appears to have a lot of good OL and WR. If they grab the best OT in the 1st (should be a few good ones) and best WR in the 2nd, they should be able to meet needs and BPA at the same time.

It would be nice to get lucky again like they did last year when they hit on DTs that they needed and luckily Star fell.

 

[NCCommish]

Ugh - Gross hanging them up. One of the best Panthers in franchise history in terms of both his on-field production and his off-field contributions to the community. Just a great, great player. I'm glad to see him go out on his terms, but Carolina has a major need at OT now that must be addressed, honestly on both ends of the line.

Bell is a RFA, but he's not much of a solution. I think we could see some of that money freed up used on a veteran stopgap on the OL, and I expect to see GMan draft heavy on the OL as it fits his Hog Molly approach, and is now the top need of the team. Sucks since they also need WR help, but I don't see how they don't take an OT at 28 unless the value is just impossible to ignore at another position.

Team needs just became (in order): OT, WR, DB

Gettleman will draft BPA. He isn't going to reach for a need over best player. Now this draft has a lot of good lineman in it. I would expect them to draft one or two lineman along the way but I don't think it will necessarily be the first round.

Nice thing is that the draft appears to have a lot of good OL and WR. If they grab the best OT in the 1st (should be a few good ones) and best WR in the 2nd, they should be able to meet needs and BPA at the same time.

It would be nice to get lucky again like they did last year when they hit on DTs that they needed and luckily Star fell.

Not sure there will be a first round level lineman left when we pick at 28 but who knows? Some pundits are now saying the top of the draft is going to be QB heavy. If so we may get lucky. But I do assume the top two or three guys will be gone.

 

[The Commish]

Ugh - Gross hanging them up. One of the best Panthers in franchise history in terms of both his on-field production and his off-field contributions to the community. Just a great, great player. I'm glad to see him go out on his terms, but Carolina has a major need at OT now that must be addressed, honestly on both ends of the line.

Bell is a RFA, but he's not much of a solution. I think we could see some of that money freed up used on a veteran stopgap on the OL, and I expect to see GMan draft heavy on the OL as it fits his Hog Molly approach, and is now the top need of the team. Sucks since they also need WR help, but I don't see how they don't take an OT at 28 unless the value is just impossible to ignore at another position.

Team needs just became (in order): OT, WR, DB

Gettleman will draft BPA. He isn't going to reach for a need over best player. Now this draft has a lot of good lineman in it. I would expect them to draft one or two lineman along the way but I don't think it will necessarily be the first round.

Nice thing is that the draft appears to have a lot of good OL and WR. If they grab the best OT in the 1st (should be a few good ones) and best WR in the 2nd, they should be able to meet needs and BPA at the same time.

It would be nice to get lucky again like they did last year when they hit on DTs that they needed and luckily Star fell.

Not sure there will be a first round level lineman left when we pick at 28 but who knows? Some pundits are now saying the top of the draft is going to be QB heavy. If so we may get lucky. But I do assume the top two or three guys will be gone.

So, a page or two ago I said I'd like to see them draft WR, OT in the first two rounds....now I think that becomes a necessity. I think they can grab a Hearst (UNC) type guy in the second. Am I delusional?

 

[Jayrok]

Man, hate to see Gross go. Great career. Hope Gettleman has a good plan.

 

[NCCommish]

Ugh - Gross hanging them up. One of the best Panthers in franchise history in terms of both his on-field production and his off-field contributions to the community. Just a great, great player. I'm glad to see him go out on his terms, but Carolina has a major need at OT now that must be addressed, honestly on both ends of the line.

Bell is a RFA, but he's not much of a solution. I think we could see some of that money freed up used on a veteran stopgap on the OL, and I expect to see GMan draft heavy on the OL as it fits his Hog Molly approach, and is now the top need of the team. Sucks since they also need WR help, but I don't see how they don't take an OT at 28 unless the value is just impossible to ignore at another position.

Team needs just became (in order): OT, WR, DB

Gettleman will draft BPA. He isn't going to reach for a need over best player. Now this draft has a lot of good lineman in it. I would expect them to draft one or two lineman along the way but I don't think it will necessarily be the first round.

Nice thing is that the draft appears to have a lot of good OL and WR. If they grab the best OT in the 1st (should be a few good ones) and best WR in the 2nd, they should be able to meet needs and BPA at the same time.

It would be nice to get lucky again like they did last year when they hit on DTs that they needed and luckily Star fell.

Not sure there will be a first round level lineman left when we pick at 28 but who knows? Some pundits are now saying the top of the draft is going to be QB heavy. If so we may get lucky. But I do assume the top two or three guys will be gone.

So, a page or two ago I said I'd like to see them draft WR, OT in the first two rounds....now I think that becomes a necessity. I think they can grab a Hearst (UNC) type guy in the second. Am I delusional?

This is the kid that broke his leg right? Before that I saw him listed around the 8th best tackle in the draft. So you would think he would be available maybe into the 3rd round but certainly when we pick in the second. I wouldn't grab him in the first. Even with his size it would be a reach.

 

[The Commish]

Ugh - Gross hanging them up. One of the best Panthers in franchise history in terms of both his on-field production and his off-field contributions to the community. Just a great, great player. I'm glad to see him go out on his terms, but Carolina has a major need at OT now that must be addressed, honestly on both ends of the line.

Bell is a RFA, but he's not much of a solution. I think we could see some of that money freed up used on a veteran stopgap on the OL, and I expect to see GMan draft heavy on the OL as it fits his Hog Molly approach, and is now the top need of the team. Sucks since they also need WR help, but I don't see how they don't take an OT at 28 unless the value is just impossible to ignore at another position.

Team needs just became (in order): OT, WR, DB

Gettleman will draft BPA. He isn't going to reach for a need over best player. Now this draft has a lot of good lineman in it. I would expect them to draft one or two lineman along the way but I don't think it will necessarily be the first round.

Nice thing is that the draft appears to have a lot of good OL and WR. If they grab the best OT in the 1st (should be a few good ones) and best WR in the 2nd, they should be able to meet needs and BPA at the same time.

It would be nice to get lucky again like they did last year when they hit on DTs that they needed and luckily Star fell.

Not sure there will be a first round level lineman left when we pick at 28 but who knows? Some pundits are now saying the top of the draft is going to be QB heavy. If so we may get lucky. But I do assume the top two or three guys will be gone.

So, a page or two ago I said I'd like to see them draft WR, OT in the first two rounds....now I think that becomes a necessity. I think they can grab a Hearst (UNC) type guy in the second. Am I delusional?

This is the kid that broke his leg right? Before that I saw him listed around the 8th best tackle in the draft. So you would think he would be available maybe into the 3rd round but certainly when we pick in the second. I wouldn't grab him in the first. Even with his size it would be a reach.

Yeah, he broke it in the Belk Bowl. I'd say go get Lewan, but he's going to be gone in the top 15 most likely. I'm really wondering how realistic Benjamin being around that late is.

 

[NCCommish]

Ugh - Gross hanging them up. One of the best Panthers in franchise history in terms of both his on-field production and his off-field contributions to the community. Just a great, great player. I'm glad to see him go out on his terms, but Carolina has a major need at OT now that must be addressed, honestly on both ends of the line.

Bell is a RFA, but he's not much of a solution. I think we could see some of that money freed up used on a veteran stopgap on the OL, and I expect to see GMan draft heavy on the OL as it fits his Hog Molly approach, and is now the top need of the team. Sucks since they also need WR help, but I don't see how they don't take an OT at 28 unless the value is just impossible to ignore at another position.

Team needs just became (in order): OT, WR, DB

Gettleman will draft BPA. He isn't going to reach for a need over best player. Now this draft has a lot of good lineman in it. I would expect them to draft one or two lineman along the way but I don't think it will necessarily be the first round.

Nice thing is that the draft appears to have a lot of good OL and WR. If they grab the best OT in the 1st (should be a few good ones) and best WR in the 2nd, they should be able to meet needs and BPA at the same time.

It would be nice to get lucky again like they did last year when they hit on DTs that they needed and luckily Star fell.

Not sure there will be a first round level lineman left when we pick at 28 but who knows? Some pundits are now saying the top of the draft is going to be QB heavy. If so we may get lucky. But I do assume the top two or three guys will be gone.

So, a page or two ago I said I'd like to see them draft WR, OT in the first two rounds....now I think that becomes a necessity. I think they can grab a Hearst (UNC) type guy in the second. Am I delusional?

This is the kid that broke his leg right? Before that I saw him listed around the 8th best tackle in the draft. So you would think he would be available maybe into the 3rd round but certainly when we pick in the second. I wouldn't grab him in the first. Even with his size it would be a reach.

Yeah, he broke it in the Belk Bowl. I'd say go get Lewan, but he's going to be gone in the top 15 most likely. I'm really wondering how realistic Benjamin being around that late is.

If we are talking the receiver he didn't do anything to move up and the pundits were calling him a very late first early second to to start with. He proved he was a slightly faster, not much, Boldin in need of some polish. Which is what everyone thought to begin with. Someone may reach but he should be there. I think it is much less likely the Smith clone from Oregon will still be there though and that has been the guy a lot of people are projecting to us. That 40 time moved him up I would think.

 

[NCCommish]

So on the question of second round OL. I am seeing people mocking Brandon Thomas out of Clemson. To us. As I recall he handled Clowney fairly well. Some are saying he is more an NFL guard than tackle though.

 

[stbugs]

So on the question of second round OL. I am seeing people mocking Brandon Thomas out of Clemson. To us. As I recall he handled Clowney fairly well. Some are saying he is more an NFL guard than tackle though.

I saw a bunch of tackles mocked in the late first. I don't think any of the big 3 have a chance to fall to 28. All of them have some question marks so maybe WR is better there. Unless they plan to jump up to get Lewan, they probably are WR then OT.

 

[NCCommish]

So on the question of second round OL. I am seeing people mocking Brandon Thomas out of Clemson. To us. As I recall he handled Clowney fairly well. Some are saying he is more an NFL guard than tackle though.

I saw a bunch of tackles mocked in the late first. I don't think any of the big 3 have a chance to fall to 28. All of them have some question marks so maybe WR is better there. Unless they plan to jump up to get Lewan, they probably are WR then OT.

I agree

 

[pantherclub]

That big dude from Alabama should be there. He wouldn't be a bad pick.

 

[The Commish]

So on the question of second round OL. I am seeing people mocking Brandon Thomas out of Clemson. To us. As I recall he handled Clowney fairly well. Some are saying he is more an NFL guard than tackle though.

I saw a bunch of tackles mocked in the late first. I don't think any of the big 3 have a chance to fall to 28. All of them have some question marks so maybe WR is better there. Unless they plan to jump up to get Lewan, they probably are WR then OT.

They'd have to give up a good bit to get high enough to get Lewan I'd think. However, if he drops to a pick or two before the Panthers, I'd be all for them jumping to get him. I think there's plenty of serviceable OTs in the draft plus they have free agency. I think Gross' retirement netted another $5 million on the cap or some such.

 

[NCCommish]

So on the question of second round OL. I am seeing people mocking Brandon Thomas out of Clemson. To us. As I recall he handled Clowney fairly well. Some are saying he is more an NFL guard than tackle though.

I saw a bunch of tackles mocked in the late first. I don't think any of the big 3 have a chance to fall to 28. All of them have some question marks so maybe WR is better there. Unless they plan to jump up to get Lewan, they probably are WR then OT.

They'd have to give up a good bit to get high enough to get Lewan I'd think. However, if he drops to a pick or two before the Panthers, I'd be all for them jumping to get him. I think there's plenty of serviceable OTs in the draft plus they have free agency. I think Gross' retirement netted another $5 million on the cap or some such.

Gross had no deal. He was a one year guy. So his retirement has no cap impact. No dead money, nothing.

 

[NCCommish]

If you go to Panthers.com you can see the retirement presser. Some good laughs and before it's over the guys send him off in style. Worth the watch.

 

[The Commish]

So on the question of second round OL. I am seeing people mocking Brandon Thomas out of Clemson. To us. As I recall he handled Clowney fairly well. Some are saying he is more an NFL guard than tackle though.

I saw a bunch of tackles mocked in the late first. I don't think any of the big 3 have a chance to fall to 28. All of them have some question marks so maybe WR is better there. Unless they plan to jump up to get Lewan, they probably are WR then OT.

They'd have to give up a good bit to get high enough to get Lewan I'd think. However, if he drops to a pick or two before the Panthers, I'd be all for them jumping to get him. I think there's plenty of serviceable OTs in the draft plus they have free agency. I think Gross' retirement netted another $5 million on the cap or some such.

Gross had no deal. He was a one year guy. So his retirement has no cap impact. No dead money, nothing.

I'm pretty sure I read that he had $1 million in base salary and then another $4-5 million (can't remember which) in signing bonus coming for next year.

 

[The Commish]

So on the question of second round OL. I am seeing people mocking Brandon Thomas out of Clemson. To us. As I recall he handled Clowney fairly well. Some are saying he is more an NFL guard than tackle though.

I saw a bunch of tackles mocked in the late first. I don't think any of the big 3 have a chance to fall to 28. All of them have some question marks so maybe WR is better there. Unless they plan to jump up to get Lewan, they probably are WR then OT.

They'd have to give up a good bit to get high enough to get Lewan I'd think. However, if he drops to a pick or two before the Panthers, I'd be all for them jumping to get him. I think there's plenty of serviceable OTs in the draft plus they have free agency. I think Gross' retirement netted another $5 million on the cap or some such.

Gross had no deal. He was a one year guy. So his retirement has no cap impact. No dead money, nothing.

I'm pretty sure I read that he had $1 million in base salary and then another $4-5 million (can't remember which) in signing bonus coming for next year.

His restructured deal

 

[NCCommish]

So on the question of second round OL. I am seeing people mocking Brandon Thomas out of Clemson. To us. As I recall he handled Clowney fairly well. Some are saying he is more an NFL guard than tackle though.

I saw a bunch of tackles mocked in the late first. I don't think any of the big 3 have a chance to fall to 28. All of them have some question marks so maybe WR is better there. Unless they plan to jump up to get Lewan, they probably are WR then OT.

They'd have to give up a good bit to get high enough to get Lewan I'd think. However, if he drops to a pick or two before the Panthers, I'd be all for them jumping to get him. I think there's plenty of serviceable OTs in the draft plus they have free agency. I think Gross' retirement netted another $5 million on the cap or some such.

Gross had no deal. He was a one year guy. So his retirement has no cap impact. No dead money, nothing.

I'm pretty sure I read that he had $1 million in base salary and then another $4-5 million (can't remember which) in signing bonus coming for next year.

His restructured deal

My bad you are right.

 

[JFS171]

ESPN Panther's Blog projecting what may seem to be the obvious... go out in FA and get an up-and-coming type OT that can step in on either side but won't break the bank. Most likely solutions seemed to be Oher, Veldheer, Anthony Collins type guys.

As many have said, this draft is really deep at OT and WR, which fits really well with Carolina's main needs. I would love to see them come out of the first 5 rounds having double dipped at both OT and WR, much like they did with DT. Some of the mid-round OTs have very high ceilings...

I think picking up an OT in FA will allow them to more comfortably align BPA with need. I wouldn't expect GMan to do any less regardless of their FA plans, but I'd certainly feel better as a fan knowing they at least had one capable OT on the roster.

That article also mentions that they feel Hardy is almost guaranteed to be back given they may need to rely on the D to carry the team more in the wake of all the offensive questions... interesting theory, but not sure how much I buy it. You have to think Gross would have been cheaper than one of these FA tackles... so I'm not sure they really saved a bunch to throw at Hardy, but I also somewhat expected them to tag him in the first place, which I still feel is likely.

Time to trust in GMan - do us proud, Papa.

 

[stratocatter]

I have loved Gettleman and was never a fire Rivera guy, but they have both gotten on my list, big time, with the Steve Smith comments recently. Putting that business in the street before even talking to the player is not how things need to be handled. And they are both smarter than that, so I wonder if they are intentionally creating a situation. Totally unnecessary and counter productive.

 

[FUBAR]

what's the likelihood they sign Maclin? Seems perfect, but maybe limit it to one year guaranteed?

 

[NCCommish]

I have loved Gettleman and was never a fire Rivera guy, but they have both gotten on my list, big time, with the Steve Smith comments recently. Putting that business in the street before even talking to the player is not how things need to be handled. And they are both smarter than that, so I wonder if they are intentionally creating a situation. Totally unnecessary and counter productive.

I think this is really a case of them being too smart for their own good. They wanted to not answer questions and refer everything to the process. In so doing they have left Steve twisting in the wind. A few years ago this would have caused way more drama than it has so far but Smith has grown. I agree though they do owe him better than this.

 

[stbugs]

ESPN Panther's Blog projecting what may seem to be the obvious... go out in FA and get an up-and-coming type OT that can step in on either side but won't break the bank. Most likely solutions seemed to be Oher, Veldheer, Anthony Collins type guys.

As many have said, this draft is really deep at OT and WR, which fits really well with Carolina's main needs. I would love to see them come out of the first 5 rounds having double dipped at both OT and WR, much like they did with DT. Some of the mid-round OTs have very high ceilings...

I think picking up an OT in FA will allow them to more comfortably align BPA with need. I wouldn't expect GMan to do any less regardless of their FA plans, but I'd certainly feel better as a fan knowing they at least had one capable OT on the roster.

That article also mentions that they feel Hardy is almost guaranteed to be back given they may need to rely on the D to carry the team more in the wake of all the offensive questions... interesting theory, but not sure how much I buy it. You have to think Gross would have been cheaper than one of these FA tackles... so I'm not sure they really saved a bunch to throw at Hardy, but I also somewhat expected them to tag him in the first place, which I still feel is likely.

Time to trust in GMan - do us proud, Papa.

I agree, if those are the biggest holes, it would be nice to double dip and maybe come out with that position as a strength instead of a weakness. I love the LBs, but shoring up the DTs made a huge change in the D. They were awful against the run in 2011 and in 2012, the LBers helped and then in 2013 the DTs helped even more. They went for 4.6 ypc against in 2011 to 4.2 in 2012 and then 3.7 in 2013.

It is pretty obvious that their issues right now are on the offense. Even if Hardy were to walk, the D should most likely be solid again, but it is the O that needs to improve if they want to make it further in the playoffs. I'd love to see them get a top WR in the 1st, a solid OT in the 2nd and then grab the best WR/OTs later again. If there are other needs, use FA as I don't see any game breakers in the FA pool for WRs. Decker, Maclin, Tate and Nicks? No thanks unless Smith goes and we need a #1 and #2. The only guys with #1 potential are the rookies.

 

[eefflrat]

ESPN Panther's Blog projecting what may seem to be the obvious... go out in FA and get an up-and-coming type OT that can step in on either side but won't break the bank. Most likely solutions seemed to be Oher, Veldheer, Anthony Collins type guys.

As many have said, this draft is really deep at OT and WR, which fits really well with Carolina's main needs. I would love to see them come out of the first 5 rounds having double dipped at both OT and WR, much like they did with DT. Some of the mid-round OTs have very high ceilings...

I think picking up an OT in FA will allow them to more comfortably align BPA with need. I wouldn't expect GMan to do any less regardless of their FA plans, but I'd certainly feel better as a fan knowing they at least had one capable OT on the roster.

That article also mentions that they feel Hardy is almost guaranteed to be back given they may need to rely on the D to carry the team more in the wake of all the offensive questions... interesting theory, but not sure how much I buy it. You have to think Gross would have been cheaper than one of these FA tackles... so I'm not sure they really saved a bunch to throw at Hardy, but I also somewhat expected them to tag him in the first place, which I still feel is likely.

Time to trust in GMan - do us proud, Papa.

I agree, if those are the biggest holes, it would be nice to double dip and maybe come out with that position as a strength instead of a weakness. I love the LBs, but shoring up the DTs made a huge change in the D. They were awful against the run in 2011 and in 2012, the LBers helped and then in 2013 the DTs helped even more. They went for 4.6 ypc against in 2011 to 4.2 in 2012 and then 3.7 in 2013.It is pretty obvious that their issues right now are on the offense. Even if Hardy were to walk, the D should most likely be solid again, but it is the O that needs to improve if they want to make it further in the playoffs. I'd love to see them get a top WR in the 1st, a solid OT in the 2nd and then grab the best WR/OTs later again. If there are other needs, use FA as I don't see any game breakers in the FA pool for WRs. Decker, Maclin, Tate and Nicks? No thanks unless Smith goes and we need a #1 and #2. The only guys with #1 potential are the rookies.

I could actually see Nicks in Carolina. UNC product still young and talented could be a great situation.

 

[pantherclub]

ESPN Panther's Blog projecting what may seem to be the obvious... go out in FA and get an up-and-coming type OT that can step in on either side but won't break the bank. Most likely solutions seemed to be Oher, Veldheer, Anthony Collins type guys.

As many have said, this draft is really deep at OT and WR, which fits really well with Carolina's main needs. I would love to see them come out of the first 5 rounds having double dipped at both OT and WR, much like they did with DT. Some of the mid-round OTs have very high ceilings...

I think picking up an OT in FA will allow them to more comfortably align BPA with need. I wouldn't expect GMan to do any less regardless of their FA plans, but I'd certainly feel better as a fan knowing they at least had one capable OT on the roster.

That article also mentions that they feel Hardy is almost guaranteed to be back given they may need to rely on the D to carry the team more in the wake of all the offensive questions... interesting theory, but not sure how much I buy it. You have to think Gross would have been cheaper than one of these FA tackles... so I'm not sure they really saved a bunch to throw at Hardy, but I also somewhat expected them to tag him in the first place, which I still feel is likely.

Time to trust in GMan - do us proud, Papa.

I agree, if those are the biggest holes, it would be nice to double dip and maybe come out with that position as a strength instead of a weakness. I love the LBs, but shoring up the DTs made a huge change in the D. They were awful against the run in 2011 and in 2012, the LBers helped and then in 2013 the DTs helped even more. They went for 4.6 ypc against in 2011 to 4.2 in 2012 and then 3.7 in 2013.It is pretty obvious that their issues right now are on the offense. Even if Hardy were to walk, the D should most likely be solid again, but it is the O that needs to improve if they want to make it further in the playoffs. I'd love to see them get a top WR in the 1st, a solid OT in the 2nd and then grab the best WR/OTs later again. If there are other needs, use FA as I don't see any game breakers in the FA pool for WRs. Decker, Maclin, Tate and Nicks? No thanks unless Smith goes and we need a #1 and #2. The only guys with #1 potential are the rookies.

I could actually see Nicks in Carolina. UNC product still young and talented could be a great situation.

He would have to take an unbelievable discounted rate for this to happen.

 

[eefflrat]

ESPN Panther's Blog projecting what may seem to be the obvious... go out in FA and get an up-and-coming type OT that can step in on either side but won't break the bank. Most likely solutions seemed to be Oher, Veldheer, Anthony Collins type guys.

As many have said, this draft is really deep at OT and WR, which fits really well with Carolina's main needs. I would love to see them come out of the first 5 rounds having double dipped at both OT and WR, much like they did with DT. Some of the mid-round OTs have very high ceilings...

I think picking up an OT in FA will allow them to more comfortably align BPA with need. I wouldn't expect GMan to do any less regardless of their FA plans, but I'd certainly feel better as a fan knowing they at least had one capable OT on the roster.

That article also mentions that they feel Hardy is almost guaranteed to be back given they may need to rely on the D to carry the team more in the wake of all the offensive questions... interesting theory, but not sure how much I buy it. You have to think Gross would have been cheaper than one of these FA tackles... so I'm not sure they really saved a bunch to throw at Hardy, but I also somewhat expected them to tag him in the first place, which I still feel is likely.

Time to trust in GMan - do us proud, Papa.

I agree, if those are the biggest holes, it would be nice to double dip and maybe come out with that position as a strength instead of a weakness. I love the LBs, but shoring up the DTs made a huge change in the D. They were awful against the run in 2011 and in 2012, the LBers helped and then in 2013 the DTs helped even more. They went for 4.6 ypc against in 2011 to 4.2 in 2012 and then 3.7 in 2013.It is pretty obvious that their issues right now are on the offense. Even if Hardy were to walk, the D should most likely be solid again, but it is the O that needs to improve if they want to make it further in the playoffs. I'd love to see them get a top WR in the 1st, a solid OT in the 2nd and then grab the best WR/OTs later again. If there are other needs, use FA as I don't see any game breakers in the FA pool for WRs. Decker, Maclin, Tate and Nicks? No thanks unless Smith goes and we need a #1 and #2. The only guys with #1 potential are the rookies.

I could actually see Nicks in Carolina. UNC product still young and talented could be a great situation.

He would have to take an unbelievable discounted rate for this to happen.

is he really going to get paid much ?

 

[NCCommish]

ESPN Panther's Blog projecting what may seem to be the obvious... go out in FA and get an up-and-coming type OT that can step in on either side but won't break the bank. Most likely solutions seemed to be Oher, Veldheer, Anthony Collins type guys.

As many have said, this draft is really deep at OT and WR, which fits really well with Carolina's main needs. I would love to see them come out of the first 5 rounds having double dipped at both OT and WR, much like they did with DT. Some of the mid-round OTs have very high ceilings...

I think picking up an OT in FA will allow them to more comfortably align BPA with need. I wouldn't expect GMan to do any less regardless of their FA plans, but I'd certainly feel better as a fan knowing they at least had one capable OT on the roster.

That article also mentions that they feel Hardy is almost guaranteed to be back given they may need to rely on the D to carry the team more in the wake of all the offensive questions... interesting theory, but not sure how much I buy it. You have to think Gross would have been cheaper than one of these FA tackles... so I'm not sure they really saved a bunch to throw at Hardy, but I also somewhat expected them to tag him in the first place, which I still feel is likely.

Time to trust in GMan - do us proud, Papa.

I agree, if those are the biggest holes, it would be nice to double dip and maybe come out with that position as a strength instead of a weakness. I love the LBs, but shoring up the DTs made a huge change in the D. They were awful against the run in 2011 and in 2012, the LBers helped and then in 2013 the DTs helped even more. They went for 4.6 ypc against in 2011 to 4.2 in 2012 and then 3.7 in 2013.It is pretty obvious that their issues right now are on the offense. Even if Hardy were to walk, the D should most likely be solid again, but it is the O that needs to improve if they want to make it further in the playoffs. I'd love to see them get a top WR in the 1st, a solid OT in the 2nd and then grab the best WR/OTs later again. If there are other needs, use FA as I don't see any game breakers in the FA pool for WRs. Decker, Maclin, Tate and Nicks? No thanks unless Smith goes and we need a #1 and #2. The only guys with #1 potential are the rookies.

I could actually see Nicks in Carolina. UNC product still young and talented could be a great situation.

He would have to take an unbelievable discounted rate for this to happen.

is he really going to get paid much ?

He's young and he is a legit number one receiver when not injured. He is going to get a nice check from someone.

 

[simey]

He's young and he is a legit number one receiver when not injured. He is going to get a nice check from someone.

He is injured often so that is a problem. Last year he seemed to stay healthier than usual, but he underperformed.

 

[NCCommish]

He's young and he is a legit number one receiver when not injured. He is going to get a nice check from someone.

He is injured often so that is a problem. Last year he seemed to stay healthier than usual, but he underperformed.

But that kind of goes back to Eli.

 

[simey]

He's young and he is a legit number one receiver when not injured. He is going to get a nice check from someone.

He is injured often so that is a problem. Last year he seemed to stay healthier than usual, but he underperformed.

But that kind of goes back to Eli.

Not really. Last year Nicks looked slower, and he dropped passes he usually makes. He wasn't aggressive like in years past, and he looked distracted or disinterested at times. He also is said to have been late for meetings, and didn't show up for treatments last season for some injuries. I think his lack in production was more a reflection of him than Eli.

 

[NCCommish]

He's young and he is a legit number one receiver when not injured. He is going to get a nice check from someone.

He is injured often so that is a problem. Last year he seemed to stay healthier than usual, but he underperformed.

But that kind of goes back to Eli.

Not really. Last year Nicks looked slower, and he dropped passes he usually makes. He wasn't aggressive like in years past, and he looked distracted or disinterested at times. He also is said to have been late for meetings, and didn't show up for treatments last season for some injuries. I think his lack in production was more a reflection of him than Eli.

Eli was quite simply one of the worst QBs in the NFL last year statistically Geno Smith and Terelle Pryor were the only two full time starters with worse completion rates and I am pretty sure he led the NFL in interceptions. So while some of it may go to Nicks it doesn't all go there. .

 

[NCCommish]

Hardy gets tagged

 

[NCCommish]

And we lock up Gano for 4 years

 

[simey]

He's young and he is a legit number one receiver when not injured. He is going to get a nice check from someone.

He is injured often so that is a problem. Last year he seemed to stay healthier than usual, but he underperformed.

But that kind of goes back to Eli.

Not really. Last year Nicks looked slower, and he dropped passes he usually makes. He wasn't aggressive like in years past, and he looked distracted or disinterested at times. He also is said to have been late for meetings, and didn't show up for treatments last season for some injuries. I think his lack in production was more a reflection of him than Eli.

Eli was quite simply one of the worst QBs in the NFL last year statistically Geno Smith and Terelle Pryor were the only two full time starters with worse completion rates and I am pretty sure he led the NFL in interceptions. So while some of it may go to Nicks it doesn't all go there. .

I didn't say it all went there, but Nicks didn't play well regardless of how Eli played.

 

[meanjoegreen]

He's young and he is a legit number one receiver when not injured. He is going to get a nice check from someone.

He is injured often so that is a problem. Last year he seemed to stay healthier than usual, but he underperformed.

But that kind of goes back to Eli.

Not really. Last year Nicks looked slower, and he dropped passes he usually makes. He wasn't aggressive like in years past, and he looked distracted or disinterested at times. He also is said to have been late for meetings, and didn't show up for treatments last season for some injuries. I think his lack in production was more a reflection of him than Eli.

Eli was quite simply one of the worst QBs in the NFL last year statistically Geno Smith and Terelle Pryor were the only two full time starters with worse completion rates and I am pretty sure he led the NFL in interceptions. So while some of it may go to Nicks it doesn't all go there. .

I didn't say it all went there, but Nicks didn't play well regardless of how Eli played.

Yeah, some of Eli's interceptions were due to his wide receivers. Nicks definitely did not look like himself this year. There were times when he simply just wasn't going after the ball. He could have been playing hurt, but he looked like he had slacked off.