****The 2019 Carolina Panthers Thread**** We Rhule At Losing (1 Viewer)

[The Commish]

Well, according to his twitter, he's gone :(

Steve Smith ‏@89SteveSmith 2h
I will always be a Carolina panther No contract can ever change that CLT is my home and will always be my home... I love you #panthernation

According to agent, it's not about the DG sees Smitty as a distraction.

 

[NCCommish]

Well, according to his twitter, he's gone :(

Steve Smith ‏@89SteveSmith 2h
I will always be a Carolina panther No contract can ever change that CLT is my home and will always be my home... I love you #panthernation

According to agent, it's not about the DG sees Smitty as a distraction.

I keep hearing this and it makes no sense. As his agent says he has been begging to be the slot receiver for two years and for the team to draft or sign someone that would let him do that. They haven't. Then I hear how no receiver has developed with him on the team. Well then someone should be able to point me to one of our castoffs that went on to be anything on any team. I won't be holding my breath waiting though.

 

[BWill]

Is there any doubt Nicks ends up in Carolina now? You push Smith out the door, LaFell is walking (no big loss there) and Olsen is the only threat in the passing game. Speaking of Olsen, gotta believe this boosts his value for 2014.

I wouldn't mind Britt and Nicks

 

[False Start]

This is the stuff that gets GMs fired and hated. A star player who has been with the club his entire career is a distraction? Don't speak your mind about being disrespected Steve or you will get shipped out of town.

Sources tell the Charlotte Observer that Panthers GM Dave Gettleman views Steve Smith as a "distraction," and wants to turn the locker room over to Cam Newton and Luke Kuechly.
Smith's agent has declared his Panthers career through, and it sounds like the feeling is very much mutual. Smith's excellent career has been fueled by one mighty chip on his shoulder, but that can be an exhausting personality trait for teammates and coaches. Some fresh air might do Smith well as he rides off into the sunset of his career.

 

[Rockchild]

This is the stuff that gets GMs fired. A star player who has been with the club his entire career is a distraction? Don't speak your mind about being disrespected Steve or you will get shipped out of town.

Sources tell the Charlotte Observer that Panthers GM Dave Gettleman views Steve Smith as a "distraction," and wants to turn the locker room over to Cam Newton and Luke Kuechly.

Isn't this something that just happens? Can you 'pick' a leader/leaders for team? I would think that if you are a leader you would take that role and not have it given to you.

 

[meanjoegreen]

I have no interest in Britt being a Panther. I'm disappointed in how the Panthers are conducting themselves with Smitty.

 

[The Commish]

Well, according to his twitter, he's gone :(

Steve Smith ‏@89SteveSmith 2h
I will always be a Carolina panther No contract can ever change that CLT is my home and will always be my home... I love you #panthernation

According to agent, it's not about the DG sees Smitty as a distraction.

I keep hearing this and it makes no sense. As his agent says he has been begging to be the slot receiver for two years and for the team to draft or sign someone that would let him do that. They haven't. Then I hear how no receiver has developed with him on the team. Well then someone should be able to point me to one of our castoffs that went on to be anything on any team. I won't be holding my breath waiting though.

Yeah, I'm with you 100% on this one.

 

[lsutigers]

Is Tavarres King just a guy, or does he merit consideration for a starting WR spot in 2014?

 

[The Commish]

Agent also says they never asked about restructuring.

 

[Slapdash]

This is the stuff that gets GMs fired. A star player who has been with the club his entire career is a distraction? Don't speak your mind about being disrespected Steve or you will get shipped out of town.

Sources tell the Charlotte Observer that Panthers GM Dave Gettleman views Steve Smith as a "distraction," and wants to turn the locker room over to Cam Newton and Luke Kuechly.

Isn't this something that just happens? Can you 'pick' a leader/leaders for team? I would think that if you are a leader you would take that role and not have it given to you.

The thinking is probably that it is hard for these guys to become a leader (Cam especially) when the old leader won't take a more supportive role. Not saying I agree with that, but Smith is very vocal and spends a lot more time trying to pick fights with opposing DBs than he probably should.

 

[The Fantasy Chef]

Is Tavarres King just a guy, or does he merit consideration for a starting WR spot in 2014?

I think he has value. His stats were good in college he has bounced around a little but could have the tools to succeed.

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

Is Tavarres King just a guy, or does he merit consideration for a starting WR spot in 2014?

So uh are the panthers actually having / have they had any actual visits from actual NFL WRs?

This is the stuff that gets GMs fired and hated. A star player who has been with the club his entire career is a distraction? Don't speak your mind about being disrespected Steve or you will get shipped out of town.

Sources tell the Charlotte Observer that Panthers GM Dave Gettleman views Steve Smith as a "distraction," and wants to turn the locker room over to Cam Newton and Luke Kuechly.
Smith's agent has declared his Panthers career through, and it sounds like the feeling is very much mutual. Smith's excellent career has been fueled by one mighty chip on his shoulder, but that can be an exhausting personality trait for teammates and coaches. Some fresh air might do Smith well as he rides off into the sunset of his career.

So Dave-o, who's going to be the leader of the WR corps, Marvin McNutt?

Panthers don't have a single WR with a single regular season catch on their roster. Well, now.

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

This is the stuff that gets GMs fired. A star player who has been with the club his entire career is a distraction? Don't speak your mind about being disrespected Steve or you will get shipped out of town.

Sources tell the Charlotte Observer that Panthers GM Dave Gettleman views Steve Smith as a "distraction," and wants to turn the locker room over to Cam Newton and Luke Kuechly.

Isn't this something that just happens? Can you 'pick' a leader/leaders for team? I would think that if you are a leader you would take that role and not have it given to you.

The thinking is probably that it is hard for these guys to become a leader (Cam especially) when the old leader won't take a more supportive role. Not saying I agree with that, but Smith is very vocal and spends a lot more time trying to pick fights with opposing DBs than he probably should.

Maybe's Smith's criticism has been justified.

If that's the case, then shutting him up by shipping him out just exacerbates the problems he's raising.

 

[BassNBrew]

Clearing the path for this to be Cam's team. Reminds of the Beason situation. Sometimes you have to take a step back to move forward.

That said, I hope Smitty signs with the Pats or Broncos and posts huge numbers, maybe even makes a HOF push. Where ever he ends up will be my new 2nd favorite team.

 

[cstu]

The Panthers will owe Smith $5 million if they cut him – $3 million in guaranteed money and $2 million in deferred bonus money.

And while the Panthers would save $1 million against this year’s cap if they release Smith with a post-June 1 designation, they would have to count $4 million in dead money against their salary cap in 2015.

Read more here: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2014/03/12/4760498/agent-leaves-no-doubt-steve-smith.html#storylink=cpy

He's owed $4M in salary ($3M of it guaranteed) plus a $3M bonus if he's on the team June 1, effectively making his salary $7M.

So it looks like they will save $4M in actual money (salary/bonus) by cutting him ($1M in non-guaranteed salary and $3M from bonus).

As for the cap, they have $3M of the guaranteed salary and $6M of the remained bonus. If they designate him a June 1 cut he'll have a cap number of $4.5M this year and $4.5M next year.

Probably a smart move considering his salary jumps up to $7M next year.

 

[Englishteacher]

Clearing the path for this to be Cam's team. Reminds of the Beason situation. Sometimes you have to take a step back to move forward.

That said, I hope Smitty signs with the Pats or Broncos and posts huge numbers, maybe even makes a HOF push. Where ever he ends up will be my new 2nd favorite team.

Hadn't even dawned on me that he is going to be with another team yet. I'd much rather see him in NE or Denver than Bal. I, too, sincerely will root hard for him. He may have had some warts but one thing you can say is he is a competitor with dedication. That's more than I can say for Newton who I feel is a bit spoiled and self-entitled, that you hear is not exactly a great worker or craftsman. Luke I can think we can follow but towelhead pouty boy has got a long way to grow up before he's going to lead this team to anything. He is the best running QB in the game but is very average as a passer and rode the amazing Panthers's D this year.

Would love to see Smitty win a ring in NE or Denver. Don't think Baltimore, a rumored destination, has the juice for that and Smitty has only a brief remaining window. Plus, he could throw up some sick stats with a HOF QB like Brady or Manning that, in addition to a ring, would get him into the Hall. He may have been a live wire and gotten into some fights but So much that I remember, no legal trouble.

 

[Englishteacher]

The Panthers will owe Smith $5 million if they cut him – $3 million in guaranteed money and $2 million in deferred bonus money.

And while the Panthers would save $1 million against this year’s cap if they release Smith with a post-June 1 designation, they would have to count $4 million in dead money against their salary cap in 2015.

Read more here: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2014/03/12/4760498/agent-leaves-no-doubt-steve-smith.html#storylink=cpy

He's owed $4M in salary ($3M of it guaranteed) plus a $3M bonus if he's on the team June 1, effectively making his salary $7M.

So it looks like they will save $4M in actual money (salary/bonus) by cutting him ($1M in non-guaranteed salary and $3M from bonus).

As for the cap, they have $3M of the guaranteed salary and $6M of the remained bonus. If they designate him a June 1 cut he'll have a cap number of $4.5M this year and $4.5M next year.

Probably a smart move considering his salary jumps up to $7M next year.

Thanks for the info. Football wise, maybe the best thing, but it pulls on your heart.

 

[Englishteacher]

Is Tavarres King just a guy, or does he merit consideration for a starting WR spot in 2014?

So uh are the panthers actually having / have they had any actual visits from actual NFL WRs?

This is the stuff that gets GMs fired and hated. A star player who has been with the club his entire career is a distraction? Don't speak your mind about being disrespected Steve or you will get shipped out of town.

Sources tell the Charlotte Observer that Panthers GM Dave Gettleman views Steve Smith as a "distraction," and wants to turn the locker room over to Cam Newton and Luke Kuechly.
Smith's agent has declared his Panthers career through, and it sounds like the feeling is very much mutual. Smith's excellent career has been fueled by one mighty chip on his shoulder, but that can be an exhausting personality trait for teammates and coaches. Some fresh air might do Smith well as he rides off into the sunset of his career.

So Dave-o, who's going to be the leader of the WR corps, Marvin McNutt?

Panthers don't have a single WR with a single regular season catch on their roster. Well, now.

Any of you guys in good shape? How are your hands? Do you body catch?

Seriously, they have to bring in an experienced FA now as a plan. Someone who has a catch. SOmeone, if the rumors are true, that doesn't deter the locker room chemistry, which certainly leaves Britt out and very possibly Nicks. Who's out there? No O line, no WR's. I'm not saying the sky is falling but we've got a lot of work to do with little cap space and not a huge amount of picks. We're really going to have to hit on what we do, otherwise the O is in trouble.

 

[The Commish]

Smitty to be let go today. According to local sources, Panthers are talking with Nicks about a $4 million, one year deal. None of this is making much business sense and I don't understand the theory behind the GM moving Smith thinking he can pick who the "leader" is gonna be. Just doesn't make sense to me. Rumors also include NE and TB being spots where Smitty could land.

 

[matttyl]

Looks like NIcks is their guy. If he goes there (I assume as their #1), over/under 1,000 yards receiving?

 

[pantherclub]

Smitty to be let go today. According to local sources, Panthers are talking with Nicks about a $4 million, one year deal. None of this is making much business sense and I don't understand the theory behind the GM moving Smith thinking he can pick who the "leader" is gonna be. Just doesn't make sense to me. Rumors also include NE and TB being spots where Smitty could land.

Not saying that I dont believe you but that really doesnt make any sense for either party. I would think that Nicks would want a multi year deal from some team and I would assume the panthers would like to figure out something a little more long term. So yeah like you yeah I think this is a bit odd if true.

 

[The Commish]

Looks like NIcks is their guy. If he goes there (I assume as their #1), over/under 1,000 yards receiving?

under IMO. If they get some O-Line help maybe over, but I doubt it.

 

[pantherclub]

Looks like NIcks is their guy. If he goes there (I assume as their #1), over/under 1,000 yards receiving?

under IMO. If they get some O-Line help maybe over, but I doubt it.

If they sign nicks then I would imagine they also sign a lesser known f/a wr and then look to draft a lot of line help in the top of the draft. I could see Nicks being pretty productive working with Cam. A nice 1 2 punch to go along with Olsen.

 

[matttyl]

Looks like NIcks is their guy. If he goes there (I assume as their #1), over/under 1,000 yards receiving?

under IMO. If they get some O-Line help maybe over, but I doubt it.

If they sign nicks then I would imagine they also sign a lesser known f/a wr and then look to draft a lot of line help in the top of the draft. I could see Nicks being pretty productive working with Cam. A nice 1 2 punch to go along with Olsen.

Given your screen name, I'm going to take what you say about the Panthers with a big grain of salt.

I would think Nick's top end would be what Smith did in 2012, which was a very good year. I guess I'm just questioning Nicks' health.

 

[NCCommish]

Looks like NIcks is their guy. If he goes there (I assume as their #1), over/under 1,000 yards receiving?

under IMO. If they get some O-Line help maybe over, but I doubt it.

If they sign nicks then I would imagine they also sign a lesser known f/a wr and then look to draft a lot of line help in the top of the draft. I could see Nicks being pretty productive working with Cam. A nice 1 2 punch to go along with Olsen.

They will be drafting a wideout. Every mock I have seen makes it look like BPA at 28 is most likely a WR.

 

[NCCommish]

I wouldn't be surprised if Smith ended up in NE. Bellichik has always seemed to like him. He practically, for him, gushed over him in the past. Smith in the slot with Brady should be something to see.

 

[Jayrok]

End of an era, indeed. Sorry to see Smitty go. I hope DG knows what he is doing, especially if this isn't about money. I don't think you can just pick leaders.

 

[Jayrok]

If Britt could be signed to a 1 year deal at league minimum-ish, why not take a chance?

 

[Englishteacher]

Looks like NIcks is their guy. If he goes there (I assume as their #1), over/under 1,000 yards receiving?

under IMO. If they get some O-Line help maybe over, but I doubt it.

I think the more important over/under is games played and what kind of shape is he going to be in when he does play. If we sink what little cap money we have for what will be our #1WR into a guy guy that's going to be in the tub I don't like it. Then again, what options do we have? I'd rather us sink the money on healthy, young, capable productive O lineman than a guy that's got bad wheels who we pick up just because he's a WR.

Looked down the FA Top 100 and there's not a lot to like there. James Jones maybe but he's had durability issues too. Wouldn't mind diversifying the FA WR portfolio a bit and going with maybe 1-2 lower tier, smaller cost guys than going on one guy. Maybe three in FA if we can do it so we at least have some bodies to put out there.

Certainly we'll draft a WR or two. Maybe we could trade up to get a top WR of the future in the draft and use multiple picks to do so. I'd roll with Sammy Watkins over NIcks. Doubtful, but I've heard it tossed around in places if he were falling middish Top Ten or so.

I've even seen us maybe taking that second ranked TE which we could throw out there in Two TE sets with Olsen. If the UNC kid dropped we could move up.

This is troublesome for sure.

 

[Englishteacher]

What are you guys thinking on Nicks' leadership, if that's suddenly so important?

And, how does this help the "future" if he's coming in on a one year deal?

Beggars can't be choosers?

 

[Englishteacher]

If Britt could be signed to a 1 year deal at league minimum-ish, why not take a chance?

Cuz that dude is total thug in addition to being toast as of last year. I'll take a pass.

 

[Englishteacher]

Smitty to be let go today. According to local sources, Panthers are talking with Nicks about a $4 million, one year deal. None of this is making much business sense and I don't understand the theory behind the GM moving Smith thinking he can pick who the "leader" is gonna be. Just doesn't make sense to me. Rumors also include NE and TB being spots where Smitty could land.

4? One year?

What do you guys think of that? Do they get to work him out and get a physical? This is an important move. We commit 4 to NIcks and we're consigned more or less to rolling with him as our #1 WR. Plus, this would be a band-aid and not really a cornerstone.

For the money, as I said before, I'd rather go with Watkins and have a cornerstone than spend money on something that's not going to be a long term type solution.

I think the demand for Nicks is pretty weak. 4 for a beleaguered WR that rumor has it, may never get it back. I don't know, how about two toys for 4M rather than 1 for 4?

Draft a WR or TE early to complement.

I don't think NIcks is going to be the star or healthy contributor we're going to need him to be for the investment.

 

[Jayrok]

If Britt could be signed to a 1 year deal at league minimum-ish, why not take a chance?

Cuz that dude is total thug in addition to being toast as of last year. I'll take a pass.

Well, they aren't trading up to draft Sammy. I have doubts about Nicks and Britt, but if he is cheap and can help us win, I'd take a risk for a single year. Maybe we can talk Moose out of retirement.

 

[Englishteacher]

If Britt could be signed to a 1 year deal at league minimum-ish, why not take a chance?

Cuz that dude is total thug in addition to being toast as of last year. I'll take a pass.

Well, they aren't trading up to draft Sammy. I have doubts about Nicks and Britt, but if he is cheap and can help us win, I'd take a risk for a single year. Maybe we can talk Moose out of retirement.

Probably not as he may be going as early as 2. You're right. It would, however, give us a cornerstone #1 moving forward if he slid to maybe #6 and there could be a way.

 

[Englishteacher]

If Britt could be signed to a 1 year deal at league minimum-ish, why not take a chance?

Cuz that dude is total thug in addition to being toast as of last year. I'll take a pass.

Well, they aren't trading up to draft Sammy. I have doubts about Nicks and Britt, but if he is cheap and can help us win, I'd take a risk for a single year. Maybe we can talk Moose out of retirement.

Yeah, it's a risk. And, I'm not sure it's real value for the cost anyway. Which is why I'd almost rather have less expensive, less sexy toys but more of them than go all in for Nicks. Our budget is miniscule and we have many holes to fill.

If we were going to go all in on a sexy toy I'd rather see us go all in on a dreamcase scenario like a Watkins trade up for the cost that gives us something moving ahead.

Barking up the wrong tree I'm sure but would 1.28, 2.28, and 3.28 get us up to 1.6 if he fell you think?

 

[The Commish]

Smitty to be let go today. According to local sources, Panthers are talking with Nicks about a $4 million, one year deal. None of this is making much business sense and I don't understand the theory behind the GM moving Smith thinking he can pick who the "leader" is gonna be. Just doesn't make sense to me. Rumors also include NE and TB being spots where Smitty could land.

4? One year?

What do you guys think of that? Do they get to work him out and get a physical? This is an important move. We commit 4 to NIcks and we're consigned more or less to rolling with him as our #1 WR. Plus, this would be a band-aid and not really a cornerstone.

For the money, as I said before, I'd rather go with Watkins and have a cornerstone than spend money on something that's not going to be a long term type solution.

I think the demand for Nicks is pretty weak. 4 for a beleaguered WR that rumor has it, may never get it back. I don't know, how about two toys for 4M rather than 1 for 4?

Draft a WR or TE early to complement.

I don't think NIcks is going to be the star or healthy contributor we're going to need him to be for the investment.

It's anyone's guess. It's just a rumor at this point. As I said before, if it's true, I have no idea what Gettleman is thinking. People are trying to draw a correlation to what happened in NY with Shockey and Manning. The big difference here, of course, is the Panthers don't have anyone else to fill Smitty's role (as of right now). I'm sure there's a plan of some sort in place, but based purely on what we can see, none of this makes any sense to me.

 

[Englishteacher]

If Britt could be signed to a 1 year deal at league minimum-ish, why not take a chance?

Cuz that dude is total thug in addition to being toast as of last year. I'll take a pass.

Well, they aren't trading up to draft Sammy. I have doubts about Nicks and Britt, but if he is cheap and can help us win, I'd take a risk for a single year. Maybe we can talk Moose out of retirement.

They're not gonna bring Britt in. I've read some of his tweets responding to suspensions and dude has no comprehension of what it means to be a valuable member of society. If they're truly serious about building a locker room identity and let Smith go, they can't be serious bringing Britt in even for $3.50 an hour. If they did, I might just stop being a Panthers fan.

Besides, I'm not sure how many lay fan really understand how much Britt's game regressed last year. He was absolutely beyond terrible. Like one of the worst WR's int he league. We can't field a "circa" team. I don't think he's relevant. And, I'm not so sure Nicks isn't a "circa" WR as well. We're talking great unknown here especially when you consider the amount of money that we really don't have.

 

[Jayrok]

If Britt could be signed to a 1 year deal at league minimum-ish, why not take a chance?

Cuz that dude is total thug in addition to being toast as of last year. I'll take a pass.

Well, they aren't trading up to draft Sammy. I have doubts about Nicks and Britt, but if he is cheap and can help us win, I'd take a risk for a single year. Maybe we can talk Moose out of retirement.

Yeah, it's a risk. And, I'm not sure it's real value for the cost anyway. Which is why I'd almost rather have less expensive, less sexy toys but more of them than go all in for Nicks. Our budget is miniscule and we have many holes to fill.

If we were going to go all in on a sexy toy I'd rather see us go all in on a dreamcase scenario like a Watkins trade up for the cost that gives us something moving ahead.

Barking up the wrong tree I'm sure but would 1.28, 2.28, and 3.28 get us up to 1.6 if he fell you think?

I would love to get Sammy but not sure I would want to hand over our 2nd and 3rd round picks for just one guy... especially if we could land Benjamin with our 1st and keep our 2nd and 3rd. Like you said, we have other holes to fill as well. I'd love to go WR, OT or CB (for 2nd and 3rd), then another WR later.

 

[Jayrok]

If Britt could be signed to a 1 year deal at league minimum-ish, why not take a chance?

Cuz that dude is total thug in addition to being toast as of last year. I'll take a pass.

Well, they aren't trading up to draft Sammy. I have doubts about Nicks and Britt, but if he is cheap and can help us win, I'd take a risk for a single year. Maybe we can talk Moose out of retirement.

They're not gonna bring Britt in. I've read some of his tweets responding to suspensions and dude has no comprehension of what it means to be a valuable member of society. If they're truly serious about building a locker room identity and let Smith go, they can't be serious bringing Britt in even for $3.50 an hour. If they did, I might just stop being a Panthers fan.

Besides, I'm not sure how many lay fan really understand how much Britt's game regressed last year. He was absolutely beyond terrible. Like one of the worst WR's int he league. We can't field a "circa" team. I don't think he's relevant. And, I'm not so sure Nicks isn't a "circa" WR as well. We're talking great unknown here especially when you consider the amount of money that we really don't have.

I haven't read Britt's tweets and don't know much about his locker room issues, but I see a lot of last season's lack of production more of a Tenn offensive game plan that didn't include Britt than him just not performing. The few games I did see of them he was never on the field, I and was under the impression it had more to do with him being in the doghouse with coaches than him being a terrible player. But I may be wrong about that.

 

[Englishteacher]

Smitty to be let go today. According to local sources, Panthers are talking with Nicks about a $4 million, one year deal. None of this is making much business sense and I don't understand the theory behind the GM moving Smith thinking he can pick who the "leader" is gonna be. Just doesn't make sense to me. Rumors also include NE and TB being spots where Smitty could land.

4? One year?

What do you guys think of that? Do they get to work him out and get a physical? This is an important move. We commit 4 to NIcks and we're consigned more or less to rolling with him as our #1 WR. Plus, this would be a band-aid and not really a cornerstone.

For the money, as I said before, I'd rather go with Watkins and have a cornerstone than spend money on something that's not going to be a long term type solution.

I think the demand for Nicks is pretty weak. 4 for a beleaguered WR that rumor has it, may never get it back. I don't know, how about two toys for 4M rather than 1 for 4?

Draft a WR or TE early to complement.

I don't think NIcks is going to be the star or healthy contributor we're going to need him to be for the investment.

It's anyone's guess. It's just a rumor at this point. As I said before, if it's true, I have no idea what Gettleman is thinking. People are trying to draw a correlation to what happened in NY with Shockey and Manning. The big difference here, of course, is the Panthers don't have anyone else to fill Smitty's role (as of right now). I'm sure there's a plan of some sort in place, but based purely on what we can see, none of this makes any sense to me.

Ditto. I agree.

Thanks for the info too.

I do agree with the assessment that given Smith is in decline and that we are a cap strapped team that we probably couldn't afford him given the cost, regardless of feelings.

I'm with G on that. But, he handled the process poorly and now he's potentially bringing in an albatross (Nicks) that really doesn't alleviate any concerns about character or long term stability, never mind the doubt even for 2014. Nicks was busted for drugs at UNC and some are in doubt whether he had the commitment last year to play high level football. G should know the dirt on Nicks given his connections but if he knows Nicks is suspect character wise I don't see the point when you've alienated your franchise face over character concerns. Then it's really about who can play ball for the cheapest and forget the rest and "get out of my way". Besides, Newton gets by a lot more on talent and flash rather than maturity and everyone knows it.

 

[Englishteacher]

If Britt could be signed to a 1 year deal at league minimum-ish, why not take a chance?

Cuz that dude is total thug in addition to being toast as of last year. I'll take a pass.

Well, they aren't trading up to draft Sammy. I have doubts about Nicks and Britt, but if he is cheap and can help us win, I'd take a risk for a single year. Maybe we can talk Moose out of retirement.

They're not gonna bring Britt in. I've read some of his tweets responding to suspensions and dude has no comprehension of what it means to be a valuable member of society. If they're truly serious about building a locker room identity and let Smith go, they can't be serious bringing Britt in even for $3.50 an hour. If they did, I might just stop being a Panthers fan.

Besides, I'm not sure how many lay fan really understand how much Britt's game regressed last year. He was absolutely beyond terrible. Like one of the worst WR's int he league. We can't field a "circa" team. I don't think he's relevant. And, I'm not so sure Nicks isn't a "circa" WR as well. We're talking great unknown here especially when you consider the amount of money that we really don't have.

I haven't read Britt's tweets and don't know much about his locker room issues, but I see a lot of last season's lack of production more of a Tenn offensive game plan that didn't include Britt than him just not performing. The few games I did see of them he was never on the field, I and was under the impression it had more to do with him being in the doghouse with coaches than him being a terrible player. But I may be wrong about that.

He was in the doghouse for more reasons than one. I can't get on PFF right now to get his grade/ranking but it was pretty brutal. He pretty much made a negative contribution last year, in more ways than one. There's a reason why a player with his talent was benched. Bad play plus bad attit ude plus bad cooperation with the gameplan will pretty much get you sent out of town stat. Dude's just a negative all around at this point. I'd almost rather have T.O.

Of course, take anything I say with a grain of salt. I'm going by just what I've read and my own personal reaction to some of his tweets about the situations he's gotten himself in. It's really bad. I get a perception he thinks people owe him something despite being a sleezebag which would be a lethal locker room detraction. We'd be taking a huge step back IMO.

 

[NCCommish]

Smitty to be let go today. According to local sources, Panthers are talking with Nicks about a $4 million, one year deal. None of this is making much business sense and I don't understand the theory behind the GM moving Smith thinking he can pick who the "leader" is gonna be. Just doesn't make sense to me. Rumors also include NE and TB being spots where Smitty could land.

4? One year?

What do you guys think of that? Do they get to work him out and get a physical? This is an important move. We commit 4 to NIcks and we're consigned more or less to rolling with him as our #1 WR. Plus, this would be a band-aid and not really a cornerstone.

For the money, as I said before, I'd rather go with Watkins and have a cornerstone than spend money on something that's not going to be a long term type solution.

I think the demand for Nicks is pretty weak. 4 for a beleaguered WR that rumor has it, may never get it back. I don't know, how about two toys for 4M rather than 1 for 4?

Draft a WR or TE early to complement.

I don't think NIcks is going to be the star or healthy contributor we're going to need him to be for the investment.

It's anyone's guess. It's just a rumor at this point. As I said before, if it's true, I have no idea what Gettleman is thinking. People are trying to draw a correlation to what happened in NY with Shockey and Manning. The big difference here, of course, is the Panthers don't have anyone else to fill Smitty's role (as of right now). I'm sure there's a plan of some sort in place, but based purely on what we can see, none of this makes any sense to me.

Ditto. I agree.

Thanks for the info too.

I do agree with the assessment that given Smith is in decline and that we are a cap strapped team that we probably couldn't afford him given the cost, regardless of feelings.

I'm with G on that. But, he handled the process poorly and now he's potentially bringing in an albatross (Nicks) that really doesn't alleviate any concerns about character or long term stability, never mind the doubt even for 2014. Nicks was busted for drugs at UNC and some are in doubt whether he had the commitment last year to play high level football. G should know the dirt on Nicks given his connections but if he knows Nicks is suspect character wise I don't see the point when you've alienated your franchise face over character concerns. Then it's really about who can play ball for the cheapest and forget the rest and "get out of my way". Besides, Newton gets by a lot more on talent and flash rather than maturity and everyone knows it.

Cutting Smith didn't really save us much. We could have saved nearly as much not resigning the worst RT in the NFL.

 

[Englishteacher]

If Britt could be signed to a 1 year deal at league minimum-ish, why not take a chance?

Cuz that dude is total thug in addition to being toast as of last year. I'll take a pass.

Well, they aren't trading up to draft Sammy. I have doubts about Nicks and Britt, but if he is cheap and can help us win, I'd take a risk for a single year. Maybe we can talk Moose out of retirement.

Yeah, it's a risk. And, I'm not sure it's real value for the cost anyway. Which is why I'd almost rather have less expensive, less sexy toys but more of them than go all in for Nicks. Our budget is miniscule and we have many holes to fill.

If we were going to go all in on a sexy toy I'd rather see us go all in on a dreamcase scenario like a Watkins trade up for the cost that gives us something moving ahead.

Barking up the wrong tree I'm sure but would 1.28, 2.28, and 3.28 get us up to 1.6 if he fell you think?

I would love to get Sammy but not sure I would want to hand over our 2nd and 3rd round picks for just one guy... especially if we could land Benjamin with our 1st and keep our 2nd and 3rd. Like you said, we have other holes to fill as well. I'd love to go WR, OT or CB (for 2nd and 3rd), then another WR later.

I'm sure this is the much more likely route but if Watkins were to fall to 6 or even later by a miracle,myself, I'd rather take care of one spot really well than maybe take care of 3 spots OK. Of course this is contradicting what I said earlier about signing two FA WR for 4 mill rather than Nicks for 4 but I'm not sold on Nicks being the answer. I'd buy an all in if Watkins slid and we could move up depending on what else we can get done in free agency.

Everything's too highly speculative at this point of course to know anything. Almost half of our relevant O line retired, we don't have a WR with a catch, we have some holes on defense, and we're cap straddled. Tough times.

 

[Englishteacher]

Guys, thanks for ingulging me in my chatty behavior today. Laid up today with a sprained back and little else I can do. Let me know if it gets to be too much of the Englishteacher show.

 

[Englishteacher]

Smitty to be let go today. According to local sources, Panthers are talking with Nicks about a $4 million, one year deal. None of this is making much business sense and I don't understand the theory behind the GM moving Smith thinking he can pick who the "leader" is gonna be. Just doesn't make sense to me. Rumors also include NE and TB being spots where Smitty could land.

4? One year?

What do you guys think of that? Do they get to work him out and get a physical? This is an important move. We commit 4 to NIcks and we're consigned more or less to rolling with him as our #1 WR. Plus, this would be a band-aid and not really a cornerstone.

For the money, as I said before, I'd rather go with Watkins and have a cornerstone than spend money on something that's not going to be a long term type solution.

I think the demand for Nicks is pretty weak. 4 for a beleaguered WR that rumor has it, may never get it back. I don't know, how about two toys for 4M rather than 1 for 4?

Draft a WR or TE early to complement.

I don't think NIcks is going to be the star or healthy contributor we're going to need him to be for the investment.

It's anyone's guess. It's just a rumor at this point. As I said before, if it's true, I have no idea what Gettleman is thinking. People are trying to draw a correlation to what happened in NY with Shockey and Manning. The big difference here, of course, is the Panthers don't have anyone else to fill Smitty's role (as of right now). I'm sure there's a plan of some sort in place, but based purely on what we can see, none of this makes any sense to me.

Ditto. I agree.

Thanks for the info too.

I do agree with the assessment that given Smith is in decline and that we are a cap strapped team that we probably couldn't afford him given the cost, regardless of feelings.

I'm with G on that. But, he handled the process poorly and now he's potentially bringing in an albatross (Nicks) that really doesn't alleviate any concerns about character or long term stability, never mind the doubt even for 2014. Nicks was busted for drugs at UNC and some are in doubt whether he had the commitment last year to play high level football. G should know the dirt on Nicks given his connections but if he knows Nicks is suspect character wise I don't see the point when you've alienated your franchise face over character concerns. Then it's really about who can play ball for the cheapest and forget the rest and "get out of my way". Besides, Newton gets by a lot more on talent and flash rather than maturity and everyone knows it.

Cutting Smith didn't really save us much. We could have saved nearly as much not resigning the worst RT in the NFL.

I think you're right primarily there. I'll look up PFF's assessment of his cost/effectivness ratio as well. Not really a good cap guy myself. Stuff is pretty complicated.

 

[The Fantasy Chef]

so Nicks is visiting with the colts are we destine for Britt or Emanuel Sanders?

 

[Englishteacher]

so Nicks is visiting with the colts are we destine for Britt or Emanuel Sanders?

I'd dig on some Sanders. Not a stud but competent.

 

[NCCommish]

Guys, thanks for ingulging me in my chatty behavior today. Laid up today with a sprained back and little else I can do. Let me know if it gets to be too much of the Englishteacher show.

Nice to have the thread be active so enjoy yourself.

 

[cstu]

Cutting Smith didn't really save us much. We could have saved nearly as much not resigning the worst RT in the NFL.

I think you're right primarily there. I'll look up PFF's assessment of his cost/effectivness ratio as well. Not really a good cap guy myself. Stuff is pretty complicated.

What is comes down to is this - is he worth a 1 year/$4M contract?

I personally don't think he is with his age, potential for his play to decline more and the distraction he (apparently) is in the locker room.

 

[Englishteacher]

NYG are after Ginn. What's the problem we had with bringing him back? He played well. Did we not want him or just not be able to pay him?

FWIW, Ginn + Sanders to me is better than Nicks in the tub.