Sorry to channel Elmer Fudd, but that's the story from the Carolina Panthers with free agency kicking off Friday.
The Panthers are handcuffed by big contracts, and likely won't be a major player in free agency (as expected). However, others have been. For instance:
Washington. The Redskins apparently aren't worried about money, as they handed out over $150 million in a pair of contracts. DT Albert Haynesworth got a 7 year deal worth over $100 million dollars, and then handed a $54 million dollar deal wot CB DeAngelo Hall.
Kerry Collins is staying with Tennessee, former UNC center Jeff Saturday avoided free agency by doing a new deal with Indianapolis, the Baltimore Ravens have agreed to terms with former Atlanta Falcons cornerback Domonique Foxworth on a four-year, $28 million contract that includes $16.5 million in guaranteed money.
Big news for the NFC South was the trade of TE Kellen Winslow to Tampa Bay from Cleveland for draft picks. That won't make Panther fans feel too comfortable, as another talented pass-catching tight end will have the chance to feast on Carolina coverage. Tight ends have had some success against the Panthers in the past, but then again, this is a new defensive coaching staff. Have to see how that all plays out.
More later, as we get wind of more signings, and if the Panthers phone actually rings.
Mike Solarte
Friday, February 27, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
More Panther news
- The Panthers reworked the contract of DT Damione Lewis on Thursday, extending the deal out to 2014, and converting a $2.5 million dollar roster bonus into a signing bonus. The deal likely extends beyond his actual playing time in Carolina, but it is now salary cap-friendly, saving the Panthers some additional cap dollars. The conversion of the roster bonus to signing bonus means the Panthers can pro-rate that over the life of the extension.
- According to Geoff Hangartner's agent, the offensive lineman will test free agency once the clock hits 12:01 Friday morning. The Panthers were hoping to retain the versatile lineman from Texas A&M, but it appears that there are starting opportunities for him elsewhere--at least that what the agent is saying. Hangartner will be missed if he does go elsewhere, as he was able to fill in at both the guard and center spots when injuries started to creep into the Panthers 1st team o-line. He's got loads of upside, and it looks like he'll find that in another uniform.
- UPDATE 8:50pm--the team did tender offers earlier in the day (updating this was low on the list as I was gathering additional info for TV), but TE Jeff King, LB James Anderson, and S Nate Salley. They also tendered exclusive rights deals to DT Nick Hayden, and CB C.J. Wilson. No offer was made to DT Gary Gibson, but that does not mean he does not factor into the plans. The Panthers likely want to try and spend less if they can.
- Ken Lucas reportedly shot down a trade to the Detroit Lions on Thursday afternoon, and as of this post, he remains a Panther. How long that holds true is anyone's guess.
We should know much more once the sun comes up on Friday.
Mike Solarte
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Panthers making cap room
The first wave of player releases came through on Wednesday. Carolina cut WR D.J. Hackett, RB Nick Goings, and OL Jeremy Bridges, and the moves save the team an estimated $4.5 million dollars under the salary cap.
It's the necessary evil of the NFL, and it's also the harsh reality of the NFL. Hackett's stay with the Panthers was less than memorable. 13 catches for 181 yards. Not the stuff legends are made of. He made 9 starts in 2008, and was looked at as a viable number 3 receiver. In the end, his lack of durability cost him time on the field, and allowed Dwayne Jarrett a chance to show he could make big catches in key situations. Believe it or not, Jarrett did make some nice grabs in crucial 3rd down situations. Jarrett has no excuses to not be the reliable, every game guy going forward.
Hard to say goodbye to Goings, but all good things must come to an end. Goings was one of the most versatile players the Panthers have had--he contributed on offense, as well as special teams. He plays with reckless abandon, with his heart, and sometimes with his head--that cost him a couple concussions. Goings, in the end, was a guy that could be let go based on his cost. Role players don't command big salaries, and while Goings wasn't huge, it was big enough that the Panthers could try and go cheaper. Best of luck to Nick in the future. He was a tremendous professional in Carolina. I hope he catches on with another team.
As for Bridges, this one gives me pause. Yes, he had his share of off-the-field issues, but he did provide stability at the guard position, and filled some depth for the tackles as well (remember Jordan Gross going to sleep against the Falcons with a concussion?). Considering the potential loss of Geoff Hangartner in free agency, my personal hope is that they find a way to bring Bridges back at a lower price. If not, the O-line backups will have a little different look, and that means some uncertainty in the depth department.
More on the cuts and such as they come in, as the free agency period officially opens on Friday.
Mike Solarte
It's the necessary evil of the NFL, and it's also the harsh reality of the NFL. Hackett's stay with the Panthers was less than memorable. 13 catches for 181 yards. Not the stuff legends are made of. He made 9 starts in 2008, and was looked at as a viable number 3 receiver. In the end, his lack of durability cost him time on the field, and allowed Dwayne Jarrett a chance to show he could make big catches in key situations. Believe it or not, Jarrett did make some nice grabs in crucial 3rd down situations. Jarrett has no excuses to not be the reliable, every game guy going forward.
Hard to say goodbye to Goings, but all good things must come to an end. Goings was one of the most versatile players the Panthers have had--he contributed on offense, as well as special teams. He plays with reckless abandon, with his heart, and sometimes with his head--that cost him a couple concussions. Goings, in the end, was a guy that could be let go based on his cost. Role players don't command big salaries, and while Goings wasn't huge, it was big enough that the Panthers could try and go cheaper. Best of luck to Nick in the future. He was a tremendous professional in Carolina. I hope he catches on with another team.
As for Bridges, this one gives me pause. Yes, he had his share of off-the-field issues, but he did provide stability at the guard position, and filled some depth for the tackles as well (remember Jordan Gross going to sleep against the Falcons with a concussion?). Considering the potential loss of Geoff Hangartner in free agency, my personal hope is that they find a way to bring Bridges back at a lower price. If not, the O-line backups will have a little different look, and that means some uncertainty in the depth department.
More on the cuts and such as they come in, as the free agency period officially opens on Friday.
Mike Solarte
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Phelps returns
Mike Phelps returns to the pool this May in the Queen City.
http://sports.espn.go.com/oly/swimming/news/story?id=3930364
http://sports.espn.go.com/oly/swimming/news/story?id=3930364
Monday, February 23, 2009
Sports Traditions
Been thinking about stepping away from the "news of the day" stuff for the blog, and I plan to throw a topic like this out there from time to time.
Sports Traditions takes the lead, this time.
Think about sport--from the aspect of competition, to the camaraderie of teammates. Along the way, there are traditions that have taken their rightful place in their respective sports. Traditions such as the jacket presentation ceremony at The Masters, the winners jug of milk at the Indianapolis 500, to the cutting down of the nets in basketball all have a place.
Me being a hockey guy leads my favorite tradition to the Stanley Cup. There are so many that go with the Cup, though, it's hard to choose.
You have:
No player touches the Cup until he has won it (while still active that is).
The team captain is the first to receive the Cup.
Players take turns skating it around the rink.
Players get to spend a day with the Cup in the off-season (most bring it to their hometown).
My favorite, however, happens even before the Cup is presented. It's common in every playoff round, actually. It's the post-series handshake between the clubs.
2 teams, 20 players per side, do everything within the legal limits of the rulebook (as well as some things that are outside of it--but it's all legal until you get caught), in trying to win the best of 7 series. Once it's over, the teams line up, extend a congratulatory handshake, wish the other guy good luck, and they actually mean it. Sportsmanship seems to take a backseat during the games, but after it's all said and done, the respect for each other is on display.
What are some of your favorite sports traditions? Leave me a comment!
Next time, we'll talk "Sports Superstitions."
Mike Solarte
Sports Traditions takes the lead, this time.
Think about sport--from the aspect of competition, to the camaraderie of teammates. Along the way, there are traditions that have taken their rightful place in their respective sports. Traditions such as the jacket presentation ceremony at The Masters, the winners jug of milk at the Indianapolis 500, to the cutting down of the nets in basketball all have a place.
Me being a hockey guy leads my favorite tradition to the Stanley Cup. There are so many that go with the Cup, though, it's hard to choose.
You have:
No player touches the Cup until he has won it (while still active that is).
The team captain is the first to receive the Cup.
Players take turns skating it around the rink.
Players get to spend a day with the Cup in the off-season (most bring it to their hometown).
My favorite, however, happens even before the Cup is presented. It's common in every playoff round, actually. It's the post-series handshake between the clubs.
2 teams, 20 players per side, do everything within the legal limits of the rulebook (as well as some things that are outside of it--but it's all legal until you get caught), in trying to win the best of 7 series. Once it's over, the teams line up, extend a congratulatory handshake, wish the other guy good luck, and they actually mean it. Sportsmanship seems to take a backseat during the games, but after it's all said and done, the respect for each other is on display.
What are some of your favorite sports traditions? Leave me a comment!
Next time, we'll talk "Sports Superstitions."
Mike Solarte
Friday, February 20, 2009
The day after
Thursday was rather eventful. In case you missed it:
- The Carolina Panthers signed LT Jordan Gross to a 6 year deal, worth what is believed to be nearly $60 million dollars. That's a big chunk of change, but Gross has proven to be durable, and solid at both tackle spots on the line. Nice work, and congrats to the team, and to Gross. The 2 sides had been talking deal since before last season, but according to GM Marty Hurney, this negotiation was tougher, because this one was for a longer term. They got it hammered out, and that allowed the Panthers to....
- ...place the non-exclusive franchise tag on Julius Peppers. It gives the Panthers some limited protection. Peppers can sign an offer sheet from any of the other clubs, but Carolina has the right to match any offer, or let him go to that team for (what Hurney wants) two first-round draft picks. Here's the rub: If Peppers signs an offer sheet that Carolina wants to match, they will. The club has made no bones about wanting to keep Peppers. If the offer sheet isn't beyond ridiculous, Peppers could be forced into staying. Of course, no one expects any offer sheet to be less than ridiculous, so the likelihood of the Panthers matching anything is remote. The Panthers want picks, Peppers wants out. Carolina loses some protection when it comes to where he ends up. Atlanta, Tampa Bay or New Orleans (the Panthers NFC South roommates), can all try and get him to sign a deal with them, and the Panthers can try to block it by matching, or let him go for the draft picks. No Panther fan wants Peppers in the NFC South, unless it's with Carolina.
- Big props to the Charlotte 49ers for their upset win of Xavier on Thursday night. 65-60 the final, in a game that was back and forth throughout. Bobby Lutz's team gave another great effort, Niner Nation was in a full lather, Halton Arena was rockin'. Great stuff, but now they have to follow it up. A roadie on Saturday against Richmond. Tough opponent, and on a short turnaround. Charlotte has won 3 of 4, and feeling good. Let's see if they can keep it going.
- Davidson will try to bounce back from a loss to The Citadel (64-46) on Wednesday, when they host Butler on Friday. It's part of the ESPN Bracketbusters (read, slap a fun name on something and market it as a real event-it's a non-conference game between 2 decent teams). Stephen Curry didn't play against The Citadel, and the consensus in the News 14 Sports department is--don't play him Saturday, even if he is able to play. The loss to the Bulldogs likely hosed any remote at-large bid they may have received, provided they do not win the Southern Conference Tournament. They have nothing to gain by beating Butler (except another W), but big picture, keep Curry healthy and off that banged up ankle until the games mean something. That will also allow his team to learn to win without him--something they are plenty capable of.
Want to thank everyone for the kind words, and notes I have received since the mention by Langston Wertz, Jr. with the Charlotte Observer, on his blog. It is an honor to be mentioned in the class of sportscasters he listed.
Tim Baier and Jim Connors take you through Friday night, then Tim and Ryan Welch handle the weekend. I'll see you back in the chair on Monday, with former Panther defensive end Mike Rucker stopping by for a visit!
Mike Solarte
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Today is the day--UPDATE below
The Carolina Panthers have to get their dealing done with LT Jordan Gross and DE Julius Peppers by 4pm this afternoon. As mentioned previously, the Panthers were close to a deal with Gross, but light years away from retaining Peppers. We'll congratulate the Panthers on retaining Gross once it gets done. About Peppers.....
As you may have seen, heard or read, he presented a list of 4 teams to the Panthers. Those teams represent where he would like to go. That means there are 27 other teams (28 if you count Carolina), that he doesn't want to play for. Thanks for narrowing the options for your rights holders, JP. Why not just tell management, "ummmm, guys? I want to go to New England, Pittsburgh, or...that's it. New England or Pittsburgh. Actually, just New England."
Before you start jumping on me, let me say this--I get it. I understand the players career window in pro sports is a short one. 10 years if you are VERY lucky. The average lifespan of an NFL career is under 3 years. These players have to take advantage of the opportunities when they can. I get it, and hold no ill feelings for them in that regard.
The part that has been lost in sports (and yeah, I'm waxing poetic now), is that the loyalty factor is gone. The player that spends his entire career with the same team is a rarity. Almost extinct. Mike Minter and Mike Rucker did so for the Panthers. Of course, you have to leave out the guys who have a "cup of coffee" in the bigs. Players that play more than, let's say 5-7 years, and are productive are the players I'm talking about. Peppers has been with the Panthers since day one. Right out of college. He's a fan favorite. And now, after his contract year of 14.5 sacks, he wants out, saying he wants to reach his fullest potential.
The Panthers stuck by him after his non-contract year of 2007. Defended him, saying he was contributing, even though his sack numbers (an honestly unfair way to judge performance of most defensive ends) were virtually non-existent. In 2007, he recorded 2.5 sacks. He began the year (in camp) with an illness, although no one would ever disclose what it was. If you saw the movie "Wayne's World," Wayne (Mike Myers), tells his girlfriend (Tia Carrera), "One time I thought I had mono(nucleosis) for an entire year, but it turns out I was really bored." That line sums up Peppers in 2007. I doubt he was sick all of 2007. Just bored, and going through the motions. In 2008, when he has to audition for every team in the league, he's Superman again, 14.5 sacks, forced fumbles, etc. Funny how that happened.
Peppers turned himself into a paycheck player. While that is good for some, it doesn't look good for a guy that team owner Jerry Richardson implored to step up and become a leader. This is not how leaders behave. Leaders stay in the fight, and keep swinging until they can't swing anymore.
So, if Peppers isn't a leader, that makes him a follower. And he is. He'll follow the biggest paycheck right out of town.
It's his right to do, but it's also the fans right to be bitter about it.
Good luck, Pepp, and thanks for the memories.
Mike Solarte
2 PM UPDATE--the Panthers got the Gross deal done, which reportedly makes him the highest paid offensive lineman in football. We've been hearing 6 years at $55 million total. Once we get the numbers, we'll pass them on.
As you may have seen, heard or read, he presented a list of 4 teams to the Panthers. Those teams represent where he would like to go. That means there are 27 other teams (28 if you count Carolina), that he doesn't want to play for. Thanks for narrowing the options for your rights holders, JP. Why not just tell management, "ummmm, guys? I want to go to New England, Pittsburgh, or...that's it. New England or Pittsburgh. Actually, just New England."
Before you start jumping on me, let me say this--I get it. I understand the players career window in pro sports is a short one. 10 years if you are VERY lucky. The average lifespan of an NFL career is under 3 years. These players have to take advantage of the opportunities when they can. I get it, and hold no ill feelings for them in that regard.
The part that has been lost in sports (and yeah, I'm waxing poetic now), is that the loyalty factor is gone. The player that spends his entire career with the same team is a rarity. Almost extinct. Mike Minter and Mike Rucker did so for the Panthers. Of course, you have to leave out the guys who have a "cup of coffee" in the bigs. Players that play more than, let's say 5-7 years, and are productive are the players I'm talking about. Peppers has been with the Panthers since day one. Right out of college. He's a fan favorite. And now, after his contract year of 14.5 sacks, he wants out, saying he wants to reach his fullest potential.
The Panthers stuck by him after his non-contract year of 2007. Defended him, saying he was contributing, even though his sack numbers (an honestly unfair way to judge performance of most defensive ends) were virtually non-existent. In 2007, he recorded 2.5 sacks. He began the year (in camp) with an illness, although no one would ever disclose what it was. If you saw the movie "Wayne's World," Wayne (Mike Myers), tells his girlfriend (Tia Carrera), "One time I thought I had mono(nucleosis) for an entire year, but it turns out I was really bored." That line sums up Peppers in 2007. I doubt he was sick all of 2007. Just bored, and going through the motions. In 2008, when he has to audition for every team in the league, he's Superman again, 14.5 sacks, forced fumbles, etc. Funny how that happened.
Peppers turned himself into a paycheck player. While that is good for some, it doesn't look good for a guy that team owner Jerry Richardson implored to step up and become a leader. This is not how leaders behave. Leaders stay in the fight, and keep swinging until they can't swing anymore.
So, if Peppers isn't a leader, that makes him a follower. And he is. He'll follow the biggest paycheck right out of town.
It's his right to do, but it's also the fans right to be bitter about it.
Good luck, Pepp, and thanks for the memories.
Mike Solarte
2 PM UPDATE--the Panthers got the Gross deal done, which reportedly makes him the highest paid offensive lineman in football. We've been hearing 6 years at $55 million total. Once we get the numbers, we'll pass them on.
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