Carolina Panthers surprise – Jonathan Martin retires
They say all things happen for a reason whether it is planned, or a surprise. However, it is hard to say the reason today’s events happened. The Carolina Panthers received a huge surprise today, Monday, July 27th, when a source close to tackle Jonathan Martin said he will retire from the NFL. The NFL Network first reported the story and said the reason for Martin retiring was the road to take instead of having back surgery for an injury which might have sidelined him for the 2015 season.
Martin, 6’5″ and 315 lbs., and only 25 years old, was claimed off waivers in March by the Panthers with hopes of helping on the offensive line to protect Cam Newton and contribute to opening the running game for Jonathan Stewart. But now, what do the Panthers do and the other question is, what is this back injury Martin has? That news might be bigger, since the injury made it sounds as if he was going to miss the 2015 season anyway. Very strange.
Aug 15, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; Tennessee Titans offensive tackle Michael Oher (72) works against New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan (94) during a preseason game at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
But now you have to look at what the Panthers do. Taking out the possibility Martin was going to miss the 2015 season, he was plugged as a possible second team player. Throughout offseason workouts, Martin had been playing behind Michael Oher at left tackle. Therefore it appeared as if Martin was in the plans to be second string behind Oher. Now what do the Panthers do?
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Looking at the tackles who are currently on the roster, it is a very young group. This leaves Michael Oher, penciled in as the starter at left tackle and entering his seventh season, as the statesman of the group of tackles. David Foucault, entering his second season, Nate Chandler entering his fourth season and Martin Wallace, entering his second season, as the possibilities to be second string behind Oher. But, what about moving guard Amini Silatolu as the back-up to Oher? Mike Remmers, entering his
Dec 7, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Indianapolis Colts tackle Gosder Cherilus (78) against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Cots won 25-24. Mandatory Credit: Ron Schwane-USA TODAY Sports
third season, and Daryl Williams, a rookie, are the likely candidates for one of them to be the starter at right tackle.
Or, do the Panthers look to the free agent market. Gosder Cherilus, a natural right tackle was released earlier this week by the Indianapolis Colts. Do the Panthers bring him in and move him to the left side as a back-up?
So it is a mystery – Martin retiring suddenly, but the possibility he would not have played at all in 2015 because of a back injury. Things happen for a reason, no doubt about it, but this is a head scratcher still.