Dec 13, 2009; Foxborough, MA, USA; Carolina Panthers offensive tackle Jeff Otah (79) reacts after a play against the New England Patriots during the fourth quarter at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Panthers 20-10. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-US PRESSWIRE

The Carolina Panthers have traded oft-injured tackle Jeff Otah to the New York Jets for an undisclosed conditional draft pick. Otah is in the final year of his rookie contract and is only about a $1 million cap help.

It looks to be just a business move. Otah hasn’t played 16 games in any of his first four seasons and only 4 games in ’10 and ’11 combined with knee injuries. With very limited work in mini-camp, he had to have an MRI look at it because of discomfort and swelling.

The Panthers would appear happy with Byron Bell, who filled in as the starter last season, and Bruce Campbell, whom they had earlier traded RB Mike Goodson for. The trade frees up a roster spot for a player that has room to grow and can stay healthy. Conversely, the move appears to try to light a fire under incumbent Jet RT Wayne Hunter. Perhaps they think they have a good player…between the two of them?

Tyrannosaurus Rex might be seen as reaching here, and each organization makes their own moves for the betterment of their team.

Rex Ryan needed depth or competition and may have gotten neither one, but at worst it might cost them a 7th-round pick is my guess so it fills a need for each team. The Panthers decided to cut ties with one player so they could make room for….?

Stay tuned when camp begins.

December 4, 2011; Tampa, FL, USA; Carolina Panthers tackle Jordan Gross (69) blocks during the second half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Carolina Panthers defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 38-19. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-US PRESSWIRE

I asked you last week who you though was the best Tackle on the Panthers’ O-Line. We had a total of 122 voters and you guys made it quite obvious that you love Jordan Gross. What follows is the official tally.

Jordan Gross (80%, 98 Votes)
Byron Bell (8%, 10 Votes)
Jeff Otah (7%, 8 Votes)
Lee Ziemba (3%, 4 Votes)
Garry Williams (2%, 2 Votes)

Again, our winner took 80% of the votes. (Weird because I think every winner so far has had 80% of the total votes).

Byron Bell is getting some love for stepping in as a starter when he had to.

Again thanks for voting, and stay tuned for the next edition of The Cat Crave Awards.

November 14, 2010; Tampa, FL, USA; Carolina Panthers offensive tackle Jordan Gross (69) and center Ryan Kalil (center) during the first half of their game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-US PRESSWIRE

We’re a few weeks in and the turn out has been amazing. This week we start addressing the offensive line. Instead of doing a poll with all of the offensive line-men, we will go by position.

So, to start it off, we will start with the tackles.

So vote! Comment! And let us know how you feel!