Cat Crave » Cuts

Cuts Provide Cap Relief and Surprises

John White — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 19:49:45 +0000

The Carolina Panthers are working to get their payroll under the cap limit.

In another salary cap move that apparently happened earlier this month, the Panthers converted cornerback Chris Gamble’s upcming $10 million roster bonus to a signing bonus, allowing them to pro-rate it and spread it over the next five seasons. It appears that resulted in about $8 million in cap savings for 2009.

This was somewhat unexpected but it does allow the team to save some space for at least a minor run in free agency.

The Panthers have just announced that they’ve released wide receiver D.J. Hackett, offensive lineman Jeremy Bridges and running back Nick Goings.

The three moves saved the Panthers just under $4.5 million on their 2009 salary cap — ($2.375 million savings for Bridges, $1.2825 million for Hackett and $820,000 for Goings).

The status of cornerback Ken Lucas remains uncertain. There has been speculation that he could be released or traded, which would create another $2.375 million in cap space.

The surprise here is the release of veteran Nick Goings. He’s been a steady player and a solid backup. Plus, he’s contributed on special teams. This one is a bit shocking.

It’s also a bit surprising that Bridges was released since he provided some solid depth along the offensive line.

CCR No. 25: Guests – Lombardi and Sorensen

John White — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 22:27:58 +0000

Cat Crave Radio has returned with our twenty-fifth episode! In this edition, we have two special guests - Michael Lombardi, a former NFL executive, Sports Illustrated contributor, analyst for NFL Network and writer for the National Football Post and Tom Sorensen of the Charlotte Observer.

Brian Miller from Phin Phanatic was back for Rant or Rave and Boom or Bust.

A Quick breakdown of the show follows. Enjoy!

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Episode Twenty-Five: August 31, 2008

In Episode Twenty-Five…

News - Preseason Game Four Versus the Steelers/Roster Cuts
Rant Or Rave – Brian Miller (Phin Phanatic)
Special Guest – Michael Lombardi (National Football Post)
Special Guest - Tom Sorensen (Charlotte Observer)
Boom or Bust – Brian Miller (Phin Phanatic)
The Top Five – Bold Panthers Predictions for 2008

For a complete archive of our shows, visit our Radio Page.

Cha-Ching! The Panthers Release Two

John White — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 21:42:13 +0000

The carnage that is the first day of cuts in the NFL has begun. In Charlotte the Carolina Panthers have released Dan Morgan, a seven-year vet who was once a key member of the defense at linebacker. The move is not a surprise due to the injuries that Morgan has sustained during his career and a perceived decline in his level of play.

Also today, in a slightly more surprising move, the Panthers released left guard Mike Wahle. This may be a sign that the team intends to make some changes along the offensive line. Wahle is a ten-year NFL vet that could still re-sign with the team at a reduced salary.

The two moves will impact the team’s salary cap (Morgan $2.1 million and Wahle $4 million) which could have been the impetus for letting go of Wahle.