Dec, 24, 2011; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers tight end Jeremy Shockey (80) scores a touchdown as Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive back Ahmad Black (43) defends in the fourth quarter. The Panthers defeated the Buccaneers 48-16 at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-US PRESSWIRE

Shockey was a major weapon for Cam Newton last season, and fans are screaming for his return.

Why are we screaming for him? Why do the fans want to see him so bad?

Yes, he was a great tool in helping Cam Newton transition to the next level, but he doesn’t fit with the Panthers mindset.

First, he’s too old for the team. As of right now, the only prominent players on the team that is over 30 years old are Steve Smith and Jordan Gross. Now, at 31 Shockey isn’t ridiculously old, but he’s older than the coaches want.

If he was a few years younger, he would have signed a 4 year deal last year. But, he isn’t and that’s going to affect where he goes.

Second, his personality doesn’t match with the Big Cat. Sure, he toned down his over-the-top personality last season, but people still have a sour taste in their mouths from past years.

In 2008, amid trade speculations, Shockey refused to practice with his team, then the New York Giants. He is said to have even gotten into a heated argument with the general manager.

The Big Cat looks for character in his players, and Shockey doesn’t embody that.

Third, he’s an expendable player. This season the Panthers are extremely deep at TE. Greg Olsen is a stud and will be the sole starter for the position with great players like Gary Barnidge and Ben Hartsock.

Needless to say, though he is an amazing TE, Jeremy Shockey is not needed by Panthers. He doesn’t fit the outlook of the team either.

I know you are all fuming at me about this, but there is always a chance. No one ever thought that Carolina would bring in another star WR opposite Steve Smith, and they brought in Keyshawn. Unfortunately, that marriage led to a hasty divorce, and just may be the reason Jeremy Shockey is still a free agent.

Oct, 24, 2010; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver David Gettis (12) scores a touchdown in the first half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-US PRESSWIRE

If you head on over to Fansided’s NFL Mocks Bo Martin wrote a terrific piece concerning the RB situation Carolina has put themselves in. He has them trading for the #22 pick, but as Tom said in his Mock Draft, I could see it being for #4.

So with all that being said, lets take a look at some of the articles I’ve found to be interesting, to me at least.

Clipped from: www.charlotteobserver.com (share this clip)

Agent Drew Rosenhaus said he is in talks with the Carolina Panthers about veteran tight end Jeremy Shockey, although Rosenhaus believes Shockey likely will land with another NFL team.

From www.charlotteobserver.com (share this quote)

Clipped from: www.panthers.com (share this clip)

The Panthers have been awarded one compensatory draft choice in the 2012 NFL Draft, the NFL announced Monday. Carolina received a selection in the sixth round (207th overall), giving them a total of seven picks in next month’s draft.

From www.panthers.com (share this quote)

Clipped from: www.panthers.com (share this clip)

The first time Panthers wide receiver David Gettis reached the end zone as an NFL player, he broke into a Superman pose.

The first time Panthers quarterback Cam Newton reached the end zone as an NFL player – nearly a year later – he broke into a Superman pose.

From www.panthers.com (share this quote)

And that’s it for tonight. As usual, I’ll keep prowling the web for anything relevant to our favorite team. As for you? Continue reading here at CatCrave.com

All in all though this isn’t to big of a deal for the Panthers. The team only has 10 free agents this offseason and the only one that could possibly warrant a franchise tag is tight end Jeremy Shockey and even that is probably a stretch. (more…)