How to Spend Nothing in 48 Hours!
By John White
The Carolina Panthers are certainly taking a conservative approach during these first two days of free agency. News has been hard to come by from Charlotte.
The team will visit today with another former Panther in Marlon McCree, the free agent safety from San Diego. McCree was with Carolina up to the 2005 season but left for the Chargers.
He’s now 31 years old but has some playing time left and was release because of salary cap issues. But how much playing time he has left is the big question.
Also, Panthers officials will sit down with defensive end Tyler Brayton out of Oakland today. At least Brayton is younger than 30 which would set him apart from other players either signed (Muhsin Muhammad) or coming in for visits (McCree).
General manager, Marty Hurney made some interesting comments to the Charlotte Observer:
"General manager Marty Hurney said the Panthers would take a “steady, active” approach to free agency, but he didn’t predict any big-splash signings early in the process.“We will sign players,” he said. “When you sign them is not as important as trying to get guys you think will fill roles.”"
So, I’m going to ask the question – what roles have been filled? Sure, we’re only in the second day of free agency, but the team has only visited with…what…three players? As fans, we’re not asking you to sign every single free agent out there. However, we would like you to at least test the market and maybe sit down with some solid players who are still available.
Shopping in the discount bin for players won’t help the team. I won’t argue that Brayton or McCree could fill roles on this team. Perhaps they can. But I’d say meeting with only three players is hardly going to help this team fill the holes still left open.
Marty, at least do some window shopping. No one is asking you to buy everything you see. We would, however, at least like to see you take a look in the window and hear you say, “WOW! What a nice defensive takcle that is!” Or even, “Now, there’s a wide receiver!!”
Oh, I almost forgot! There is other news going on around the league. And the top story is a big one!
The 49ers have signed defensive end Justin Smith from the Bengals. The deal is thought to be for 6 years and $45 million with $20 million in guarantees.
It might be easier to report who isn’t interested in Javon Walker, the free agent wide receiver from Denver. Seems that nearly every team has been showing interest. (ESPN)
The Falcons continue to visit with every tight end out there. Next, they’re meeting with Ben Hartsock from the Titans today. (Tennessean)
The Cardinals’ OLB Darryl Blackstock is drawing interest from both the Dolphins and the Bengals. (East Valley Tribune)
Jonathan Ogden, the Ravens tackle, could be considering retirement. (Carroll County Times)
Shane Olivea could be a target for the Jets. The team has inquired about the tackle from San Diego. (New York Daily News)
The Rochester Democrat & Chronicle confirms that the “wheels are turning” on a trade that would send DT Marcus Stroud from the Jaguars to the Bills.
Titans tight end Ben Troupe will be on his way to Buffalo after he finishes his visit with the Buccaneers. (Buffalo News)
Wide receiver Bryant Johnson from Arizona has a suitor in Buffalo.
The Giants are showing some interest in Alvin Pearman, the sometimes running back and often kick returner from Seattle.
NFL Network’s Adam Schefter reports the Eagles are shopping Lito Sheppard.
Lions acquired CB Leigh Bodden and a third-round pick in a deal that sent DT Shaun Rogers to Cleveland.
The Broncos are expected to meet with free agent LB Boss Bailey next week.