Wharton Hears a Who?
By John White
The shakeup along the Carolina Panthers offensive line is a work in progress. The team has been in contact with Barry Sims the Raiders free agent offensive tackle. Talks have been going well, according to the Rock Hill Herald.
"“The meeting went well, from a football standpoint and a personal standpoint,” agent Ken Vierra said Tuesday. “We’re going to talk some more and see what happens.”Vierra said he thought Sims and the Panthers were “a good fit” on many levels, saying “we’ll see if we can get something done.”Signing Sims would provide cover for what’s still anticipated to be a high pick of a tackle by the Panthers. They took a large contingent to Boise State’s pro day Monday to watch Ryan Clady, although he’s expected to be long gone by the time they pick 13th. They’re moving Travelle Wharton inside to guard provided they find a qualified tackle, and they might (again) move Jordan Gross from right to left tackle."
What the team does with Travelle Warton an Jordan Gross should be interesting. Gross was drafted to play tackle but is more of a natural right tackle. While Wharton is best suited to play inside at guard.
If a signing is possible for Sims, it would make sense for the team so both players could potentially move back to their preferred positions.
That brings us to today’s Quick Hits from Around the League…
NFL.com reports that the Raiders have agreed to terms with wide receiver Javon Walker. The deal is expected to be for six years and $55 million with $16 million guaranteed.
The Browns secured Shaun Rogers with a 6-year, $42 million deal. The deal includes $20 million guaranteed.
The Bears signed Marty Booker most recently of the Dolphins and formerly of the Bears. The more things change the more they stay the same. Booker was brought in, obviously, to help ease the pain of losing both Muhsin Muhammad and Bernard Berrian.
Eugene Wilson, the Patriots safety continues to remain a free agent as he left from the Steelers’ HQ without a deal in place.
Chad Pennington could receive some big money for returning to the Jets. His salary will move from $4.8 million to $6 million in ’08.
The Vikings recently-acquired Maurice Hicks sees himself as a third-down back with teh team.
The Dolphins continue their attempt to corner the market on free agents by signing the Chiefs’ special teams ace, Boomer Grigsby. They also met with return man Tab Perry from the Bengals on Tuesday.
Safety Will Demps will remain with the Texans after they re-signed him to a new deal.
Quinn Gray of the Jaguars is drawing long looks from the Packers. They are interested in potentially making him Aaron Rodgers’ backup.
Defensive end Josh Thomas of the Colts is expected to meet with the Titans today.
Jeb Putzier, the Broncos former tight end, was signed by the Seahawks to a one-year contract.
The Bucs continue meeting with running backs. The guy who could be stopping by their place next is Julius Jones of Dallas.
The Titans are expected to meet with Jones today.
Colts free agent guard Jake Scott will be visiting with the Titans today.
Backup running back Aveion Cason has re-signed with the Lions.