Panthers: Four free agent updates

2. Punter Brad Nortman is gone

Only one team came into the new league year with more money to spend than the Jacksonville Jaguars, and they acted accordingly.

First, the Jaguars got a huge upgrade to their defensive line by giving defensive tackle Malik Jackson a huge deal. Reports state that it’s worth $90 million over six years with $42 million guaranteed. Then, they followed that up by signing running back Chris Ivory to the tune of five years and $32.5 million dollars.

Finally, they managed to poach away the Panthers punter Brad Nortman by offering a four-year deal. According to a report by Jonathan Jones of the Charlotte Observer the deal is worth $8.8 million total:

Nortman was selected by Carolina in the sixth round of the 2012 NFL draft. He has averaged 45.2 yards per punt in his career and a net of just under 40 per attempt. Apparently the Panthers made him an offer but it couldn’t compete with Jacksonville’s.

CFL kicker Swayze Waters is the most logical candidate to replace him at this time, but don’t be surprised if the Panthers bring in a few punters for tryouts when OTAs begin.