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Panthers: Team trying to reach deal with Graham Gano before Tuesday

By Danny Jaillet

FOXBORO, MA - OCTOBER 01: Graham Gano #9 of the Carolina Panthers kicks a 48-yard field goal during the fourth quarter to defeat the New England Patriots 33-30 at Gillette Stadium on October 1, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
FOXBORO, MA - OCTOBER 01: Graham Gano #9 of the Carolina Panthers kicks a 48-yard field goal during the fourth quarter to defeat the New England Patriots 33-30 at Gillette Stadium on October 1, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images) /
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The Carolina Panthers are trying to reach a deal with kicker Graham Gano.

It appears as though the Carolina Panthers may have to use their franchise tag before Tuesday’s franchise tag deadline. The team and kicker Graham Gano are trying to work out a long-term contract before the 4 p.m. deadline per Jourdan Rodrigue of the Charlotte Observer.

If both parties can’t work out a deal, then it is likely that Gano will get slapped with the tag. The franchise tag value for kickers this year is $4.8 million.

If a deal cannot be completed by Tuesday, both parties will have until July 16 to work out a deal. If nothing materializes, Gano will play the 2018 season under the franchise tag.

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Gano had a great year in 2017. He missed just one field goal and three extra point attempts which was good enough for the first Pro Bowl berth in his career.  It was great to see him bounce back after what was a rough 2016 campaign. He missed eight field goals in 2016 and had surgery to repair a broken bone in his foot. To say he played well last year would be an understatement.

There was talk as early as last week that the New York Giants were interested in Gano. Now, it appears the Giants may have to fight the Panthers for him.

I am not sure whether both sides can get a deal done before Tuesday. My guess here is that if they do not get a deal done Tuesday, they will get one done before the July 16 deadline. Even if he has had a slow return to form, he has been a vital piece to the Panthers’ success.

Since arriving to the team in 2012, Gano has appeared in 86 games, going 151-177 on field goals and 217-227 on extra point attempts.

Next: Panthers want to part ways with Anderson

There is no doubt that Gano is a good player and an important part of the team. Now, we will find out just how much he means to the Carolina Panthers.

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