Two Carolina Panthers draft picks remain unsigned
As camp begins, two Carolina Panthers draft picks remain unsigned.
Carolina Panthers general manager Marty Hurney has worked to fill many of the voids on the roster this offseason. Making moves to add free agents in areas of need, the NFL Draft left Carolina with a few other places to focus.
The first two picks were used to secure a defensive end and tackle. Two linemen on opposite sides of the football and arguably the most glaring holes on a rebuilt roster. An aging group saw two retirements – Ryan Kalil and Julius Peppers – and an unwillingness of commitment to others who may be nearing the end of their careers.
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As rookie minicamp begins, the Panthers are set to practice with draft selections, undrafted free agents, some try-out players and a few returners. Almost all of them are under contract with the team except for first-round pick Brian Burns and second round choice, Greg Little. Even though neither is currently signed, they are both still expected to participate this weekend.
While it is not uncommon for those who hear their names called early in the draft to take longer during contract negotiations, fans will rest easier once they put pen to paper. Much of a rookie’s salary is regulated so there aren’t too many sticking points but both the players and their agents obviously want to get the best possible deal from the team.
Last year, wide receiver D.J. Moore was taken in the first-round but didn’t sign until mid-June. Cam Newton, who was the No. 1 overall pick in 2011, didn’t come to terms with the Panthers until late July. Teams own the rights to sign players for up to one-year after making them an official selection, but rarely does anyone go a full season without reaching some type of deal.
dark. Next. 2019 Stat Projections
The good news is both unsigned picks are still planning to participate and it is likely each will be under contract soon.