Ranking the 7 worst contracts in Carolina Panthers history
By Jason Huber
Sean Gilbert – Former Carolina Panthers DT
- Signed seven-year, $46.5 million deal in 1998
Whew, this deal was a doozy.
Sean Gilbert was one of the better defensive tackles in the NFL during the 90s while playing with the Rams and Washington. But he held out of the entire 1997 season while seeking a new contract.
The relationship between Washington and Gilbert fell apart and he decided to sign the seven-year, $46.5 million offer sheet with Carolina following a bombshell trade.
When Washington decided not to match it, the Panthers sent two first-round picks in exchange for Gilbert. Yes, two first-round picks. That was crazy then and even more insane now.
Gilbert wasn’t awful his first year of the deal, picking up six sacks and playing in all 16 games.
He played in every game as well his second year in Carolina. But then his play began to regress the next few years.
In years four and five of his deal, Gilbert dealt with injuries and he was released before the 2003 season.
In total, Gilbert played in 64 games and had 15.5 sacks. Those numbers wouldn’t be bad for a regular player, but considering the Panthers signed him to such a large deal and gave up that much draft capital makes it an extremely bad acquisition.