Wahle's philosophical about being released

Guard Mike Wahle was philosophical about his release by Carolina when I spoke with him yesterday -- but Wahle always has that warrior's mentality, philosophical with an edge.

    Wahle was never one to complain, but admitted in retrospect that he was dealing with injuries for much of his time here. "I played through some stuff," he said.  The most serious was a shoulder problem that affected him on and off.  He feels good now, though, and expects to be healthy next season.

    "I'm not planning on retiring," he said. "I plan to go and play another couple years."

         Wahle said he wasn't surprised at the move, adding, "We pushed money back (into 2008), and they really need to re-sign their tackles."

         Carolina gained about $4.1 million against the cap by cutting Wahle.

    "This is a great opportunity for me, and hopefully, it will work out best for both sides."

         Wahle's agent, Neil Cornrich, added, "The Panthers and general manager Marty Hurney were great to work with, but they simply have a bunch of talented interior linemen at this point, and in the NFL you
can't keep all your good players."

         Carolina has made a high priority of re-signing right tackle  Jordan Gross, and left tackle Travelle Wharton is also a free agent.

         There is plenty of interior help. The Panthers could move one of their two centers -- Justin Hartwig or Ryan Kalil -- into Wahle's left guard slot, and also in the mix are Jeremy Bridges, last year's starter at right guard, along with Geoff Hangartner, who has shown potential at the position. And they could further upgrade the line through free agency or the draft.

-- Stan Olson