Inside the Panthers

Panthers awarded extra picks

The Carolina Panthers were awarded two seventh-round picks in the April 26-27 NFL draft as compensation for losing Chris Draft and Vinny Ciurciu via free agency last year, the league announced today.

The Panthers received the 34th and 43rd picks in the last round, the 241st and 250th overall selections.

Draft signed with St. Louis after the 2006 season. Ciurciu signed with Minnesota.

The Panthers now have 10 overall picks in the seven-round draft, including two in the third round and three in the seventh.

The NFL awarded 32 compensatory picks to 15 teams. Under the collective bargaining agreement, a team losing more or better free agents than it acquires in a given year is eligible for compensatory picks.

-- Charles Chandler

Dungy high on Panthers signee Brayton

   PALM BEACH, Fla. -- Count Indianapolis coach Tony Dungy among the admirers of Panthers' free agent signee Tyler Brayton, a defensive end.

   The Colts haven't signed any outside free agents, but they tried to land Brayton. He visited with Indianapolis after his trip to Carolina, but eventually chose the Panthers.

   Though Brayton didn't fulfill the promise the Raiders hoped when they selected him in the first round of the 2003 draft, Dungy said the Colts remained high on his potential.

   "We liked Tyler coming out (of college at Colorado)," Dungy said Monday at the NFL owners' meetings. "We had real, real high grades on him."

   Dungy said he told Brayton that when the Colts were deciding who to pick with their 2003 first-round selection (No. 24 overall) they seriously considered taking Brayton before opting for tight end Dallas Clark.

   Brayton wound up going to Oakland eight picks later.

   Brayton started 49 games in his first four seasons with the Raiders, but never settled into a position and recorded only six sacks. He was tried at defensive end, linebacker and defensive tackle. Last season, he didn't start a game, didn't have a sack and had just 11 tackles.

   Despite his struggles in Oakland, Dungy said the Colts were very interested in seeing what he could have done in their defensive system.

   "We didn't see any reason to think we were wrong (in their grades before the '03 draft). We would've liked to have had him," said Dungy.

   Unless the Panthers pick a defensive end high in the draft, Brayton likely will compete with Charles Johnson for the starting right defensive end position.

   LEAGUE NEWS: Patriots owner Bob Kraft revealed today for the first time that former team employee Matt Walsh never signed a confidentiality agreement with the club. Lawyers for Walsh, now working on a golf course in Hawaii, have been negotiating with league attorneys so he can talk to NFL commissioner Roger Goodell about the "spygate" controversy. News reports have indicated that Walsh may have more information about illegal videotaping of opponents by the Patriots, including prior to their Super Bowl game with the St. Louis Rams.

    -- Charles Chandler

Panthers sign versatile OL Milford Brown

It's beginning to look like the Panthers are out to sign every guard they can find.

They added another Friday, signing unrestricted free agent Milford Brown, who is 6-foot-5 and 330 pounds. Contract terms were undisclosed.

Brown's signing comes on the heels of the team's agreement with another giant guard, Toniu Fonoti, on Tuesday, adding to the impression that Carolina wants to get bigger along the line and exploit the power running game.

Brown, 28, has played with Houston, Arizona and St. Louis over six seasons. He had 16 starts over four seasons with the Texans, then started 12 games for the Cardinals in 2006. With St. Louis in 2007, Brown started nine games at left guard, four at right tackle and two at right guard. The Panthers like linemen with that kind of versatility.

In addition to these two, Carolina has loaded up at the position with Keydrick Vincent and a likely shift of Travelle Wharton from tackle. Geoff Hangartner also returns.  Expect the O-line, which is likely to be bolstered by an offensive tackle in the draft, to have a completely different look this fall.

-- Stan Olson

Panthers attend private workout by Mendenhall

   Carolina Panthers officials held a private workout on campus today with Illinois running back Rashard Mendenhall (5, at right).

   Mendenhall is rated the No. 2 back available in the draft and could be a good fit in the Panthers' offense with his size (5-10, 225 pounds), power and breakaway explosiveness.

   The Panthers have the 13th pick in the first round, and Mendenhall is projected to go somewhere been picks 7 and 15.

   It is believed that Carolina sent its top officials to the workout, including GM Marty Hurney and head coach John Fox.

   This has been a running back-intensive week for the Panthers' pre-draft scouting process. Hurney attended the Arkansas pro day workout on Tuesday, where he got to watch top-rated back Darren McFadden and Felix Jones, who's projected as a late first- or early second-round pick.

   While there has been heavy speculation that the Panthers are targeting an offensive tackle or defensive end in the draft, there's reason to believe they have legitimate interest in picking one of the top running backs.

   Carolina needs a big back to serve as a compliment to DeAngelo Williams in the running game to help balance the offense to take pressure off of quarterback Jake Delhomme and receiver Steve Smith.

   Mendenhall and Oregon's Jonathan Stewart (5-10, 235 pounds) are the top two first-round prospects that fit the big-back description. Stewart's draft stock has slipped some because he recently underwent toe surgery and might not be available to practice until training camp, or even later.

   Mendenhall was named the Big Ten Conference offensive player of the year last season. He rushed for 1,681 yards and on 262 carries (6.4-yard average). He ran for 17 touchdowns and caught two TD passes.

   Because he didn't become a regular starter until his junior season in 2007, Mendenhall enters the NFL with little wear and tear on his body. He had 388 rushes at Illinois.

   Even though he's one of the bigger backs in the draft, Mendenhall ran the 40-yard dash in a swift 4.45 seconds at the NFL scouting combine. He had 26 repetitions in the 225-pound bench press -- double the 13 that McFadden managed at his pro day workout this week. Mendenhall's short shuttle time of 4.18 was the best among backs who performed the drill at the combine.

 

   -- Charles Chandler

Sources: Panthers might have interest in Robertson

   Keep an eye on evolving situation involving New York Jets' defensive tackle Dewayne Robertson.

   He might, just might, become a target of the Carolina Panthers.

   The Jets have been trying to trade Robertson, the fourth overall pick in the 2003 draft, for more than a month, but haven't been able to close out a deal.

   They tried to include him in the transaction when they traded for former Panthers defensive tackle Kris Jenkins. But Carolina wanted draft picks -- they received a third- and fifth-rounder -- and didn't want to inherit Robertson's big contract, according to sources.

   Robertson has a $6.8 million base salary next season with a $3 million roster bonus due June 2.

    Cincinnati, Denver and Detroit have been involved in trade talks with the Jets regarding Robertson (6-1, 317 pounds). The Bengals reportedly were going to give the Jets a fourth- and fifth-round pick, but he failed Cincinnati's physical and the deal fell through.

    Robertson has played for several years with a bone-on-bone injury in one of his knees. He hasn't missed a game because of it, but it could shorten his career. (He has started 75 games during his five-year career, recording 256 tackles and 14 1/2 sacks.)

   There is now speculation that the Jets might have to cut him, though they're saying publically that they may keep him. But with all New York has spent in free agency on players like Jenkins, Alan Faneca and Calvin Pace, it's highly unlikely they'll pay Robertson the $3 million roster bonus in June.

   Robertson has been a no-show so far at the Jets' offseason conditioning workouts.

   If the Jets release him, his contract will expire and teams would have the chance to negotiate a new deal more to their liking.

   If that happens, sources say Carolina likely will get involved, though it isn't clear how much they'd be willing to pay. The Panthers desperately need defensive tackle help and Robertson is superior to the other free agents currently available at that position.

   The Jets thought Robertson, 26, wasn't strong enough to play nose tackle in their 3-4 defense and essentially replaced him with Jenkins. But Robertson should be a much better fit in a 4-3 defense, which the Panthers use.

CHARLES CHANDLER

Panthers sign guard Fonoti

The Carolina Panthers have signed free agent guard Toniu Fonoti, a former second-round draft choice who has been in and out of the league in recent seasons because of weight problems.

The Panthers hope Fonoti (6-foot-4, 350 pounds), can compete for playing time at guard.

San Diego picked him in the second round of the 2002 draft. He started 14 games for the Chargers as a rookie, then spent the next season on injured reserve. In 2004, he started 16 games as San Diego went 12-4. Sports Illustrated named him first team All-Pro.

After another injury and with his weight reportedly up to about 390, the Chargers traded him to Minnesota in 2005. He didn’t last with the Vikings. Atlanta signed him last March, but released him during training camp.

CHARLES CHANDLER

Smith, Hackett ranked among top WR tandems

According to newly-released rankings by Scouts Inc., the Carolina Panthers have upgraded their receiving corps to one of the best in the NFL with their offseason work.

Scouts Inc. released a ranking of the league’s top 64 receivers on ESPN.com today. Carolina’s Steve Smith and D.J. Hackett ranked as one of the top six starting pairs in the league and the addition of Muhsin Muhammad gave the Panthers one of the three top trios.

The Panthers set out to upgrade their receivers after last season and signed Muhammad and Hackett as free agents. They allowed Keary Colbert and Drew Carter to leave via free agency for the Broncos and Raiders, respectively. Neither of those players made the top 64.

Smith ranked third overall behind New England’s Randy Moss and Dallas’ Terrell Owens. Hackett ranked 34th despite missing 10 games for Seattle last season with a high ankle sprain. Muhammad was rated No. 55.

Here’s a list of the top receiving duos and trios, based on Scouts Inc.’s rankings:

TOP TANDEMS

1. Arizona – Larry Fitzgerald (6), Anquan Boldin (11)

2. Indianapolis – Reggie Wayne (5), Marvin Harrison (13)

3 (tie) New England – Randy Moss (1), Wes Welker (23)

3 (tie) Cincinnati – Chad Johnson (8), T.J. Houshmandzadeh (16)

5 (tie) Carolina – Steve Smith (3), D.J. Hackett (34)

5 (tie) Pittsburgh – Hines Ward (18), Santonio Holmes (19)

TOP TRIOS

1. Indianapolis – Wayne, Harrison, Anthony Gonzalez (47)

2. Cincinnati – C.Johnson, Houshmandzadeh, Chris Henry (44)

3. Carolina – Smith, Hackett, Muhsin Muhammad (55).

4. Dallas – Terrell Owens (2), Patrick Crayton (45), Terry Glenn (53).

5. Cleveland – Braylon Edwards (7), Donte Stallworth (37), Joe Jurevicious (60).

CHARLES CHANDLER

Panthers, others wait to see Otah

Originally, this might have been the day for some Panthers brass to descend on Pittsburgh, where the university of the same name was holding its pro day workouts.

Pitt’s Jeff Otah is considered by most to be one of the top four offensive tackles in the NFL draft.

But today’s drills went on without Otah, who is sidelined with a high left ankle sprain and is believed to be about two weeks away from being back at full strength. He’s now scheduled to work out for the NFL folks on April 9.

Otah, who is 6-foot-6 and 322 pounds with long arms that give him excellent leverage, is a possible first-round pick in the April 26-27  draft but is listed behind fellow tackles Jake Long, Ryan Clady and Chris Williams on many draft lists. He was an all-Big East pick last season and started 12 games despite being bothered by the ankle.

-- Stan Olson

ESPN2 mock draft: The Panthers select ...

  Participated in a Mock Draft on ESPN2's "First Take" this morning and was surprised to find three top offensive tackles available at Pick No. 13 along with Florida defensive end Derrick Harvey.

  "First Take" asked beat writers from every NFL city to participate and to make the selection that they thought the teams they covered would make. Apparently, one pick is being made per weekday leading up to the draft.

  The Panthers would love to have the buffet table that I found today when asked to make the No. 13 selection. The only offensive tackle who had been selected was Michigan's Jake Long.

  That meant the tackles still on the board were Boise State's Ryan Clady, Vanderbilt's Chris Williams and Pittsburgh's Jeffrey Otah. So was Harvey, the Gators' pass-rushing specialist.

  It is almost inconceivable that that foursome will actually be avalable when the Panthers' turn to pick comes on April 26.

  My pick was Clady. He's a left tackle who is projected by some draft analysts to be a top 5 or top 10 pick. Panthers officials attended his March 3 workout and had lunch with him.

  If the Panthers get Clady, they can switch Travelle Wharton to left guard and probably leave Jordan Gross at right tackle instead of moving him to the left side.

  Here's a look of the first 13 picks as they went on "First Take." Just for fun, who would you have taken at No. 13 based on the way writers around the country made the first 12 picks as listed here?

1. Miami -- Chris Long, Virginia DL
2. St. Louis -- Jake Long, Michigan OT
3. Atlanta -- Glenn Dorsey, LSU DT
4. Oakland -- Vernon Gholston, Ohio State DE
5. Kansas City -- Sedrick Ellis, USC DT
6. New York Jets -- Darren McFadden, Arkansas RB
7. New England -- Aquib Talib, Kansas CB
8. Baltimore -- Matt Ryan, Boston College QB
9. Cincinnati -- Phillip Merlin, Clemson DE
10. New Orleans -- Leodis McKelvin, Troy CB
11. Buffalo -- Malcolm Kelly, Oklahoma WR
12. Denver -- Rashard Mendenhall, Illinois RB
13. Carolina -- Ryan Clady, Boise State OT

-- Charles Chandler

Chris Williams at Vanderbilt's Pro Day

Every one of the NFL's 32 teams had a representative at Vanderbilt's Pro Day today, and many - including the Panthers - were there to look at offensive tackle Chris Williams. In the morning workout, Williams did primarily position drills under the instruction of Washington assistant head coach for offense Joe Bugel, letting his NFL Scouting Combine numbers stand.

Williams measured out to 6-foot-6 1/4 and weighed in at 320 pounds, according to Larry Leathers of the school's media relations department.

With the Panthers picking 13th and Williams climbing a bit recently in some mock drafts, he could be an important target for Carolina. He is considered one of four offensive tackles almost certain to go in the first round, and trails only Michigan's Jake Long and Boise State's Ryan Clady on many lists. Long and Clady, though, will be well out of Carolina's range unless the Panthers trade up. Also in the first-round mix is Pittsburgh's Jeff Otah.

Williams had a remarkable senior season for the Commodores, starting all 12 games at left tackle and allowing just one sack and one pressure in 836 snaps. He had the highest rating for offensive consistency (85.67 percent) of any down lineman in the SEC, and was Vanderbilt's first All-SEC first-team choice at the position since 1984.

The day was a big one for Vandy, which had 12 players work out. Among them was highly thought-of wide receiver Earl Bennett, who caught passes from former Commodores' standout Jay Cutler.--STAN OLSON

Gross signs one-year tender ...

Panthers offensive tackle Jordan Gross signed his one-year tender today, officially putting him under contract for 2008.

The Panthers placed the franchise tag on Gross, which kept him away from other teams in free agency and assured him a salary of $7.45. million this year – an average of the top 10 salaries for offensive linemen in 2007.

The signing does not preclude Gross from signing a longer-term contract with the Panthers. The sides tried to work out a new before the Panthers put the franchise tag on him prior to free agency.

Negotiations are likely to resume soon, but for now, the two sides don’t seem very close.

CHARLES CHANDLER

Next pro day workout: Vandy OT Chris Williams

Carolina Panthers officials are expected to be in Nashville tomorrow morning for a pro day workout by Vanderbilt offensive tackle Chris Williams, a possible choice with the team’s No.. 13 overall pick in the first round.

Team officials have been attending similar workouts around the country in recent weeks, including those for Florida defensive end Derrick Harvey, Boise State offensive tackle Ryan Clady and Boston College offensive tackle Gosder Cherilus.

Williams is rated one of the top four tackles in the draft and is projected to go in the first half of the first round.

CHARLES CHANDLER

Projected Panthers lineup, as of today

Here’s a look at the Panthers projected starting lineup as of today. It includes four of the eight free agent signees. Look for at least one or two new starters to come from the draft.

   

QB - Jake Delhomme ... Recovery from elbow surgery said to be going well.
   RB - DeAngelo Williams ... Ready for more carries, but sidekick could come from draft.
   FB - Brad Hoover ... Mr. Reliable back for another year.
   WR - Steve Smith ... Finally, he may get the help he needs.
   WR - D.J. Hackett--x ... If he's healthy, he could be a force. Muhsin Muhammad also a factor.
   TE - Jeff King ... Figures to split playing time with Dante Rosario.
   RG - Keydrick Vincent--x ... This could be Bridges if an OT comes via the draft.
   LG - Travelle Wharton ... Better suited to move inside than to play LT.
   RT - Jeremy Bridges-y ... First- or second-round draft pick could start here or at LT. Gross can play either.
   LT - Jordan Gross ... Franchise player waiting to hear which side he'll play.
   C - Ryan Kalil ... Is he ready to live up to potential after release of Hartwig?

 

DT - Damione Lewis ... His quickness will help, but Panthers need depth here.
   DT - Ma’ake Kemoeatu ... With Jenkins gone, he's the primary run stuffer on the line.
   DE - Julius Peppers ... Panthers need him to return to form after a subpar '07.
   DE - Charles Johnson-y ... Signee Tyler Brayton could start; so could a draftee like Derrick Harvey.
  MLB - Jon Beason ... In only one year, he's become the team's rock solid defensive leader.
   OLB - Thomas Davis ... Finally coming into his own and may be ready for breakout season.
   OLB - Landon Johnson-x ... Former Bengal will battle with Na'il Diggs for this spot.
   CB - Ken Lucas ... Richard Marshall is an excellent backup who could beat out Lucas or Gamble.
   CB - Chris Gamble ... Cornerback is probably the Panthers' most stable position in terms of recent turnover.
   SS - Chris Harris ... New contract reveals team's confidence in his long-term viability as a starter.
   FS - Terrence Holt-x ... This spot is still a question mark. Holt struggled last year with Cardinals.

   x - New signees who arrived via free agency.
   y - Draft could yield new starter.

Panthers sign S Terrence Holt

  The Carolina Panthers have signed free agent safety Terrence Holt, a former N.C. State standout who becomes a leading candidate to start at free safety.

    Contract details weren't available.

    Holt (6-2, 208 pounds) started all 16 games at free safety for the Arizona Cardinals last season and led their defensive backs with 75 tackles. However, it was missed tackles and missed interception opportunities that caused him to fall out of favor with the Cardinals, who released him Feb. 21.

    His play didn't match what the Cardinals expected when they signed him last year to a five-year, $15 million contract. They actually paid him $4 million -- a $2 million base salary and a $2 million roster bonus. They cut him before owing him another $1.5 million roster bonus on March 13.

    Holt, 28, will try to revive his career less than two hours from his home in Gibsonville. He was a second-team All-American at N.C. State as a senior in 2002 and was picked by the Detroit Lions in the fifth round of the 2003 draft  He's the brother of Rams receiver Torry Holt.

   "Terrence is a very smart, talented player who brings experience to our safety position," said Carolina general manager Marty Hurney. "We've liked him since he came out of college and feel very fortunate to add him to our roster."

   Based on the players on the Panthers' roster, he's probably penciled in as the first-team free safety. However, the team may also look at other options at the position.

-- Charles Chandler

OT Sims not out of picture

    Don't forget about offensive tackle Barry Sims just yet.

    The Panthers and Sims' agent are expected to talk again after the draft, when Carolina will better know what its needs are at tackle. Right now, the expectation is that the team will probably use its first pick on an OT.

    But that doesn't rule out Sims, who despite being 33 is both durable (109 starts) and large (6-5, 300 pounds). The latter aspect fits the remaking of this offensive line, which is moving from finesse to power. Other teams have some interest in Sims as well, including San Francisco, Miami and Denver.

     "What we're going to do is wait until after the draft (April 26-27)," said Ken Vierra, Sims' agent, today. "If an opportunity appears before  then, we'll consider it, but we'll likely wait and see how the landscape looks at the end of April."

    The idea being that even some highly rated college tackles prove not quite ready to start in the NFL, and that's where Sims could enter the picture.

    "Oakland had three guys who were supposed to be the next left tackle, and Barry always ended up starting," Vierra said.

    Keep in mind that Oakland, where Sims played in the past, has had its tackle of the future in place before (Robert Gallery, anyone?) only to see Sims doing the job once more when the younger player proved unready.

          Sims could wind up as a security blanket for some team; possibly the Panthers. There, he could mentor a young player and  possibly play if inexperience or injury prevents the new guy from  stepping into the lineup right away.

-- Stan Olson

Florida papers on Gators' pro day

  The appearance of Carolina head coach John Fox at defensive end Derrick Harvey's pro day workout at Florida Tuesday stirred plenty of speculation among media who cover the Gators.

     Harvey is among players, including several offensive tackles, the Panthers are believed to be closely evaluating to take with their first-round pick (No. 13 overall).

     Fox attended Harvey's workout with defensive coordinator Mike Trgovac and defensive line coach Sal Sunseri.

     Fox declined to speak to reporters afterward, but got plenty of press.

     The Daytona Beach News-Journal led its story with Fox and quoted Harvey talking about his visit with the coach.  

     Here's a Gainesville Sun story and a nice photo of Harvey running.

     The Florida Times-Union made note of Fox's extensive conversation with Harvey.

     The Florida workout is one of many that Panthers coaches, executives and scouts have attended and will attend before the draft April 26-27.

      But keep a close eye on Harvey. He's almost certainly on the Panthers' short list for their first-round pick. Others likely on the list: offensive tackles Ryan Clady (Boise State), Chris Williams (Vanderbilt) and Jeffrey Otah (Pittsburgh), plus running backs Rashard Mendenhall (Illinois) and Jonathan Stewart (Oregon), and possibly Clemson defensive end Phillip Merling.

 

    -- Charles Chandler

Hartwig, Steelers agree to terms

Recently released Panthers center Justin Hartwig agreed to terms Tuesday with the Pittsburgh Steelers on a two-year contract worth $4 million. It includes a $975,000 signing bonus. Carolina cut Hartwig this month after deciding to turn over the starting center job to 2007 second-round pick Ryan Kalil. Kansas City and St. Louis were also said to be interested in Hartwig.

Panthers interested in Florida's DE Harvey

While GM Marty Hurney and the Panthers offensive line coach were at Boston College today checking out Eagles offensive tackle Gosder Cherilus (see previous blog), head coach John Fox, defensive coordinator Mike Trgovac and defensive line coach Sal Sunseri were in Florida scouting Gators defensive end Derrick Harvey.

Numerous mock drafts have had the Panthers taking Harvey with their first-round pick, No. 13 overall.

If Carolina drafts him, Harvey (6-5, 271 pounds) would become the leading candidate to start at right defensive end opposite Julius Peppers.

The Panthers' contingent was seen huddling with Harvey at the pro day, according to a source in attendance.

Harvey participated in positional drills but didn't run the 40-yard dash.

At the NFL combine in February, his 40 time was acceptable but not as fast as expected (4.84 seconds). However, he tied for seventh at the combine among defensive linemen with 31 repetitions bench-pressing 225 pounds, and he was sixth in the 20-yard shuttle (4.36 seconds).

One of the most amazing statistics regarding Harvey is his 82-inch wingspan. Those long arms should serve him well in the NFL.

He had 8 1/2 sacks, 17 tackles for loss and five defelected passes last season. During the Gators' 2006 national championship season, he had 11 sacks and was the defensive MVP of the BCS national title game (three sacks and a fumble recovery vs. Ohio State).

-- Charles Chandler

Search for OT makes stop in Boston

   The Carolina Panthers' inspection of potential offensive tackle prospects continues today at Boston College.

   We've learned that GM Marty Hurney, director of college scouting Don Gregory and offensive line coach Dave Magazu are scheduled to attend the pro day workout this afternoon at BC, where offensive tackle Gosder Cherilus is regarded as a potential first-round pick.

   Cherilus (left, 6-7, 314 pounds) played left tackle last season after playing the previous three years on the right side. Cherilus, 22 and born in Haiti, is generally considered a better NFL prospect at right tackle.

   The Panthers are believed to be strongly considering using their first-round pick (13th overall) on a tackle. The other top prospects are Michigan's Jake Long, Boise State's Ryan Clady, Vanderbilt's Chris Williams and Pittsburgh's Jeff Otah.

   Hurney and coach John Fox attended Clady's workout at Boise State earlier this month and had lunch with him.

   It might be a reach to pick Cherilus as high as 13th, but he'd be a bargain late in the first round or by the time the Panthers pick in the second round (43rd).

   One potential scenerio: If the Panthers choose a running back (such as Rashard Mendenhall or Jonathan Stewart) or a defensive end ( like Derrrick Harvey) in the first round, they could target a tackle like Cherilus next and possibly trade up to do so.

   The featured attraction at Boston College today is QB Matt Ryan, who will be working out for scouts for the first time after skipping the Senior Bowl and workouts at the league combine.

   It's a huge day for him. Ryan is a potential No. 1 overall pick and almost certainly won't last until No. 13.

   Most likely, the Panthers can't afford to use their first-rounder on a quarterback because of more pressing needs at other positions (OT, DE, RB, DT), plus the fact that Hurney and Fox probably need a winning season to remain in their jobs. Hence, the need for a position player ready to help immediately.

   

-- Charles Chandler

Tracking Julius Peppers: Denver

   So why was Julius Peppers in Denver for a Nuggets game Sunday instead of in Charlotte to watch his alma mater, North Carolina, play for the ACC tournament championship?

   A report that he was sighted watching the Nuggets has once again stirred up trade speculation about Peppers.

   Just like before, the Panthers insist it doesn't mean a thing and they have zero plans to deal Peppers.

   It turns out that Peppers has been working out in Arizona, which is obviously closer to Denver than Charlotte.

   That also means he wasn't at Bank of America Stadium today for the start of the Panthers' voluntary offseason conditioning program.

    GM Marty Hurney said the team isn't concerned about that and expects Peppers in for workouts soon.

 

  -- Charles Chandler

Hackett's ankle not a concern, agent says

  The high sprain in D.J. Hackett's right ankle, which caused him to miss 10 games for Seattle last season, is completely healed, according to his agent.

    "It's not an issue whatsoever," said agent Kevin Robinson.

    If Hackett, 26, can stay healthy, the Panthers may find that they've landed one of the NFL's up-and-coming young receivers. He agreed to terms with Carolina on a two-year, $3.5 million deal Monday.

    Hackett caught 32 passes for 384 yards and three touchdowns last season, playing in  six games, all starts, for the Seahawks.

    He had only one dropped pass all season, according to Stats Inc.

 Robinson said the Panthers told Hackett during his visit last weekend that he'd start at wide receiver with Steve Smith. Competition for that spot figures to come from Muhsin Muhammad and Dwayne Jarrett.

    The arrival of Hackett and Muhammad this offseason should provide a substantial upgrade over outgoing free agents Keary Colbert and Drew Carter, who signed with Denver and Oakland, respectively.

    However, the Panthers will miss Carter's deep speed. They'll probably need to count on second-year pro Ryne Robinson to be an occassional deep threat. He figures to be the No. 5 receiver.   

    Getting Hackett also takes some pressure off of Jarrett, a second-round pick last season who had a disappointing rookie season and recently made headlines off-the-field when he was charged with driving while impaired.

 

   -- Charles Chandler

Panthers reach deal with Hackett

D.J. Hackett is coming to Carolina.

The Panthers agreed to terms Monday with Seattle’s free-agent receiver on a two-year, $3.5 million contract. Hackett improves the Panthers’ depth at the receiver position opposite Steve Smith. He is expected to compete with Muhsin Muhammad and Dwayne Jarrett for a starting spot.

"D.J. is extremely excited," said Hackett's agent, Kevin Robinson. "He was impressed with Marty Hurney, coach (John) Fox and really liked the entire Carolina organization."

-- Charles Chandler

'Voluntary' conditioning starts today

    The Panthers' voluntary offseason conditioning program begins today, and will run through May. The program is called voluntary, but not participating is frowned upon. Management was not happy, for instance, when defensive tackle Kris Jenkins decided to stay home and work out in Maryland last year instead of doing the Bank of America Stadium workouts. And in the past, wide receiver Steve Smith has forfeited workout bonuses by not participating. Those who do not show up for the drills, though, are rare. Pluses are an improvement in team chemistry as guys get to know each other and the ability of the team to monitor which drills -- and how many -- a player does.

    Quarterback Jake Delhomme continues to rehabilitate his right elbow following Tommy John surgery, and word is that Delhomme's recovery is  proceeding very well. He continues to rehab, and is expected to be ready for training camp -- which begins at the end of July -- with no problem. The same is true for third-string quarterback Brett Basanez, who is recovering from a torn thumb ligament that cost him all of last season. Basanez, well thought of by the Panthers, is expected to compete with Matt Moore for the backup job.

-- Stan Olson

WR Hackett expected to pick a team soon

It may be another day or two before D.J. Hackett makes a decision, but the Carolina Panthers remain in strong contention to sign the Seahawks' free agent wide receiver, according to a league source.

Hackett visited Washington, Tampa Bay and Carolina last week, and also has been considering a return to Seattle.

   Negotiations with multiple teams, including the Panthers, are believed to be well underway.

   The Panthers need another receiver to compete with Muhsin Muhammad and Dwayne Jarrett for playing time alongside Steve Smith.

   --- Charles Chandler

Hackett to contemplate offers ...

It’s not necessarily bad news for the Panthers that Seattle free agent receiver D.J. Hackett didn’t sign with them during his weekend visit with the team.

It hasn’t been Carolina’s style this year to try to pressure visiting free agents to sign before they leave town. Oakland defensive end Tyler Brayton visited Carolina and then went on to Indianapolis before choosing the Panthers.

Bengals linebacker Landon Johnson flew back to Cincinnati after his Charlotte visit before accepting the Panthers offer and flying back to sign the contract.

Now it’s Hackett’s turn. The Panthers’ competition comes from Seattle, Tampa Bay and Washington. He’s likely to make his choice in the next few days.

CHARLES CHANDLER

Hackett's in town for visit

We're told that Seattle free agent wide receiver D.J. Hackett has made it to Charlotte. Now the question is whether the Panthers can convince him to play for them.

Hackett flew to town earlier today after visiting Washington and Tampa Bay on consecutive days. His stay here is supposed to last into Saturday.

Then he'll decide whether to stay with the Seahawks or pick one of the other three teams.

The Panthers sure could use more depth at wide receiver to compete with Muhsin Muhammad, Dwayne Jarrett, Travis Taylor and Ryne Robinson for playing time next to Steve Smith.

Seahawks fans and Hackett's fantasy football owners can tell you how productive he was last season when healthy. The problem is he had ankle problems and missed 10 games.

Still, he's by far the best wide receiver left on the market and he's got big-time potential.

-- Recently released Panthers center Justin Hartwig visited the Steelers today. The Rams might also be interested.

-- There's still no word on whether the Patriots are going to sign Carolina restricted free agent linebacker Adam Seward to an offer sheet.

-- Good move by the 49ers deciding not to give Jerry Rice's No. 80 jersey number to recent signee Isaac Bruce. Even though Bruce had many outstanding years with the Rams wearing 80, no one should wear it for San Francisco again now that Rice, the NFL's all-time leading receiver, has retired.

-- Shifting sports, if the Yankees had invited Stan to try out rather than Billy Crystal, there's no way he would've struck out.

-- Charles Chandler

Hackett update

The Washington Redskins tried to prevent Seattle free agent wide receiver D.J. Hackett's planned trips to Tampa Bay and Carolina.

Washington made Hackett a contract offer earlier today during his visit there, but he put off making a decision because he wanted to explore his other East-coast options.

He boarded a flight late Thursday afternoon and headed to Tampa. After meeting with Bucs officials, he's expected to fly to Charlotte late Friday and to visit with the Panthers on Saturday.

After that, he's expected to choose whether to remain with the Seahawks or leave for one of the other three teams.

New Redskins coach Jim Zorn could give Washington an edge because he was Seattle's quarterbacks coach and knows Hackett well.

-- CHARLES CHANDLER

Panthers raising ticket prices

The Panthers are raising ticket prices by approximately 4.5 percent next season, according to team spokesman Charlie Dayton.

Dayton said ticket invoices to PSL holders have been mailed.

The Panthers are coming off a disappointing 7-9 season. They did not raise prices last year.

Dayton said the Panthers' average ticket price still ranks in the bottom half of the NFL.

-- CHARLES CHANDLER

O-line: More talent, less experience?

    Last year, the Panthers used a second-round pick (59th overall) in the NFL draft to grab center Ryan Kalil, a move that surprised just about everyone not in Carolina's war room, where the decision was made.  After all, the team already had two competent centers -- Justin Hartwig, who had completed the first year of a five-season deal on injured reserve but expected to be healthy in 2007, and Geoff Hangartner, who subbed ably for Hartwig while he was hurt.

    Carolina, though, has subscribed to the theory that you get the best available player -- regardless of position -- when your pick comes around. The Panthers had Kalil rated far higher than 83rd on their board, so they grabbed him.

    There turned out to be a problem, though; neither Hartwig nor Kalil   was all that great at guard. So Hartwig started and Kalil mostly sat last season. Until now. With Tuesday's release of Hartwig, it's obvious that Kalil will get his shot at center. And, by the time training camp starts, Carolina is likely to have no offensive line starter playing the same position he did last year.

    The key, of course, is adding one of those quality tackles in the first or possibly second round of the NFL draft. If that happens, the line has a chance to be more talented -- if less experienced -- than last year's group.  All the shuffling is something of a gamble, but after 8-8 and 7-9 seasons, it's time to gamble a little. And a quality O-line  is a must to play the kind of ground control football coach John Fox so loves.

-- Stan Olson

Note: Edited to correct Kahlil's overall draft number, which was listed incorrectly in the Panthers' media guide.

Former Panther Carter signs with Raiders

With receivers bouncing around in an NFL version of musical chairs, the latest to grab a seat is free agent Drew Carter, late of the Panthers. Carter was picked up by Oakland, and maybe this time things will work out. Carter, for one thing, is very fast and Oakland likes to throw the ball deep, so that could be a good thing for both sides.

Carter, who also drew interest from Tampa Bay and Tennessee, never quite hit his stride with Carolina. A fifth-round draft choice in 2004, he missed his rookie season due to injury and totaled just 33 receptions in the following three seasons. But it was never like he had no ability -- eight of those 33 catches went for touchdowns.

Sometimes a guy just needs a change of scenery. We’ll see if that’s the case with Carter.

STAN OLSON

Source: David Carr to join Giants

Former Panthers backup quarterback David Carr has agreed to terms with the New York Giants on a one-year contract. It's reportedly a $1 million deal plus incentives, according to a league source close to the situation.

   Carr is expected to be the top backup behind Eli Manning for the defending Super Bowl champions.
   In New York, Carr will be reunited with assistant coach Chris Palmer, who served as offensive coordinator when Carr was with the Houston Texans.
   Carr is looking to bounce back from two consecutive disappointing seasons. After Houston released him last year, he signed a two-year deal with the Panthers, and was expected to be a solid backup behind Jake Delhomme.
   But after Delhomme's season ended because of injury, Carr suffered a back injury and struggled. He eventually was benched in favor of 44-year-old Vinny Testaverde and undrafted rookie Matt Moore.

-- CHARLES CHANDLER

Hackett signing would be big deal

If you haven't checked the latest news on Charlotte.com, Carolina is to receive a visit Friday from free agent D.J. Hackett, formerly of Seattle. Hackett is one of the best two remaining UFA receivers out there, along with Arizona's Bryant Johnson, and his addition would be a huge boost for Carolina.  Suddenly, the Panthers would have a ready-to-go No. 2 receiver behind Steve Smith instead of the current situation, where the spot falls to either inexperienced and in-trouble second-year receiver Dwayne Jarrett or the aging Muhsin Muhammad.

    If Hackett signs with Carolina, things change dramatically. Injuries limited him to six games last season, but he still caught 32 balls, which figures out to 85 over a 16-game season. At 6-2, he moves to the front of the line as the big receiver Carolina has been looking for.

    There's a catch, though. Hackett has had injury problems in Seattle, and has yet to play more than 14 games in a season. At this point, though, he's probably worth the gamble.  Finally healthy at the end of last season, he had six catches for 101 yards in the Seahawks' wildcard playoff victory over Washington, and two more receptions in the loss to Green Bay.  He can be a difference-maker, making it more difficult for teams to double cover Smith without thinking twice about it.

--Stan Olson

Hartwig release costs cap room

Unlike the other times they cut players this offseason, the Panthers did not save salary cap room by releasing center Justin Hartwig Tuesday.

The move actually cost the Panthers an extra $750,000 against their cap. Hartwig was scheduled to count $3.75 million if he was on the team, but now he’ll count $4.5 million because of bonus prorations for the three years remaining on his contract.

-- Charles Chandler

Panthers tried to trade Hartwig

General manager Marty Hurney said the Panthers tried to trade Justin Hartwig, but didn’t get an offer and released him rather than force him to play out of position.

Hurney said the Panthers had decided to move Ryan Kalil, a 2007 second-round pick, to the starting center spot and were going to let Hartwig compete for the starting right guard position. But Hartwig much prefers center, so the Panthers cut him so he could find another team that needs a center.

CHARLES CHANDLER

Panthers release Hartwig

The Carolina Panthers released center/guard Justin Hartwig today, the team announced.

That clears the way for Ryan Kalil, a second-round pick last season, to take over as the starting center.

Hartwig was a prominent free agency signing for the Panthers in 2006. However, he missed most of that season with injuries.

More details to come later.

CHARLES CHANDLER

Breaking down Panthers' remaining needs

      With the free agency market almost picked clean and preparations for the draft heating up, here’s a look at the Panthers’ remaining needs. It should be obvious that there is  plenty of work left to do:

   OFFENSIVE TACKLE: Signs point to the Panthers using their first-round pick, No. 13 overall, on a tackle to pair with Jordan Gross and allow the move of Travelle Wharton from left tackle to left guard. It’s a superb year for tackles at the top of the draft. Players who could be available at No. 13, or a little higher via trade-up, are Boise State’s Ryan Clady, Pittsburgh’s Jeff Otah (31, above), and Vanderbilt’s Chris Williams.

   

DEFENSIVE TACKLE: The Panthers are  in serious need of depth behind starters Damione Lewis and Ma’ake Kemoeatu. The only other DT on the roster is inexperienced Gary Gibson. They hosted visits from former Falcon Rod Coleman and Chicago free agent Ian Scott, but health concerns so far have prevented them from signing either. They’ve also had contract talks with ex-Bear Darwin Walker, but the two sides haven’t gotten close to a deal. Another name to watch who’s still on the market is Buffalo free agent Larry Tripplett, who best days came with the Colts.

   

RUNNING BACK: Is LaBrandon Toefield really the answer to split carries with DeAngelo Williams? He didn’t break into the lineup in Jacksonville in five years, but has potential and the big-back size the Panthers want. Still, it’s extremely realistic to expect the team to use one of its early-round draft picks on a back. This is considered a good year for backs in the draft.

   

WIDE RECEIVER: The need at this position became more urgent with the news Tuesday that Dwayne Jarrett was arrested for DWI. It doesn’t mean he still can’t compete for a starting position, as the team has been hoping. But his status definitely became shakier, as the Panthers’ tersely-worded statement on the matter attests. The only legitimate candidates on the roster to start alongside Steve Smith are Jarrett and Muhsin Muhammad. There’s not much left in free agency. The most highly-rated unsigned free agents are Seattle’s D.J. Hackett, who has battled injury problems, and Arizona’s Bryant Johnson. Neither of them have the top-end speed the Panthers need. Another possibility could be re-signing free agent Drew Carter. So far, Carolina has shown little interest in retaining him.

   

FREE SAFETY: The Panthers don’t have a clear starter at this position to pair with strong safety Chris Harris. New England free agent Eugene Wilson is still available. Another possibility could be switching one of the team’s cornerbacks to the position.

   

DEFENSIVE END: The Panthers appear to be counting on 2007 third-round pick Charles Johnson to start and free agent signee Tyler Brayton to work into the playing rotation. Is that really enough to take into the season? It sure looks like the Panthers need more help here. So far, they haven’t seemed inclined to bring back veteran Mike Rucker.

 

-- Charles Chandler

Jarrett arrested for DWI

   Panthers wide receiver Dwayne Jarrett was arrested early this morning and charged with driving while impaired, according to information on the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Department website.

Appalachian's Jackson moving up draft boards

    As the NFL draft (April 26-27) sneaks ever closer, an area player has been shooting up draft boards. That would be Appalachian State wide receiver Dexter Jackson. Don't expect him to wind up a Panther; at
5-foot-9 and 182 pounds, he's not the bigger receiver Carolina is looking for to match with Steve Smith. His ability, though, may eventually be in Smith's neighborhood.

    Fresh from three straight national championships in Boone and a senior year that brought 8 TDs and 22.9 yards a catch, Jackson first began to open eyes with a strong performance at the East-West All-Star game.

From there it was on to the NFL Scouting Combine, and with scouts finally paying attention, he continued to impress. While there, he turned in a fast 4.37 time in the 40-yard dash, ran crisp routes and showed good form in catching the ball.

    Along the way Jackson, whose Pro Day is scheduled for March 24 at  Appalachian, has gone from a projected undrafted free agent to a player who could climb as high as the second round. That would probably be out  of the Panthers'  range, given their needs at other positions. If he   drops though, expect that to change, because talent trumps height at his position. Anyway, expect to see Jackson playing somewhere in the NFL next year.

-- Stan Olson

Panthers' draft order

The Panthers will have four of the first 74 picks in the NFL draft, according to the league's recently-released draft order.

After picking 13th in Round 1, the Panthers will have the 12th pick in the second round, No. 43 overall. Normally, that would be the 44th pick, but Carolina moves up one spot higher because New England was stripped of its first-rounder (No. 31) due to the Spygate controversy.

In the third round, Carolina has the fourth pick (67th) it obtained from the New York Jets in the Kris Jenkins trade and the 11th choice (74th).

Having two of the first 11 picks in Round 3 puts the Panthers in good position to either pick up a couple of quality players or to have the flexibility to make a trade up in the first two rounds.

The draft is scheduled to be held April 26-27.

-- Charles Chandler

Carr to visit Giants

David Carr might get another chance to play in the NFL – with the reigning Super Bowl champions.

Carr, the first pick in the 2002 NFL draft, is scheduled to visit the New York Giants on Tuesday and Wednesday, according to the Newark Star-Ledger.

The Panthers signed Carr last year after he was released by the Houston Texans. He suffered a back injury and never became the quality backup Carolina hoped for behind Jake Delhomme. He eventually was beat out first by Vinny Testaverde, 44, and later by undrafted rookie Matt Moore.

The Panthers recently released Carr.

-- Charles Chandler

Panthers' Williams: I study every run

    While we wait for more free agent news to bubble up, how about DeAngelo, Part II? The Rite Aid folks were ahead of the game, calling him the "Star Running Back of the Carolina Panthers" on the big video screen beside the stage on which he was interviewed.

    Folks lined up to ask questions, one concerning the process of getting better in the NFL.

    "After the season I always get a film breakdown of all my runs, whether they were negative or positive," Williams told the fan. "Then I sit down with the offensive coordinator (Jeff Davidson) to see what I could do differently to improve each one."

    He was asked how he avoided taking any illegal supplements, and said, "I'm not a supplement guy; I drink those Slim-Fast shakes. I hate taking anything, even medicine when I'm sick. It's sad  for the games--baseball and football-- but I guess there are some cheaters out there."

    Somebody asked DeAngelo where he should pick Williams in his Fantasy Football draft, and that brought a big grin.

    "Take me in the fourth or fifth round, that way you get more bang for your buck," he said. "I'm a fantasy guy, too."

-- Stan Olson

DeAngelo answers fan questions

    I had a Q&A session with new top Panthers running back DeAngelo Williams in the Observer today.

   That was our one-on-one stuff, but Williams was also pretty good during his Saturday morning half-hour Q&A on stage at the Rite Aid Convention. He did four such sessions, and said laughingly that Friday, he was roundly berated by a Dallas Cowboys fan in the audience.

    Saturday, someone asked him about the return of wide receiver Muhsin Muhammad.

    "When we re-signed Moose, I said, 'YEAH!' ," he said, prompting laughter from the 75 or so people--some in Panthers' jerseys--filling the seats around the stage and standing behind them. "He's one of the those feared blocking wide receivers in the NFL; he can take out one, two or maybe even three blockers on a play."

    Which is good for an RB like Williams.

    "He doesn't know I'm one of his biggest fans," Williams said, grinning. "I might show up at training camp wearing an 87 jersey."

    That, of course, is Muhammad's number.

    Williams, speaking at the end of a large room in the Charlotte Convention Center, was also asked about fumbling, and said even his mother was on him about "ball security."

    The grin grew wider.

    "I asked her how she knew about 'ball security,'  and she said, "I  Google stuff all the time.'"

-- Stan Olson

Johnson's contract numbers:

Here are the contract numbers for Panthers free agent signee Landon Johnson:

It’s a three-year, $10. million deal with a $3. million signing bonus.

He’ll count $1.70. million against the cap this season. That comes from a $1. million proration on the signing bonus, a $605,000 base salary and a $100,000 workout bonus.

CHARLES CHANDLER

Panthers add running back Toefield

The Panthers have added another free agent signee – former Jacksonville running back LaBrandon Toefield.

Toefield (5-11, 235 pounds) has played sparingly as a backup for the Jaguars since getting picked in the fourth round of the 2003 draft.

He has rushed for 572 yards on 163 carries, scoring seven touchdowns by rush and two on pass receptions. Perhaps his best career stat: one career fumble.

He gives the Panthers depth behind starter DeAngelo Williams following the release of DeShaun Foster. It appears likely the Panthers will add another back in April’s NFL draft.

CHARLES CHANDLER

Peppers trade bait? No way!

In the electronic age in which we live, rumors with no basis in truth can start, spread and force reporters to essentially chase after air.

For the past several days, Stan and I have received e-mails asking if the Panthers were trying to trade Julius Peppers. There was a rumor claiming Stan started the whole thing during a radio interview on a Minnesota radio talk-show. Stan said he hadn’t even done an interview with a Minnesota station.

One e-mail, apparently gleaned from message boards around the country, suggested that Peppers was going to be sent to the Minnesota Vikings in a deal that would bring the Panthers running back Chester Taylor and a first-round pick.

There was enough fuss that I figured I’d check it out. So, yesterday, I contacted Panthers general manager Marty Hurney and Peppers’ agent, Carl Carey. Hurney assured me the Panthers were not trying to trade Peppers and Carey was just as insistent that Peppers would be a Panther this season.

I decided it was a non-story.

Then, today, the issue resurfaced in a broader sense, so I figured I’d tell you what we knew.

Bottom line: Peppers is going nowhere. Hurney said it again today – emphatically.

As for something that is a real story, neither Hurney nor Carey are saying anything about their negotiations to extend Peppers’ contract. Stay tuned on that one.

CHARLES CHANDLER

Panthers release Dendy

The Panthers have released cornerback Patrick Dendy.

Dendy played in seven games last season after the team signed him at midseason. He started as a third defensive back against Seattle on Dec. 16 when the Panthers opened the game in its nickel defensive package.

He was made expendable when the Panthers signed Cleveland free agent cornerback Ricardo Colclough.

CHARLES CHANDLER

Signing Johnson makes a lot of sense

    The Panthers' acquisition of free agent linebacker Landon Johnson might have surprised a few fans focusing on offensive tackles and rush ends, but it makes a lot of sense. While Carolina had a strong starting threesome with Jon Beason in the middle, Thomas Davis on the strongside and Na'il Diggs on the weakside, there was not a lot of depth behind them. And with backup Adam Seward poised to go to New England unless Carolina matched the Patriots' offer, things might have gotten worse.

    Carolina still might match the Pats' deal and keep Seward, who is also a special teams' fixture. But now the Panthers have options. Instead of three starter-quality LBs, they have four--Johnson is a big-time player who can handle any of the three slots. Expect Johnson, who will be 27 next season, to battle Diggs for a starting role, and likely win the job. He's quick and agile although not huge (6-2, 232), with a lot of the qualities of former Panther Will Witherspoon. He is solid against pass and run and remarkably durable. Whether Johnson or Diggs starts, he will be an upgrade over James Anderson, who had been next in line if an LB got hurt.

-- Stan Olson

Linebacker Johnson agrees to terms

The Panthers have agreed to terms with Cincinnati free agent linebacker Landon Johnson on a three-year contract, according to his agent.

Terms were not disclosed, but the deal is expected to total around $9 million or $10 million.

"Landon is very excited," said agent Andy Simms.

Johnson is expected to compete for a starting job at outside linebacker with Na'il Diggs and can play all three linebacker positions in the 4-3 defense.

He led the Bengals in tackles in three of his four NFL seasons and was one of the top-rated linebackers available in free agency.

   -- Charles Chandler

Source: Morgan to sign with Saints

It’s good to see former Carolina linebacker Dan Morgan get another chance with an NFL team.

Morgan has agreed to terms with the New Orleans, the Panthers’ NFC South rival, a source close to the situation confirmed Thursday night.

Morgan had an injury-plagued career with the Panthers, including concussions, but was one of the NFL’s best middle linebackers when healthy.

The Saints apparently plan to move him to outside linebacker, which might help protect him from as much head-on contact as he’d get in the middle. New Orleans looks set at middle linebacker after obtaining Jonathan Vilma from the New York Jets last week.

Morgan missed last season with an Achilles tendon injury.

If he can stay healthy, he’d play the Panthers twice a season. If he’s well, those matchups should have extra intensity. Morgan is a fiery, aggressive player and would definitely be motivated for those games.

The Panthers released him last month.

CHARLES CHANDLER

Bengals free-agent linebacker Johnson visits Panthers

The Carolina Panthers hosted a visit Thursday from Cincinnati Bengals free agent linebacker Landon Johnson, one of the highest-rated players at his position available in the open market.

  Johnson (6-2, 232 pounds) started all 32 games the past two seasons for the Bengals and had over 100 tackles each season.

   He has played all three linebacker positions, but is probably best suited to play outside.

   Johnson is the most highly-rated free agent known to have visited the Panthers so far.

  -  Charles Chandler

Morehead to visit Falcons

Panthers unrestricted free agent defensive tackle Kindal Morehead is scheduled to arrive in Atlanta tonight to visit the Falcons. If all goes well on his trip, he's expected to sign a multi-year deal with Carolina's NFC South rival.

Morehead's imminent departure comes as the Panthers are trying to build depth at the defensive tackle position following the trade of Kris Jenkins to the New York Jets.

The Panthers have hosted visits from at least two veterans at the position, former Falcon Rod Coleman and Philadelphia free agent Ian Scott.

Morehead ranked 14th on the Panthers with 27 tackles last season. He had two sacks and started one game.

Agent: Sims talks 'dead in the water'

The Carolina Panthers’ contract talks with Oakland offensive lineman Barry Sims are "dead in the water," according to Sims’ agent Ken Vierra.

Vierra said he was hopeful the side could reach a two or three-year agreement, but the Panthers only wanted to make a one-year commitment.

Vierra said it was highly unlikely that talks with Carolina would resume before the draft. He said Sims, 33, a nine-year veteran with 119 career starts, has a lot more football left in him.

CHARLES CHANDLER

Falcons' overhaul the right move

The Atlanta Falcons, Carolina’s NFC South companion and reviled foe, will look nothing like the doormat Falcons of last year when the 2008 season kicks off.

The Falcons today dumped quarterback Joey Harrington, their starter in Michael Vick’s absence a year ago, most likely to clear the way to grab Boston College quarterback Matt Ryan with the draft’s third pick. And Harrington follows a bunch of other veterans out the door, including tight end Alge Crumpler, offensive tackle Wayne Gandy, defensive tackle Rod Coleman and running back Warrick Dunn.

For better or for worse, these won’t be the same Falcons we’ve seen in recent seasons, but with the departure of Vick for prison, it seems like everyone in Atlanta realizes it’s time for a complete makeover.

While the Panthers have approached things slowly, Atlanta – under the guidance of new general manager Thomas Dimitroff – has hit free agency with a splash. The Falcons grabbed running back Michael Turner, a Panthers’ should-have-been target in a lot of fans’ minds. The free-agent buffet, in fact, has left Atlanta stuffed, as the Falcons also swallowed up tight end Ben Hartsock, cornerback Von Hutchins and safety Erik Coleman.

Guys like Crumpler and Dunn were obviously hard to part with, but Vick’s old team is being broken up. After the remnants struggled to a 4-12 mark in 2007, it looks like the right decision to me.

-- Stan Olson

Linebacker Seward to visit New England

The New England Patriots are scheduled to host a visit from Panthers restricted free agent linebacker Adam Seward on Thursday, according to The Boston Globe's website.

Seward has been a backup linebacker and special teams player for the Panthers. New England apparently is interested in him playing linebacker in its 3-4 defense, the same scheme he played in college at UNLV. The Panthers use a 4-3 alignment.

The Panthers tendered Seward at the lower amount ($927,000) as a restricted free agent. The Patriots can sign him to an offer sheet, but the Panthers have the right to match. If the Panthers decline to match, New England would have to send Carolina a fifth-round draft pick, the same round in which Seward was originallhy selected. -- Charles Chandler

Some Panthers odds and ends

  A few notes of worth:

•     The Panthers have re-signed defensive tackle Gary Gibson to a one-year contract with a $370,000 base salary. He spent parts of last season on the practice squad and appeared in one game, recording a tackle against Green Bay.  Gibson, 25, is currently the only defensive tackle under contract other than starters Damione Lewis and Maake Kemoeatu. That'll change via free agency and the draft.

•      Safety Nate Salley, a 2006 fourth-round pick whose career has been disrupted by injuries, has a new one-year contract ($370,000).

•      Unrestricted free agenct signee Ricardo Colclough appears to have a make-good contract. His base salary this season is $650,000 but goes up to $1.65 million in 2009. He'll get that in '09 only if he plays better for the Panthers this season than he has in the past for the Steelers and Browns.

Signings can affect team chemistry

   Big-spending in free agency carries plenty of potential risks and rewards. One of the risks is alienating the players already on the team, especially if an incoming player gets an inflated deal because of the market.

   So far, the Panthers have avoided this entirely by signing lesser sought-after players to low-budget deals.

   Whether you agree or disagree with the Panthers' strategy, I think you'll find this story from the New York Daily News an interesting read. It discusses the internal strife already developing in the Jets' locker room in light of the big deals that team has done since free agency started, including trading for Carolina defensive tackle Kris Jenkins and giving him a new contract.

   Team chemistry is a fragile thing, but the bottom line is whether or not the Jets win once the season starts.

-- Charles Chandler

McCree looking elsewhere

Shortly after safety Marlon McCree was released by San Diego last week, there were reports that he had Carolina on his list of potential teams.

Not anymore.

McCree visited Buffalo today and told a writer for the Bills' website that he had narrowed his choices to two teams. He said he probably favored the Bills over the Bengals and would be visiting Denver Wednesday before making a final decision.

McCree wasn't a great fit for the Panthers anyway, despite his successful season here in 2005. The Panthers need a free safety and he's a strong safety, same as Chris Harris, who recently signed a new contract with Carolina.

-- Charles Chandler

Sims would be needed insurance

While the Panthers work on upgrading their offensive line, it’s obvious to everyone that they have far more guards than tackles. That could explain Monday’s meeting with free-agent tackle Barry Sims in Boise, Idaho.

Sims isn’t a world-beater; he’s 33 and struggled at times while starting at left tackle for Oakland last season. He played in 16 games, allowing 9.5 sacks and was called for 10 false start penalties.

But Carolina, with Travelle Wharton likely to move to guard and a rookie a strong possibility at one tackle, is looking for insurance. Sims is an experienced veteran who is rarely injured and has played in 120 NFL games.

"The initial meeting went pretty well," Ken Vierra, Sims’ agent, said today. "We’ll see how it goes, but there appears to be interest on both sides. Barry’s a veteran player with maybe three years left looking for one more contract and the right situation for him. We’ve got some decisions to make, and the Panthers are pretty deliberate in what they do."

Sims, who is 6-foot-5 and 300 pounds, also has received interest from Miami and San Francisco, among others.

--Stan Olson

Signs point to OT in first round

    The fact that Carolina's brass -- including GM Marty Hurney and head coach John Fox -- thought enough of Boise State offensive tackle Ryan Clady to fly out to his pro day and take him to lunch leaves me with a strong feeling that they've made up their minds to get a tackle with their first pick in the April 26 draft.

    There's a good chance they won't get Clady, unless they trade up.  He apparently had a strong workout and strengthened his position in the top ten, behind only Michigan's Jake Long at his position. But this is the year of the OT in the draft, with four or five projected to go in the first round.

    If the Panthers do land a quality LT, their offensive line will be strengthened considerably. The new guy (Clady with an upward move, or Vanderbilt's Chris Williams, or maybe Pittsburgh's Jeff Otah?) would be joined by veteran Jordan Gross at RT, while Travelle Wharton would likely move from LT to left guard. Justin Hartwig could play center, or right guard if Ryan Kalil winds up at center. Jeremy Bridges, Geoff Hangartner and new acquisition Keydrick Vincent will be in the mix as well.

    The bottom line should be an improved O-line that should boost the team's running game.

-- Stan Olson

Olson, Chandler discuss free agency so far

    STAN: It's kind of ironic; so many of the players that Carolina fans thought the Panthers just had to sign have already landed with other teams during the first weekend of free agency.     Look at some of the names that have already gone elsewhere for big bucks--wide receivers Bernard Berrian, Jerry Porter and Donte' Stallworth; running back Michael Turner and tight end Alge Crumpler are probably the names most often mentioned as possible Panthers. Other players who might have helped, like free safety Madieu Williams and defensive tackle Corey Williams, are also gone.

         CHARLES: It's important to remember that this was perhaps the weakest free agency class in memory, especially after 12 of the best players were franchised. Add to that the fact that some teams, like Tampa, Miami and San Francisco, either had lots of cap room or planned to spend big, and the result was going to be overinflated salaries. There's a fine line between being aggressive in free agency and being foolish. Granted, the Panthers have taken a much quieter approach so far than anyone expected, and they'll be held accountable for that, but it's way to early to judge them.

        STAN: Right, before anyone panics, Panthers officials likely would tell you to judge their free agent class in May, not today. And keep in mind, this isn't fantasy football, where you grab whoever you want and money is no object. The Panthers will have enough money to sign at least one big name guy, but don't expect it to be wideout Randy Moss--that rumor has no legs. I do think they'll grab another wide receiver; at 35 Moose can help but won't keep anyone from double-teaming Smith. Carolina will likely fill two key positions (offensive tackle and defensive end would be my guess) early in the draft. Keep an eye on the running backs and free safeties still out there in free agency as well.

         CHARLES: The Panthers really need some help at defensive tackle, too, now that Kris Jenkins is gone. Rod Coleman would be a good signing, provided he's healthy. And I'd guess the running back will come from somewhere in the draft, though not necessarily the first round.

         STAN: Oh, and to the poster on the last blog wondering which of  us has the best combover; I do, since Charles actually has plenty of hair.

Turner vs. Panthers, twice a year

There might have been more clamoring among Panthers fans for San Diego running back Michael Turner than any other free agent before the signing period began Friday.

The Panthers opted not to pursue Turner, likely figuring the price was too high and the draft might hold a good, less expensive option to pair with DeAngelo Williams.

Well, the decision will be cross-examined closely for the next several years now that Turner has landed with the Panthers’ NFC South Division rivals, the Atlanta Falcons.

The Falcons reportedly gave Turner a six-year, $34.5 million deal, including $15 million guaranteed.

Even though Turner regularly excelled as a backup to LaDainian Tomlinson, that’s a steep price to pay for a guy who’s never been a full-time starter.

Remember that the Falcons are desperate for P.R. help after the Michael Vick fiasco and Bobby Petrino’s late-season exit as coach. So making a big splash with Turner should help the franchise get some positive pub in the short term.

What really matters is whether he turns out to be worth the investment. The Panthers’ defense will have a say because the teams play twice a season.

-- Javon Walker update: The likely reason the Panthers were listed in an Internet report among teams interested in recently released Denver receiver Javon Walker is because the Broncos dangled him to Carolina in trade talks for Kris Jenkins over the past week or two. The Panthers turned down all Denver offers and eventually accepted third- and fifth-round picks from the New York Jets for Jenkins. Though trading for Walker sounds glamorous, there are serious questions about the condition of his knees. Why else would Denver cut him?

-- Carter's options: Now that Keary Colbert has signed with the Broncos, the Panthers’ other free agent receiver, Drew Carter, is getting looks. He’s scheduled to visit the Raiders and Buccaneers.

Both teams make sense. Carter has excellent deep speed and Raiders owner Al Davis has always loved to stretch the field with the passing game. As for the Bucs, Carter caught a 46-yard pass against them to set up a go-ahead touchdown in a 31-23 win at Tampa Bay last season.

-- Charles Chandler

Shocker: Denver gives Colbert 3 years, $7.2 M

Indeed, America is the land of opportunity.

Brace yourself, because this deal is one that Don King would love.

Panthers free agent receiver Keary Colbert, who was no longer wanted by Carolina and figured to be down the line on the list of unrestricted free agents at his position, got a sweetheart deal Saturday from the Denver Broncos.

His terms: $7.2 million over three years, including a $2.5 million signing bonus.

If ever there has been proof that of the 32 teams in the NFL, it only takes once to make you rich, this is it.

Colbert had an oustanding rookie season for the Panthers, but hasn’t played up to that level since. He caught 32 passes last season for 332 yards and no touchdowns.

Word out of Denver is that he’ll have a chance to start as the team’s No.. 2 receiver.

Seriously, here’s hoping he does very well there.

CHARLES CHANDLER