« Panthers sign guard Fonoti | Main | Panthers attend private workout by Mendenhall »
March 25, 2008
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
Posted by Observer Sports on March 25, 2008 at 04:13 PM | Permalink
Comments
146 1/2 sacks in 75 games, WOW :)
Posted by: PantherHead | Mar 25, 2008 4:19:08 PM
I guess we do need to sign him. We do need to have four DT's in our lineup and I dont think we should use 2 picks on DT's. Obviously, we will draft another DT in the later rounds because we have other concerns on the first draft day (OT, DE, FS, and maybe add a bruising back). Brayton can play both DE or DT but seems to be strictly for depth.
Posted by: James327 | Mar 25, 2008 4:23:48 PM
THAT IS A MISPRINT - Robertson DID NOT have 146 1/2 sacks in 75 games. TIGHTEN' UP CHARLES CHANDLER.
Posted by: James327 | Mar 25, 2008 4:25:54 PM
He was the 4th overall pick!? Then put in a 3-4 defense? And now about to get released? That sounds like it could be an absolute steal if we get him. I really really hope we can land him. That will help us if we have any crap picks in the draft later on. Anyone got any more info on this guy and how good a player he is?
Posted by: Frozenham.com | Mar 25, 2008 4:35:25 PM
Okay, it is really only 14.5 sacks in 5 years and 75 games. But that's playing as a NT in a 3-4, I feel he'd be much better playing in a 4-3 scheme, and I'd feel a lot better about our DT situation if this happened. He's definitely not worth trading for, his contract now is not worth it. If we signed him it'd be alright, I still want a DT in the draft.
Posted by: WildMagz | Mar 25, 2008 4:38:24 PM
WOW 146 and 1/2 sacks in 5 years!! sign, trade, or do whatever you have to get him here!! He's a bonafide superstar! Pep can't touch him.
Posted by: jaymo | Mar 25, 2008 4:40:44 PM
WOW 146 and 1/2 sacks in 5 years!! sign, trade, or do whatever you have to get him here!! He's a bonafide superstar! Pep can't touch him.
Posted by: jaymo | Mar 25, 2008 4:41:13 PM
WOW 146 and 1/2 sacks in 5 years!! sign, trade, or do whatever you have to get him here!! He's a bonafide superstar! Pep can't touch him.
Posted by: jaymo | Mar 25, 2008 4:41:20 PM
Sorry, folks ... We originally had it as 14 1/2 sacks, but a typo got in there somehow ... By the way, we're updating the story and adding in some new info as well as correcting the sack total ... Thanks, Charles
Posted by: Charles Chandler | Mar 25, 2008 4:45:39 PM
tsk, tsk. Any of you critical SOB's look in the mirror?? I'm with wildmagz. If he can handle NT, than chances are he would do great lined up over the guard in a 4-3 scheme. Naturally, I don't want him on board unless he comes at a good price. This is where that Tyler Brayton signing comes in huge... the Cat brass can negotiate being that they potentially have enough talent in the middle (with Kemo run-stopping and Brayton pass-rushing in a 3-man rotation) to no longer have a desperate need at DT. I really love what Hurney and his staff have done this offseason. I guess ancient wisdom wins once again... "pateince is a virtue!"
Posted by: SYRPIS | Mar 25, 2008 5:11:33 PM
Thanks for the update Charles.....
Posted by: rhackney | Mar 25, 2008 5:12:37 PM
Moreover, isn't Rod Coleman still available?
Posted by: SYRPIS | Mar 25, 2008 5:12:58 PM
Oh Boy another Sean Gilbert!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Bill Harrill | Mar 25, 2008 5:48:39 PM
Soooooooo.... if he were to sign with Carolina at some point, I can safely assume our medical standards are lower than the BENGALS?!?!?!?!?!!??
Posted by: Stinger | Mar 25, 2008 5:54:49 PM
well im only taking him if he passes a physical and at a decent rate. bone on bone anything is not good and can become a major problem very quickly. i know we need a DT but what good is an injured or ready to be on the IR type of player...they better really think this through. NFL Network sais that we are holding a private workout for Mendenhall, could be a smoke screen but it be a good pickup either way...The Lions and Bears both cuvit him and may want to trade up if they think we might nab him, so thats a perfect area to trade down too...not too far and still pick up a pick and are guy.
Posted by: randy | Mar 25, 2008 6:02:03 PM
Ouch. Bone on bone is scary. Please don't waste big bucks Mr. Hurney!
Posted by: Ron | Mar 25, 2008 6:06:19 PM
In my opinion the conversation on this guy should have ended here:
Robertson has played for several years with a bone-on-bone injury in one of his knees.
Remember a guy named Dominick Davis, RB for the Texans? He was awesome and never missed games either due to his bone on bone condition, now he's out of the league. Even if Robertson gets cut, he's going to command a pretty decent price tag I would think. Anything more than the standard Panthers offer to FA's this offseason (1-2 yr deal, couple million) is way too much.
Posted by: Chad | Mar 25, 2008 6:06:36 PM
Im with chad on this...only if after the draft we absolutely need to.
Posted by: randy | Mar 25, 2008 6:08:53 PM
Panthers. Forget it. I see another Sean Gilbert.
Posted by: par404 | Mar 25, 2008 6:56:41 PM
READ MY LIPS
No Ticket Price Increase
Posted by: JR | Mar 25, 2008 7:17:25 PM
Chad, I hate to burst your bubble, but Domanick Davis does not exist ...
Try Domanick WILLIAMS ...
Posted by: Shane | Mar 25, 2008 8:50:21 PM
This may have already been discussed, but I heard Marty Hurney attending the Arkansas pro day workout for McFadden
Posted by: M | Mar 25, 2008 9:01:24 PM
Alright guys, just for fun; which of our newest acquisitions will turn out to be true gems and which do you think are going to be bust. Any of them that turn their careers around will make a great story.
Posted by: rawjem | Mar 25, 2008 9:06:14 PM
Quit playing stupid Shane when you know the guy changed his last name near the tail end of his career when nobody cared!
Posted by: Somebody defending Chad | Mar 25, 2008 9:29:33 PM
You aren't bursting any bubbles Shane, but you are being a smart ass! haha, I'm sure you just googled "Domanick Davis" to see who I was talking about and Williams came up.
Call him whatever you want, he hasn't played since 2005 after totaling about 4,500 yards, 150 catches, and 28 TD's in his first 3 seasons. Bone on bone knee conditions are a b*tch...
Posted by: Chad | Mar 26, 2008 4:13:38 AM
All Charles said was that they might be interested if he might get released. This off season they haven't overspent on anyone, so I doubt that they would over spend on this guy and if he failed Carolina's physical, I doubt they would take him.
Posted by: Andrew | Mar 26, 2008 4:37:02 AM
If he is a no show with a $6.8M salary and $3M due in June, what we he do if we signed him for say $3M per year? I don't know about this one...
Posted by: PantherHead | Mar 26, 2008 4:55:44 AM
Ask Mugsy about the injury. It's a doozy. Although I think he had some limited success with accupuncture. In any case, I'd pass on Dewayne. We need young, hungry talent on the DL not has-beens or never-was-beens. Rod Coleman would be my lone exception at the right $. The draft is thin at DL so we need to trade up for Sedrick "the detainer" Ellis or hope Dorsey slides. Where's Jordan Carstens?
Posted by: gradyhog | Mar 26, 2008 5:54:44 AM
The panthers need help on the Defensive line period, regardless of where they find it. This would be a good signing because right now the Defensive line is the weakest spot on the team. The Defense is in serious danger of dropping to the bottom half of the league if something is not done to shore up the line. The Cornerbacks and Line backers are solid and safety would be set if Ken Lucas makes the switch, however with a poor line teams will run all over the panthers. As is I am still predicting a season between 11-5 to 13-3 but the victories will look differnt this year. The panthers are beginning to look like an AFC franchise in an NFC environment ( great offense, mediocre defense) our games will be close shootouts, expect alot of 34-31 victories this season.
Posted by: Apollo | Mar 26, 2008 8:13:55 AM
So if this guy failed an NFL physical will someone tell me why we want to sign him? Especially if he has bone on bone in one leg - that is knee replacement territory there. I hope we stay away from this, we have had enough injury problems the last 2 yrs.
Posted by: Ben | Mar 26, 2008 8:19:22 AM
Jordan Carstens is pretty much done. Kidney problems/blood clots ...
I know I was making a smart comment about the Domanick Davis/Williams thing, but in reality, no one cares. The guy had a good season or two, then broke down ...
In all seriousness, how often does the "name change" work for NFL players? It didn't work for Karim Adbul Jabbar/Al-Jabbar (anyone even remember him, haha), Will Peterson/James or Domanick Davis/Williams.
That sounds like a good trivia question. Does anyone know of a player who changed his last name during his career and had success? My mind is drawing a blank ...
Posted by: Shane | Mar 26, 2008 8:21:47 AM
(H)akeem Olajuwon
Posted by: LeeL | Mar 26, 2008 8:34:55 AM
Muhammad Ali (Cassius Clay)?
Maurice Jones-Drew? (Maurice Drew)
And then there's Tra/William Thomas, who was coming off an injury-plagued season, but has started 31 of 32 games since changing his first name.
Posted by: Michael Procton | Mar 26, 2008 8:59:45 AM
Robertson is a very good pass rusher/run stopper so we should try to get him bc we need both of those in a D-lineman...
come on people..if you want QUALITY then you're gonna have to pay for it! if you wanna be cheap then you will end up with fringe players that are mostly average, resulting in ANOTHER 7-9 or 8-8 year...what are we saving money for?? still not going to sign a big time free agent...im still pissed over letting 'Spoon go to keep Morgan bc they didnt wanna pay him! this Hackett better work out since they didnt even try to go after a more proven guy
Posted by: Bobcat Terry | Mar 26, 2008 9:59:48 AM
Bone on bone. forget about it. id rather see them dig up some old run stuffers like sam adams,ted washington, or grady jackson.
why would you switch a half decent corner in lucas to safety? especially when they just got holt. as a panther fan you know that fox doesnt put much value on safeties. we play mostly zone coverage.
Posted by: ray | Mar 26, 2008 10:44:17 AM
I say we stay with our draft pick at #13 and add K. Phillips or Mendenhall or Clady/Williams. Sign Rod Coleman over trading for Robertson. Robertson is good, but we dont need to pay him the big bucks. I dont like the Harvey DE idea at #13 either. We got McClover and Johnson and Brayton, and not to mention Peppers.
Posted by: Robby | Mar 26, 2008 12:16:57 PM
Lucas would be good at safety because we have talented players who can start at Cornerback in Marshall, Gamble, ect. Lucus needs to be on the field because he can make interceptions and has always been able to play the safety position. Sure there is Holt but how quickly will he pick up the system, and Lucas at safety is better than the other current options
Posted by: Apollo | Mar 26, 2008 1:12:32 PM
i think we could use him badly. But i think they will draft one in the later rounds in the draft. I think we need a nother QB soon but hey if this guy will help lets go after him
Posted by: rocky | Mar 26, 2008 1:56:23 PM
All this talk about Robertson and how he didn't do well in a 3-4 scheme but did we seem to forget that he played in a 4-3 scheme and he didn't do so great either. Quite frankly he's a little overated and there is no way he is better the Peppers
Posted by: damien | Mar 26, 2008 4:10:35 PM
... Apollo you haven't made a valid point yet, Ken Lucas will never play as a safety for Carolina, ever. That's retarded, Richard Marshall is our proven Nickel Back, a 3rd Corner type of deal (although in the great scheme of things I see him being a starting CB) I don't know if you remember but we paid big bucks for Lucas to come in and fill the CB spot opposite of Gamble, to create an above average/mediocre tandem. Robertson would be a decent pick up depending on his price, which I assume will be ridiculous. The Carolina Panthers are NOT becoming a team that relies on their offense more than their defense, if they do it'll be an accident, this team is built on it's defense and will be for years to come. I hope we do pull a 13-3 though. Look for your same Carolina Panthers to take the field, only this time expect some proper execution, thats all. Think... Jake Delhomme Football. Big plays here and there, consistent D. That type of thing. Ha I know I'm living in 03 but the offense is nice now, Smitty, Moose, Hackett.. HOPEFULLY a productive Jarrett. Lol all we need is Ricky Proehl haha nah but ROD COLEMON has my vote for FA DT. I'm out.
Posted by: JoeShort | Mar 26, 2008 7:56:16 PM
look robertson is a solid player who would be great in a rotation it keeps the panthers dt fresh and it would s;ow the leg injury down so if they can get him cheap they should jump on it
Posted by: dalfan83 | Mar 26, 2008 8:00:29 PM
WHAT IF. . . Sedrick Ellis falls to us and 3 OT are off the board[Long, Clady, Williams], would anyone argue w/that selection?
Posted by: Will Parker | Mar 26, 2008 8:27:11 PM
Hey Proctologist,have you been cyber bullied today you Little Pansy?
Posted by: Stroker Ace | Mar 26, 2008 9:05:10 PM
Why does every one keep praising rod coleman he is a bum a old bum. I realy hope we dont go after k phillips or a rb because terance holt is going to be good at the saftey position and deangelo is very good I seen all the pantthers games last year and he exploded at the end of the year. some one mentioned releasing witherspoon what was even worse than that was lossing mcree. Im from ohio so those who dont know about caralinas sighning landon johnson he is a beast at lb he started 3 of his 4 years in cincy and led the team in tackles all 3 years and he has good hands he is going to be a beast. I think the panthers should put thomas davis back to ss he was a beast.
Posted by: chris | Mar 26, 2008 10:09:47 PM
HEy guys, been following this discussion thus far. as a jet fan, ive been following robertsons career and i have never seen him being dominant the way hes supposed to being a top-5-pick (didnt have going over haynes/suggs that year anyways).
His problem seems to be the down-to-down motivation. when teams doubled him early which was easy becuz the jets had no one besides d-rob he got frustrated and quit on plays later on. he showed good stregth and a DE-like burst at times but obviously that diminshed in the 3-4 scheme, but remember the number of tackles the jets' MLBs (Vilma,Harris) had behind him the last couple of seasons and can be credited to him. in my opinion he would def upgrade panhters d-line, more than an the ol' washington, i dont think tho that taking a risk (his knee issues) is worth his contract.
Posted by: Thomas | Mar 27, 2008 3:00:06 AM
Bone on bone isn't that bad. Minter played with it pretty much his entire career. You'd be surprised at the type of knee conditions guys have out there that are still playing. That being said, if we didn't sign Rod Coleman for his knee issues then why would we sign this guy who apparently has been an underacheiver to boot? He probably would do better in a 4-3 defense but he's another gamble.
Posted by: JT | Mar 27, 2008 7:27:47 AM
Bone on Bone is bad huh
does anyone remember a guy by the name of JOHN ELWAY...had no cartilidge in both knees since college
Posted by: jetfan | Mar 27, 2008 7:40:32 AM
From everything in the news, the Cinci deal fell through because they were unable to renegotiate a contract with Robertson, not because of his knee. As far as him having a bone-on-bone, that is still pretty much a rumor - although an often-repeated one. He should be pretty good in a 4-3, last season, whenever he wasn't double-teamed, he was dominant. In a 4-3 scheme, he is more likely to see single-coverage on the line, as long as the rest of the front seven is decent.
Posted by: NYJ | Mar 27, 2008 8:49:28 AM
In actuality I would venture to say that I am making very valid points. The panthers have ball hawks not defenders. All of our cornerbacks approach the defense from a interception first mentality and Lucas is too talented to sit on the bench. Lucas has played safety before and can play the position so put him on the field. Not only is he too talented, we are paying him too much. In the words of Bill Parcells " All you have to do is watch the NFL Network".
Posted by: Apollo | Mar 27, 2008 9:38:20 AM
He is not a good fit for the 3-4, but is a much better player in the 4-3.
He can be a good player, but not a star.
The bone injury is a tough call, so I would have a contract where some of the money is based on incentives.
I would have doctors take a close look at this.
Posted by: George Vreeland Hill | Mar 27, 2008 6:31:15 PM
ive been a jets fan my whole life...the fact is....dewayne is a badass......but like any other good athletic d-tackle...if you throw him into a 3-4...he wont do anything...just clog up the middle, like he is supposed too....if you guys get him thats grand, but hes expensive....
Posted by: swan | Mar 27, 2008 9:42:31 PM
Duh? if you guys waiting for release of Robertson, what make you guys think that he going to striaght to panthers? he can sign anyone teams, and they might pay MORE to get him, and panthers WILL lose a chance to get him, rather than trading is 100% to get, and then ask him to change new contracts is a smart move... Ima Jets fan btw, I know the story, remby, Bronco, Lions, and Panthers want him, and Robertson has rights to choice which team offer more $$$. I think Panthers has no chance to get him unless trade out!
Posted by: Riski | Mar 28, 2008 3:49:09 AM
...in english please???
Posted by: rhackney | Mar 31, 2008 6:09:44 PM
We really need an big name player we always getting these all rights guys and some don't worth it this is an two RB's league now so we should get Mendehall or the DT from UNC
Posted by: Ajrat | Mar 31, 2008 11:44:41 PM
Post a comment
Advertisements
