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April 29, 2008
DTs Walker, Scott signed to contracts
The Carolina Panthers took a huge step towards strengthening the front four of their defense today when they signed veteran free agent defensive tackles Darwin Walker and Ian Scott.
Walker's signing was expected; he simply had to clear a Carolina physical today. But the addition of Scott as well solidifies what will likely be a four-man rotation at the position, along with holdovers Maake Kemoeatu and Damione Lewis.
"We had a chance to get two veteran defensive tackles," Panthers general manager Marty Hurney said today. "You bring experience and talent into the mix with both of them. Obviously, we feel very good and fortunate to have been able to sign them."
Both players battled injuries last year, but both passed Carolina physicals.
Walker, who is 6-foot-3 and 295 pounds and who will be 31 in June, has the higher NFL profile. He has 28.5 career sacks and has had six or more in three different seasons. Sacks are much harder for inside players to accumulate than for defensive ends.
"Darwin has the ability to rush the passer; he's a very good player inside," Hurney said. "Both of them are very good inside."
Scott, 26, has good size as well at 6-6 and 302 pounds. He played in 49 games with 33 starts with the Chicago Bears from 2003 to 2006. He was signed as an unrestricted free agent by Philadelphia last year, but was placed on injured reserve before the start of the season with a knee injury.
A fourth-round draft pick in 2003, Scott had 155 tackles, two sacks, and one interception with the Bears.
"Ian's a guy we have always liked," Hurney said. "We had been talking (with his agent) for some time."
Part of Carolina's lure for both players was being able to play closer to home. Walker is from Walterboro, S.C., while Scott is from Greenville, S.C.
-- Stan Olson
Posted by Observer Sports on April 29, 2008 at 10:43 AM | Permalink
Comments
Interesting move to get Scott, too. I'll assume one of the two gets cut (because there will be more tied up in the rook, Hayden and he'll be more likely to get taken by another team), but it's good insurance against injury (which both vets are coming off of) either way.
Posted by: Michael Procton | Apr 29, 2008 10:46:58 AM
Yeah that's what I was thinking!!
Posted by: Michael Procton | Apr 29, 2008 10:51:13 AM
No way.
Posted by: Michael Procton | Apr 29, 2008 11:01:46 AM
Spank me.
Posted by: Michael Procton | Apr 29, 2008 11:06:02 AM
I think they will keep both and release some to the WRs and RBs we have (unfortunately this may include Nick Goings). We are stacked at every position except DE, but I think they will come around and they are happy with what they have done so far.
Posted by: Panthers2003 | Apr 29, 2008 11:17:43 AM
No! Spank me
Posted by: Mr Monkey | Apr 29, 2008 11:37:54 AM
No they wont release Scott or Walker.
1. They know we need help on the DL.
2. Just said they want a four man rotation.
3. They both upgraded our defence by about 40-50%.
Our defence will be in the top 7-10 defence in the league!( My Prodiction )
Posted by: paul | Apr 29, 2008 11:39:40 AM
prediction
Posted by: paul | Apr 29, 2008 11:40:06 AM
Not really big names, but the Panthers have signed a lot of solid vets this year. Hopefully these guys, the rookies and a healthy Jake will take Carolina back to the playoffs.
Posted by: TP | Apr 29, 2008 11:53:40 AM
you sure you dont mean your proctition?
Posted by: Ghost of Sparta | Apr 29, 2008 11:53:47 AM
I don't think they're releasing Nick Goings. He's a valuable special teams player, and a good backup to have on the team. It will be interesting to see how training camp progresses as to who gets the boot though. This year could be fun!
Posted by: JPanther | Apr 29, 2008 11:55:19 AM
I just don't understand people. We had a patriots-like offseason, signing people to low-risk high reward contracts. We're ina great position because if we do well as a team, they'll want to come back, if they suck, we release them. We add two quality DTs (I'm not going to say great, because if they were great they wouldn't be FAs after the draft).
That being said, we clearly have too many players. After looking at the projected depth chart, there are about 17 too many players. Now you assume that a few are going to go on IR before the limit comes, I'd say travis taylor, fonoti, james anderson, curtis deloatch, wesley, one of the safeties (CJ wilson, I think, cause holt can do ST pretty well), and I don't think rosario will make it either. We have 5, count them, FIVE linebackers that could or should start, so look for a linebacker needy team (hello, new york?) to call.
Posted by: justin | Apr 29, 2008 12:12:53 PM
Speaking of Special Teams, they should pick up Jamie Silva from BC. Lacks size, but makes up for it with his hussle and hard hitting. He'd be a great special teamer to add to the mix.
Posted by: obx | Apr 29, 2008 12:13:29 PM
Is anyone else out there really excited for next season like me? On paper, this team looks incredible. I hope and pray that Jake Delhomme has fully recovered from his surgery and stays healthy this year. I can't wait to see the Panthers playing in late January at least!
Posted by: Jared | Apr 29, 2008 12:28:17 PM
I think he signed with the colts.
Posted by: JV | Apr 29, 2008 12:29:33 PM
Nah Justin, Rosario will make it. We'll keep him, King, and Barnidge, we usually keep 3 tight ends and all are young guys with good potential. The rest of the guys you named are very likely to be cut. I'm not sure about Fonoti necessarily, but definitely one out of Fonoti, Milford Brown and Keydrick Vincent won't make the team. Its also probable that most of our draft picks after Dan Connor will be cut and end up on our practice squad.
I love these DT signings!!! Nice to see Hurney get on the ball and address our last major need so quickly after the draft. We have quietly built what could be a very good team here...
Posted by: Haywood Jablowmi | Apr 29, 2008 12:31:03 PM
I think this is by far one of the best drafts we have had. I think all the draft picks has a chance except the last one. As for cuts, it'll be interesting to see if Dwayne Jarrett is around after camp. As for Jake, I think we need to let Matt Moore take the majority of the snaps and possibly bring in a veteran QB for insurance. I think the receivers will be pleased with Matt at this point, he's going to be the one with the most reps come early training.
Posted by: Troy | Apr 29, 2008 12:42:07 PM
Jarrett is going to be decent this year if he gets any playing time. I think he has a ton of potential, but USC talent hasn't been translating to well lately.
Posted by: Panthers2003 | Apr 29, 2008 1:20:41 PM
Steve Smith has a super bowl ring! Now its the Utah Steve Smith's turn to make it a back to back Steve Smith affair. Seriously... one year in the league and the "other" Steve Smith gets that ring. Anywho... I agree with the general consensus: the Panthers look solid after these two surprisingly quick additions.
I believe the Panthers fight hard ever year and are always a win or two away from contention, so I always find their performances satisfactory. Heres to hoping they go over the top this year! Go Panthers!
Posted by: cinfx | Apr 29, 2008 2:51:14 PM
I wouldn't say that every need is taken care of, I'm still concerned about our pass rush.
Posted by: John in Concord | Apr 29, 2008 3:22:37 PM
Yes!! if ur against the panthers making the playoffs then stop talking on here cuz they will john fox is going to do everything in his power to make it in there so we will make it.
Posted by: paul | Apr 29, 2008 3:25:27 PM
no the panthers will be raw i say going to the superbowl!yeh and i see them at 12-4 we got wideouts steve, muhsin,hackett,and the great catching tightends rosario and king plus we get jake back and if he isnt ready matt moore showed he could start we have no needs any longer we got OL DL CB DB QB RB TE K P yeh i know what im talking bout!!!!anybody got something to say!??????
Posted by: cj | Apr 29, 2008 4:57:26 PM
I don't see how we can lose.
Posted by: Undefeated | Apr 29, 2008 6:15:33 PM
OK, Paul...let's count to four together: Kemo, Lewis, Hayden, Scott/Walker.
Posted by: Michael Procton | Apr 29, 2008 6:16:02 PM
Glad to see the quick signings of Walker and Scott so soon after the draft to add much needed depth at DT. The way I see it we have two major questions heading into the season: Will Jake recover and regain his Pro Bowl form from a few years ago for the entire season and where will the pash rush come from this season??? Those are the big questions now. Do McClover, Johnson, or Brayton provide a rush off the edge or do the Panthers look to biltz with the LBs? If we can improve the pass rush on a consistant basis then our defense as a whole will vastly improve. For us to be successfuly offensively Jake must recover from his surgery and play at a Pro Bowl level. That is no knock on Moore. I just feel you are comparing apples and oranges if you compare a healthy, on his game Jake with Moore. Jake, when he is on, can make throws to win the game (Remember 2005). Moore is more of a game manager at this point. Moore is much better than any other backup we had since Jake don't get me wrong, but I just don't think he could make all the throws needed on a weekly basis all season long to win games for us if he was forced into action due to an injury to Jake. Thoughts??
Posted by: J Thomas | Apr 29, 2008 6:38:41 PM
Is it to much to ask Michael Procton to behave maturely? It's not funny.
Posted by: please | Apr 29, 2008 7:00:39 PM
Procton, if we're only keeping 4 DTs on the roster, its very possible that Hayden ends up on the practice squad with both Scott and Walker making the team. A 6th round pick is not such a huge investment that we need to keep Hayden on the roster.
Posted by: Haywood Jablowmi | Apr 29, 2008 7:20:18 PM
Hayden, though, will be cheaper to hold on to than both Scott and Walker, and doesn't have the injury issues either of them. Further, we can cut one of those guys without much fear they'll get picked up (there's a reason they were FAs for this long.) Hayden's practice squad eligibility alone makes it no guarantee we could get him back, even if we wanted him. I promise you, he has every chance to come in and compete out of the gate. Jordan Carstens did, and he was far less heralded.
Posted by: Michael Procton | Apr 29, 2008 7:24:11 PM
Two DL questions: Are Scott/Walker an upgrade over Kris Jenkins and is Braydon a upgrade over Mike Rucker? If the answer is no... how can we be better? If the answer is yes, we're better. If maybe.... well that's why they play the game.
Posted by: The Ol' Ball Coach | Apr 29, 2008 7:28:54 PM
I think we have had very good off season so far and for those who are saying that picking up injury players is stupid or will not work out can get a bettter things to talk about, if thats the case then we should let smith go hell he got injured cpl. times jake, hell every other player in that case, botoom line every year starts fresh and how these guys gonna turn up who knows, i lover reading things up here but sometimes i get sick of reading about stupid staff get life or talk about bobcats lol
Posted by: e-zone | Apr 29, 2008 7:52:19 PM
OBC, there's a lot more to it than that, particularly at DE. McClover and Johnson should improve with simply another year under their belts in the system, and between them and Brayton, they should be MORE than able to replace Rucker's productivity (at least on the field.)
Posted by: Michael Procton | Apr 29, 2008 7:56:44 PM
firstly something that's really been bothering me is all you people who don't know crap and talk about the panthers needing a qb, or almost as dumbly say matt moore should be the starter.
in case you don't remember jake started last season on a freaking tear and was near the top of the NFL in passer rating till he went down with his elbow. granted, there's always a degree of uncertainty when someone is coming back from major surgery but these guys are athletes and jake will be fine. moore is not the better qb and he will not be the starter this season. thank you, and god bless america.
also i'm very intrigued by charles johnson and his development. he was a stud in college and i believe a third round pick last year. i would've liked to see us make an aggressive play on a DE but i guess you can't have it all... hopefully johnson and maybe brayton can step up.
Posted by: bryan detwiler | Apr 29, 2008 8:32:15 PM
That's why they play the game... no one gets anointed to the Super Bowl.
Posted by: The Ol' Ball Coach | Apr 29, 2008 8:51:45 PM
True, but I seriously doubt anyone would want to pick up Hayden from our practice squad and put him on their active roster. If he isn't good enough to make our team with our less than solid D-Line situation, then he surely isn't good enough to warrant being picked up off our practice squad. That said, he will have every opportunity to make the team, and has a good shot to do so. And our D-Line situation is a lot better off than it was before the draft...
Posted by: Haywood Jablowmi | Apr 29, 2008 9:55:53 PM
I'm not talking about another team signing him to the 53. If we cut him, he's free to go anywhere. Think about it...if you get cut in favor of a couple of injured 30-somethings, is that really the place you want to be?
Posted by: Michael Procton | Apr 29, 2008 10:05:04 PM
I love our offseason, best on in YEARS!!!!
The only thing I have to say we need to do more of, BLITZ BLITZ BLITZ. I can't stand when we play conservative D. It blows....how are we suppose to shake up their offense if we play scared so often. I love our team, but come on.
Posted by: pnthrfan | Apr 29, 2008 10:14:35 PM
I love our offseason, best one in YEARS!!!!
The only thing I have to say we need to do more of, BLITZ BLITZ BLITZ. I can't stand when we play conservative D. It blows....how are we suppose to shake up their offense if we play scared so often. I love our team, but come on.
Posted by: pnthrfan | Apr 29, 2008 10:14:47 PM
Shut up Procton. Go sing with some trannys or something.
Posted by: OJ | Apr 30, 2008 4:04:23 AM
We DID blitz. We had one of the highest percentages of non-D-line sacks of any team in the NFL. It wasn't the playcalling, it was Peppers' nonexistent effort.
Posted by: Michael Procton | Apr 30, 2008 9:08:37 AM
for once, you said something relevant procton.
i just want to know how this genius took over hurneys brain.hes become some kind of ozzie newsome.fox better not screw it up.
Posted by: ray | Apr 30, 2008 9:37:10 AM
I wasn't saying we would cut Hayden, I'm saying if he didn't make the team, he'd be on our practice squad. And if another team signed him off the practice squad, he would have to be on their active roster. That's the way it works...
Posted by: Haywood Jablowmi | Apr 30, 2008 11:02:20 AM
No...if he doesn't make the 53-man roster, he has to get cut...you can't protect your practice squad guys from the waiver wire or choosing another team's practice squad over yours....if Walker and Scott make the team over him, I doubt he'd really want to stick around. Thanks for your efforts, but the way you portrayed it is NOT the way it works.
Posted by: Michael Procton | Apr 30, 2008 1:50:40 PM
OK, so that's not NECESSARILY the way it works. Listening to Nick Hayden's interview, however, makes it sound like he wouldn't be the kind of guy to choose another team's practice squad over ours. If we decided to only keep Kemoeatu, Lewis, Scott and Walker, and offered Hayden a spot on the practice squad, I think he would accept that unless another team offered him a spot on their 53 man roster. Knowing Scott and Walker's injury histories, he would be even more likely to want to stay on our practice squad because if one of them goes down, he would probably get the first call to our 53 man.
Posted by: Haywood Jablowmi | Apr 30, 2008 3:02:43 PM
hayden want make the roster because 1 hes a rookie and we got 4 good ones or maybe gary gibson or stephen williams makes it but not a 6th rd pick we have a 2or3 headed runnning game good wr we great this year lets juust pray to God they dont get the injury bug!
Posted by: paul | Apr 30, 2008 4:55:12 PM
I am tired of all you cry baby's talking about what we gave up in the draft all we gave up was the 2nd pick and the 4th pick.Next years 1st if that is what it takes to win YOU DO IT!!!I do beleive John Fox and the GM Went to the Super Bowl and a Championship game I don't think any other coach has took our team that far..John Fox and the GM are the best coach in the NFL and IS NOT GOING ANYWHERE!!!!Carolina would be Stupid!! if they let John Fox go and Carolina Panthers GM go!!! Let the Coach and the GM do there job and you all need to stop crying...Have you all forgot where John Fox brought this team from? let me remind you..1-15 Season I think he knows how to coach so get off the mans back and let him do his JOB!!!(Bill Coward)..He did not win the Super bowl the ref's gave it to him!!!We don't want him at Carolina he can go back To Penn.... where he belongs!!!..and that goes for all other coaches..JOHN FOX IS HERE TO STAY!!!!
Posted by: Randy Hall | Apr 30, 2008 5:12:06 PM
Paul, we picked up a couple of aging, injured vets at DT, both of whom will cost significantly more than Hayden as a 6th rounder....I'm not sure why, then, you think they'll make the team over him.
Posted by: Michael Procton | Apr 30, 2008 5:15:22 PM
All roster moves and decisions will be made by Michael Procton this year.
Posted by: Dad Procton | May 1, 2008 4:00:29 AM
Ian scott is approx 27 years old.i wouldnt call that an aging vet procton.
youre actually comparing a 6 round pick to scott and walker. its well documented that the panthers are very tough in passing players at physicals.you should know that procton.youre losing it man. its time to get out of the cubicle and get some fresh air.
Posted by: ray | May 1, 2008 8:04:39 AM
michael jackson made thrilla...THRILLA
Posted by: Josh Trantham | May 2, 2008 4:42:36 AM
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