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I was able to sit down with ECU star receiver Zay Jones before his autograph signing at Sup Dogs in Greenville, NC benefiting the Aces For Autism Foundation. I asked him a few quick questions about his recent experiences and confirmed the private workout he had earlier this week at ECU with Carolina Panthers coaches.
Read MoreThe Panthers and new wide receivers coach Lance Taylor worked out ECU star wide receiver Zay Jones in Greenville, NC earlier this week.
Read MoreThere was a lot of nostalgia in the air for the Carolina's when the Panthers brought back local favorite defensive end and Panthers great Julius Peppers last Friday. At 37, it's believed that Peppers would like be in a situational pass rushing role with other guys, but on a call with local WFNZ (click this link to here the interview), Peppers pushed the envelope further.
"We haven't really talked about that," Peppers said about his role. "I can say this: It's not one of those situations where I'm coming back for a farewell tour. I'm coming back to play, and I'm coming back to try to make some things happen. So my expectation is to be out there and be productive."
It's obvious Peppers doesn't want to be a guy plugged in here or there just to be there and despite what the Panthers may have thought they would get out of him, it's something they certainly should like to hear.
Peppers is coming off a two-year stint with Green Bay where he recorded 18 sacks and 4 forced fumbles over that span. He had 7.5 sacks last season with the Packers, so the consistency is still there. While he lined up a lot in a 3-4 role, he was still very effective with his hand in the dirt, which is where he Carolina will use him most.
He's also not ruling out playing another year at age 38.
"Well, right now, I'm taking it one year at a time. At the end of the year if I still feel good, than why not?"
One year at a time, but I'm sure if Julius is productive in '17, then the Carolina's would love to have him back to end his career where it began... in Charlotte, NC.
Written By Tripp Morgan
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Captain Munnerlyn is officially back with the Panthers as of this morning and spoke on how he made it back, why, and what he looks forward to. Here are the highlights.
Read MoreIt's been a busy day in Charlotte for the Carolina Panthers on the second day of free agency. To end it, they agreed to terms with a familiar face in nickel back specialist Captain Munnerlyn, a big need for the defense.
Read MoreThe last thing I had heard on Peppers before free Agency was that his agent was working on a deal to keep him in Green Bay. It was also known that the Panthers would likely try to sign Peppers and they both had common interest in '14. Well, they are reportedly close via Joe Person of the Charlotte Observer.
Peppers, 37, was the Panthers second overall pick in 2002 and played eight seasons while going to five Pro Bowls during that span. He recorded 7.5 sacks and two forced-fumbles with Green Bay last season, showing he could still rush the passer. It should be noted he played in a 3-4 role with Green Bay, but still had his hand in the dirt here and there.
Defensive end Charles Johnson's lobbying to his old friend and mentor just may have helped sway him. Johnson has also sent out tweets trying to sway another former Panther in Captain Munnerlyn, who also reportedly has been sent an offer from Carolina.
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Article photo by Jesse Fraetis
Landing Shepard on the same day loss of Ted Ginn would be a solid turn around for Carolina. He's not a major splash, but could improve in more than one area nonetheless.
Read MoreAll through the off season we pretty much knew the Panthers were going to be chasing left tackle Matt Kalil in free agency. His brother, Ryan Kalil, is a Pro Bowl center for them and it's a big need on the offensive line.
That was all confirmed this morning that they were close to a deal and we now know what those numbers are.
It will be interesting to see what the further breakdown of the contract will be, but it's a number the Panthers had to know they would be around. They knew going in that they wouldn't get Kalil on a one or two year "prove it" deal, but it's a risk they felt they had to take with Michael Oher still in the protocol and Mike Remmers set to hit free agency. This is also a weaker offensive line draft class, so there wouldn't be much help there either.
The Carolina Panthers are literally banking on Matt Kalil, but it's what they've been dealt with an uncertain future at this point. All you can do is hope it works out and he proves he's worth it.
Written By Tripp Morgan
Follow @TrippMorgan6 and Cat_Chronicles for the latest news and updates surrounding the Carolina Panthers
Article Photo By Jesse Fraetis
With all the signings in-house recently in Charlotte, Ted Ginn Jr was a name that hadn't been muttered once and had fans worried. Ginn has now left Charlotte for a deal in New Orleans.
Ginn had taken to twitter on Wednesday with a post that could have, at the time, been taken as a happy post (new contract with Panthers), or an upset post (not enough money offered from Panthers). It now seems like the latter.
Ginn has been the Panthers only deep threat over the last few seasons. He left in '14 to chase money with the Cardinals, only to return a year later after a disappointing season ending in the playoffs with a loss to Carolina. He would then lead Carolina his first year back in receiving yards and touchdowns on the way to 15-1 and Super Bowl 50 after Kelvin Benjamin went down with an ACL tear in training camp.
The loss of Ginn leaves a pretty gaping hole in the need of speed at receiver for the Panthers. Ginn had been the only consistent deep threat. There's a chance they may want to give Damiere Byrd more opportunities going forward, but I would look for them to address this need some during free agency and possibly the draft as well. Cam Newton thrives on big plays and as of noon today, it just got tougher for now.
Written By Tripp Morgan
Follow @TrippMorgan6 and Cat_Chronicles for the latest news and updates surrounding the Carolina Panthers.
Article photo by Jesse Fraetis
The Carolina Panthers had a glaring need at offensive tackle heading into free agency this offseason. Michael Oher has been in the concussion protocol since week three of 2016 and Mike Remmers is believed by most to be gone after struggling again last season.
Read MorePer Joe Person of the Charlotte Observer, the Panthers intend to let wide receivers Philly Brown and Brenton Bersin test free agency and tender guard Andrew Norwell by Thursday's deadline.
Read MoreThere'a been a lot of talk since the season has ended of former Panthers great Julius Peppers rejoining the team once he hits free agency. Recent news supports that hope for the reunion may have just gotten a little further away.
Julius Peppers agent Carl Carey recently told ESPN that he has spoken to the Packers recently about a deal that would keep Peppers in Green Bay. This coming after Carey announced Peppers intent to continue playing according to Pro Football Talk.
“Julius, after taking some time to reflect during the off season, has decided that he still has the desire and enthusiasm for the game, and his intention is to play a 16th NFL season,” Carey said, via ESPN.com.
Peppers, 36, has shown that he can still get to the quarterback as a role player on defense. He has totaled 25 sacks (7.5 in 2016) and 8 forced fumbles (2 in 2016) over the last three seasons with the Packers.
Before signing with Green Bay prior to the 2014 season, Peppers was reportedly real close to signing with Carolina until Green Bay called and offered him a spot to play as a 3-4 stand up linebacker. "I've been waiting my whole life to do that," Peppers said. The rest was history.
Many Panthers fans are hoping for a reunion at a position that could use another pass rush presence. If this recent report holds true, Peppers may want to stay in Green Bay in his current 3-4 role.
Written By Tripp Morgan
Follow @TrippMorgan6 and @Cat_Chronicles for the latest news and updates on the Carolina Panthers.
Article photo by Jesse Fraetis Photography.
Zay Jones had for the most part been overlooked going into the post season despite record shattering numbers for both most career receptions (399) in NCAA history and most receptions in a single season (158) in NCAA history.
Read MoreDay one of the combine got underway this morning. Running backs have been a heavy favorite for the Panthers at pick eight. Here's a quick combine overview of potential running backs for the Panthers with the eighth overall pick.
LEONARD FOURNETTE, LSU
HEIGHT-6'1", WEIGHT- 240 LBS
People were quick to criticize and become skeptical when Fournette put up a measly 28.5" vertical to start the days drills after showing up weighing 240lbs. Critics were later impressed after he put up a 4.51 forty yard dash number at 240 pounds. His forty time was only .02 slower than both Cook (210lbs) and McCaffrey (202lbs) and is also the fastest for a running back weighing 240 or more since 2003. Fournette said Thursday that five pounds of that was "water weight." Fournette will catch some slack for the vertical and not participating in the broad jump. He will reportedly do his bench press at the LSU Pro Day.
40 YARD DASH- 4.51 seconds (T-10th)
VERTICAL JUMP- 28.5" (T-18th)
BROAD- DNP
BENCH PRESS- Opted to do at his Pro Day.
DALVIN COOK, FLA ST.
HEIGHT- 5' 10", WEIGHT- 210 LBS
Dalvin Cook had a solid outing while participating in all the events. He showed off his strength in the bench press. Much like Fournette, his vertical wasn't real impressive. Last years running backs averaged a 34.5" vertical.
40 YARD DASH- 4.49 seconds (T-8th)
VERTICAL JUMP- 30.5" (T-14th)
BROAD JUMP- 116" (T-11th)
BENCH PRESS- 22 Reps (T-3rd)
CHRISTIAN MCCAFFREY, STANFORD
HEIGHT- 5'11", WEIGHT- 202LBS
McCaffrey jumped through the roof with a second best vertical jump on the day at 37.5", but showed his lack of strength with a low 10 rep bench press. McCaffrey made his money showing his footwork through the running drills later, showcasing his quick feet.
40 YARD DASH- 4.48 (T-7th)
VERTICAL JUMP- 37.5" (T-2nd)
BROAD JUMP- 121" (T-6th)
BENCH PRESS- 10 (2nd Worst)
Panthers fans hoping for a running back at pick eight should be pleased with the majority of all this. Each player has a number you would like to see better, but they all have the most important thing, good film.
McCaffrey is still a stretch for the Panthers at eight. I personally don't think Cook will be selected by the Panthers at eight due to his off field history. You would like to see Fournette participate in the broad jump, particularly after the low vertical. But again they all have good tape. Stay tuned for other position group results.
Follow @TrippMorgan6 and Cat_Chronicles for the latest news and updates on the Carolina Panthers.
Article photo by Jesse Fraetis.
Jerricho Cotchery is back to assist with new Panthers wide receivers coach Lance Taylor on Carolina's coaching staff as reported by Black and Blue Review.
“Here’s a guy very familiar with our guys, a guy that was the quiet leader in that group," said Rivera.
Nobody really took over that leadership role for the Panthers receivers in 2016, and it showed. Ginn was the veteran of the group, but has never really had that trait. Carolina's slot receiver position as a whole diminished without Cotchery in 2016 as well.
With Philly Brown and Brenton Bersin both set to be free agents this off season, Panthers brought in Victor Cruz for a visit last month. Carolina could opt to let both go if they can reach a deal with Cruz, or keep one and let the other go. It would likely be Bersin walking as Philly Brown accounted for 27 of the 30 receptions in the slot last season. Panthers also liked rookie Damiere Byrd and may choose to try and implement more of him.
It will be interesting to see how things develop with Cruz going forward. In a radio interview last month after the visit, Cruz said the visit "went well." Having two veterans such as Cotchery and Cruz would be great additions to the locker room and on the field for the younger corps of guys.
Follow @TrippMorgan6 and Cat_Chronicles for news and updates on the Carolina Panthers.
Article thumbnail photo Jesse Fraetis photography.
Written by Tripp Morgan
