"Because fans make football more than a kids' game"
C3 Carolina Panthers newsfeed brings the latest Panthers news and opinions from the fan perspective.
By now, every free agent acquisition the Panthers have made this year has been already posted about whether on here, facebook, twitter, or dozens of other sites. I'm here to look at the bigger picture going forward and what all these signings mean for the draft.
Read MoreCaptain 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 MoreLanding 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 MoreJerricho 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
The draft is coming up quick and we have been getting a fair share of mocks over the last several weeks. One of the biggest telling points for projected player talent is the scouting combine each year. This is a where a projected top ten draft pick can fall to the mid-twenties over tenths of a second on the forty yard dash.
There are a few key positions the Carolina Panthers will likely be eyeing, so here are the most important days of the combine for Panthers fans to keep an eye on.
RUNNING BACKS/OFFENSIVE LINE
DATE- MARCH 3RD (DAY ONE)
TIME- STARTS 9AM
PLAYERS TO WATCH-
RB LEONARD FOURNETTE, LSU- Everyone will have their eyes on running back Leonard Fournette as he has been the favorite of many mock drafts to go to the Panthers. As with most prospects, scouts will be eyeing his forty time. Many believe he could surprise people with it.
OT CAM ROBINSON, ALA.- A fan favorite to keep franchise quarterback Cam Newton upright and help get the running game back on track, Robinson has been rated the top tackle in a weak offensive line class. Scouts didn't originally have him falling to eight, but some recent mocks have him lower now.
RB DALVIN COOK, FLA ST.- There's a pretty good split among people who want Cook and Fournette. Many think the Panthers should get a back who can help in the pass game with some versatility, which is why they like Cook. A skeptical past could keep the Panthers away from Cook regardless though.
OTHERS- Christian McCaffrey (Stanford), D'Onta Foreman (Texas), Jamaal Williams (BYU), Ryan Ramcyzk (WIS), Adam Bisnowaty (PITT), and Will Holden (VAN).
DEFENSIVE LINE/ LINEBACKERS
DATE- MARCH 5TH (DAY THREE)
TIME- 9AM START
PLAYERS TO WATCH-
DE DEREK BARNETT, UT- Myles Garrett may be ranked with the higher upside, but Barnett has some himself. Barnett is quick off the edge. He's athletic, quick, and has good hand use. It will be interesting to see how well he performs here.
DE SOLOMAN THOMAS, STANFORD- Some have the Panthers taking Thomas at eight, which is interesting considering scouts seem to think he would fit better in a 3-4 scheme. Nevertheless, he's one to keep an eye on.
DE TACO CHARLTON, MI- Taco has been pinned as a good 4-3 base end but has been said to have the versatility and athleticism to work in 3-4 as a stand up linebacker. He's gained a lot of momentum heading into combine weekend.
OTHERS- DeMarcus Walker (FLA ST), and Keionta Davis (UT-Chatt)
DEFENSIVE BACKS
DATE- MARCH 6TH (DAY FOUR)
TIME- 9AM START
PLAYERS TO WATCH-
SS JAMAL ADAMS, LSU- A personal favorite of mine and of some others I've seen. Adams likely won't make it to the eighth pick, but the ability to add him to the strong safety spot and move Coleman back to free would almost immediately sure up the secondary. He's been compared to Eric Berry and I believe even packs more punch as a hard hitter.
SS JORDAN STERNS, OKL ST.- You may have noticed the trend of strong safeties here. Sterns could be a big value pick for a team in the middle rounds. A sure tackler, Sterns recorded over 100 tackles (60 or more solo) in three seasons, all of which led the team. One thing about Sterns against others on this list is he actually didn't get a combine invite, but I think he is someone to keep an eye on in the draft. Some coaches and scouts didn't expect him to test well anyway, which could allow him to slip, but you can't deny his tape and production.
OTHERS- CB Rasul Douglas (WV), S Lorenzo Jerome (St. Francis)
WIDE RECEIVERS/TIGHT END
DATE- MARCH 4TH (DAY TWO)
TIME- 9AM START
PLAYERS TO WATCH-
WR CHRIS GODWIN, PENN ST.- Projected to go in the middle rounds, Carolina could opt to go with a receiver to force some competition coming off a down season for their wide outs. The Panthers also need to strengthen their slot position at receiver.
WR RYAN SWITZER, UNC- Mainly here because of the local love he's received from fans, but also because of his special teams versatility. A solid combine could notch him up boards late in the draft and could potentially be a late pick for quick slot receiver help the Panthers offense "evolve."
TE JORDAN LEGGETT, CLEMSON- A strong combine could cause Leggett To climb, but we know Gettleman wanted to address Greg Olsen's future replacement last season. Leggett could be that as a dangerous receiving weapon. He's currently projected to go in rounds 2-3.
OTHERS- TE BUCKY HODGES (VT), TE COLE HIKUTINI (LOUISVILLE), WR DEDE WESTBROOK (OU), WR ARTAVIS SCOTT (CLEMSON)
Follow @TrippMorgan6 and @Cat_Chronicles on Twitter for the latest news and updates on the Carolina Panthers.
Article photo by Fraetis Photography. www.fraetisphotography.com
Carolina's big-play threat Ted Ginn Jr. is set to hit free agency this offseason. While it's possible he re-signs on a team friendly deal, Ginn is also 31 and there may be a younger, better at his age, receiver in the market that Carolina could bring in.
Read MoreThe Panthers have parted ways with their Pro Bowl fullback Mike Tolbert as first reported by Max Henson on Panthers.com.
“I feel very fortunate to have coached Mike for nearly his entire career,” head coach Ron Rivera said. “He was someone we targeted in 2012 because we felt he would be a good addition to our offense and he was very productive for us. He brought great energy and leadership to our locker room and I wish him the best.”
Tolbert's role diminished pretty heavily following 2013 after suffering a knee injury that limited him to eight games. His 11.6 yards per game in 2016 was a career low.
Tolbert totaled 992 yards 13 touchdowns on the ground and 771 receiving yards with six receiving touchdowns. His ability in the passing game and short yardage situation was his biggest asset for the Panthers in 2012 and 2013.
Tolbert was due $1.5 million in 2017, meaning the release was essentially performance based as the extra money doesn't do much for the Panthers.
It would be interesting to see if the Panthers go with a true blocking fullback moving forward to help open up the run game more.
Follow @TrippMorgan6 and @Cat_Chronicles for the latest news and updates on the Carolina Panthers.
Article photo by Jesse Fraetis photography
As many expected, the Carolina Panthers brought in free agent wide receiver Victor Cruz for a visit on Monday.
General Manager Dave Gettleman was with the Giants in 2010 when they brought Cruz in undrafted and he shot to stardom. Gettleman bringing Cruz in to visit says that Gettleman both likes Cruz as a player, on and off the field, and that the Panthers front office wants to address the wide receiver position.
Cruz said in a phone conversation that the visit, "Went well" according to Art Stapleton of The Record.
Cruz was released a week ago in a move to free $7 million of cap space with players like Odell Beckham Jr. becoming house hold names and rookie Sterling Shepard impressing in his rokie season.
Cruz, 30, recorded 39 catches for 586 yards and one touchdown in his first season back after being sidelined with injuries the previous two seasons. Cruz would immediately bring a much needed veteran presence that was lost when Jerricho Cotchery left. For comparison, Cotchery had 39 catches for 485 yards and three touchdowns with the Panthers in 2015.
The slot receiver position struggled last season and Cruz could be a viable option and more importantly, cost effective. It seems the interest is mutual on both sides.
Follow @TrippMorgan6 and @Cat_Chronicles on Twitter for the latest news and updates following this story and others with the Carolina Panthers.
Thumbnail photo by Jesse Fraetis photography.
