Charles Johnson's Last Year?

[bleys]

With the semi-surprise pick of Kony Ealy, does this pick spell the end of Charles Johnson. Couple thoughts come to mind about CJ.

 

1. Not Gettlemen's contract

2. Older than Hardy

3. Knee injury

4. Contract Causes Cap Crampness (CCCC) Yes I made that word up!

 

I am a big supporter of Charles Johnson. Hell I wanted him in the 2nd rd, the year he came out. But could he be cut after this season?

 

 My Question, to those who follow the cap numbers closely, what are the ramifications of cutting CJ next year?  I would hate to see this, just trying to make more since than just BPA. 

 

if he stays this year, he counts 16mil against the cap.  the following year about 12..  so if he stays this year then II don't see him getting cut when we'll gain 4mil.  He's worth it at that rate.

[Ja Rhule]

CJ is a goner...  I figured that when DG refused to restructure his contract.

[My Goodness My Guinness]

why are we so quick to show CJ and Hardy the door for some kid that has not even played a down in the NFL yet. right now Ealy is a insurance policy

Because the amount of money tied up in those two is/will be absurd. Not saying that I think it is the right move though

[bleys]

CJ is a goner...  I figured that when DG refused to restructure his contract.

 

we're going to save money next year so I'm thinking Gettleman didn't want to cost himself more by restructuring..

[philp]

http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/carolina-panthers/charles-johnson/

[L-TownCat]

Gettleman has not yet spoken. The insolence of your assumptions to his motives has been noted and will be dealt with at a later date.

That is all

[Beast_3000]

I thought even if we cut him next year we'd be left with a lot of dead money? If we can clear several million off the cap though I'd be all for it. He had played well, but never in the 15+ sack per year range that his contract warrants (coincidentally the range that Hardy is approaching).

Bottom line, if Ealy or Alexander steps up, I'd be all for trading or cutting Big Money to make room for Cam's (hopefully under 15 mil/year) and Luke's contracts.

15 million a year for Cam is wishful thinking. Have you seen the contracts of Detroit's and Chicago's quarterback? Everything else you said is dead on though.

CJ was well on his way to 15 sacks before getting leg whipped. He was slower of the edge after he returned. Probably because he was only about 80 % and wanted to help the team. CJ at 80 % is better than our 2013 defensive end group outside of Hardy.

[Fan01]

If we had cut Charles Johnson this year it would count 16 million against the cap.  Keeping him cost about the same.

 

Next year he counts 17 million against the cap if we keep him.  No way on earth are we paying him 17 million next year.  If we cut him it'll be 6 million in dead money and we save 11 million.

 

There's the math.  Now, you make the call!

[PantherPhann89]

I think it boils down to whether or not Hardy signs a LTC or not...

[Zod]

Nah. Restructure and retain.

You all underestimate the relationship between CJ and JR. Probably his favorite player.

Sent from the Carolina Huddle App

[MHS831]

why are we so quick to show CJ and Hardy the door for some kid that has not even played a down in the NFL yet. right now Ealy is a insurance policy

 

This from another Panther forum--

 

DE: Do not be surprised if we take a DE in the first 2 rounds. WHaaa? Johnson's deal was pretty much untouchable in 2014, but it will be a factor in 2015. Heck, he will nearly earn what they will offer Cam. Do not expect him to get it. He will take a pay cut or be cut. Hardy, on the other hand, wants everyone to forget the numbers he posted in years 1-3 and pay him on a scale that is based on 2014. While I think he gets a deal offer by the end of the season, if his productivity is not there, he will shop around. We could tag him again at a cost of about $15m, which is less than CJ would cost. Gettlemen has to realize that he has no cards to play in 2015 if we do not draft a DE. Expect it.

[stirs]

Gman has already pinned Godfrey's photo inside CJ's locker, just as food for thought

[OneBadCat]

I think Ealy is here as a possible replacement for either Hardy or Johnson. He's also here to be valuable depth that will see a lot of snaps. The way Johnson plays the game he can get nicked up. If one of our DE's goes down that is going to have a huge impact on our secondary. We can't afford to miss a beat.

 

As far as who stays and who goes it is still hard to tell. Hardy hasn't signed long term. Johnson could be cut but that personally makes me nervous because CJ has busted his ass for us, every snap his entire career. He is a clutch pass rusher and great run defender. I hate the thought of losing either of them but it is bound to happen.

[Jimbo]

Ealy's game is very similar to Hardy's, which makes it easy for me to think we're not going to pay Hardy to stay.  I think it depends on how 2014 goes.   If Hardy replicates 2013, I think you have to do whatever it takes to keep him around, even if it means cutting CJ loose.