Colin Cole vs Dwan Edwards

[Jeremy Igo]

The Carolina Panthers have two veteran defensive tackles that are unrestricted free agents this offseason, Colin Cole and Dwan Edwards.

 

Colin Cole first came to the Panthers as a run defense specialist in 2013. Since then he has carved out a spot on the Panthers roster as a defensive tackle to spell Star Lotulelei. Cole the type of low budget rotational player that is key to the long term success of the Panthers.

 

Cole has always had consistent play for the Panthers. Not great, not bad, but good enough to stop the run when asked to fill in. Typically he gets somewhere between 20-30 snaps a game. Cole is now 34 years old.

 

Dwan Edwards is also available for other teams to sign. Edwards is 33 years old and gets somewhere between 30-40 snaps a game. Edwards made a little over 2 million last year.

 

The Panthers need to keep one of these players on the roster. They can't afford to lose quality depth at defensive tackle. GM Dave Gettleman always says you have to first stop the run to be able to get to the QB. Having two inexperienced guys back up Star and Short would not be ideal.

 

In a perfect world, the Panthers could keep both of these players as both have performed well in the past. But realistically, there may be up to 10 rookies this season looking for roster spots, and I believe at least one will be defensive tackle.

 

It may come down to which player is willing to accept a modest salary on a one year contract with the Panthers. Cole won't be sought after elsewhere, and Edwards may not be as well. Defensive tackles in the twilight of their careers aren't exactly a hot commodity in the NFL. Last year, Cole re-signed with the Panthers in April after being on the market for over a month. The demand just isn't there.

 

If I had to make a guess, I would say that Dwan Edwards re-signs with the Panthers for around a million dollars on a one year contract and Cole retires.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[rayzor]

cole doesn't get mentioned as much, but i think he's more important to keep than dwan. he eats up blockers and stuffs the run very well in the relatively light duty he is called on to play. i'm not sure how well he would do if he had to fill in for star for a game or two. might be too many reps on his big old body.

 

dwan is good against the pass rush, but it seems like we have more people who can help against that than against the run. might just be my imagination on that point, though.

 

i'd like to keep both, but we also need to be finding some youth to keep around for a few years. one needs to be replaced soon. both eventually.

[O-Ther]

Pass rushers are always in higher demand than run stoppers. Easier to find big slow guys that clog the middle than big fast guys that can pierce the pocket.

 

Still, it'll be hard to see my adopted Panther go.

[MV%doe]

I already know this answer, but id offer each the special vet min. I'm about 98% sure edwards would ask for more money, while cole would take the offer.

Knowing this before hand, I've already told wes horton to bulk up. Wes would replace edwards, while not losing much. DEs- cj, alexander, ealy, addison DTs- wes, kk, star, cole. That leaves a spot( or two) open for the deeeeeeep upcoming draft class or the ultra dream hardy return. Armchair gming is too easy

Edwards will be missed, he was a rare 100% effort type. He caused havoc and in limited snaps was among sack&tackle for loss leaders for DTs.

Plus I heard cole joked with dave about signing a 5 year contract and dave replied "we'd love to have you".

[SCP]

I trust DG to make the right call on defensive line talent

[London Loves Luke]

What about keeping cole and letting Love get a shot at the other spell role? Would that be the cheapest option without too much of a drop in talent?

[CelibatePimp]

Doesn't Edewards play more of the role KK plays and Cole Star's role? I would say with Star's latest injuries, getting a valuable backup at the position is more important.

[O-Ther]

What about keeping cole and letting Love get a shot at the other spell role? Would that be the cheapest option without too much of a drop in talent?

 

Cole and Love are more similar than Edwards and Love. Cole eats up the double team blocks so Luke can flow to the ball unblocked. Love has that skillset more than Edwards skillset of quickness up the field to pressure the QB.

 

I see Dwan being re-signed and Gettleman drafting a bigger DT to replace Cole as the back-up run stuffer and double team block eater.

 

[WOW!!]

I think it's going to be more like Kyle Love vs Cole since they are the same type DT ....and Love is younger..so I see him beating out Cole..

[WOW!!]

Cole and Love are more similar than Edwards and Love. Cole eats up the double team blocks so Luke can flow to the ball unblocked. Love has that skillset more than Edwards skillset of quickness up the field to pressure the QB.

I see Dwan being re-signed and Gettleman drafting a bigger DT to replace Cole as the back-up run stuffer and double team block eater.

Love is a block eater like Cole.. Edwards is more of a 3tech that can do both eat blocks and pass rush. .

[Ace_Aladdin]

I say we still need to draft a DT/NT that eats up 2 blocker

[Lumps]

I like Dwan a lot.

Cole meh.

[Jeremy Igo]

I think it's going to be more like Kyle Love vs Cole since they are the same type DT ....and Love is younger..so I see him beating out Cole..

Love was only activated as a result of injury.

I doubt he makes the squad this year.

[ThPantherFan]

cole doesn't get mentioned as much, but i think he's more important to keep than dwan. he eats up blockers and stuffs the run very well in the relatively light duty he is called on to play. i'm not sure how well he would do if he had to fill in for star for a game or two. might be too many reps on his big old body.

 

dwan is good against the pass rush, but it seems like we have more people who can help against that than against the run. might just be my imagination on that point, though.

 

i'd like to keep both, but we also need to be finding some youth to keep around for a few years. one needs to be replaced soon. both eventually.

 

That's the issue.  I would love to keep them both, but that would take a roster spot from someone coming up.  I don't want to be Gman on this decision.