ESPN's Field Yates thoughts on the Carolina Panthers

[TheSpecialJuan]

Carolina spent the offseason holding steady, proving to Field Yates that the Panthers "might be the most stable model of success in the NFL right now."

 

[TheSpecialJuan]

How did our experts grade Carolina's free-agent activity?

Anyone have ESPN Insider?

[therealmjl]

Even though what he said was positive.

 

 

 

Who?

[OneBadCat]

Damn straight. This years team could beat the 2015 squad on paper. Not as if that is saying much but I feel we have done nothing but improve. Plus KBs return.

[Bartin]

10 minutes ago, mjligon said:

Even though what he said was positive.

 

 

 

Who?

The guy on ESPN who looks like he's 16

[dpm0409]

12 minutes ago, mjligon said:

Even though what he said was positive.

 

 

 

Who?

Young looking dude.  I thought most knew who he was.  Don't think he's brand new.  Could be wrong though.

[uncfan888]

It's true though.. It's nice to have a stable and successful franchise to root for. I'm enjoying owning the division every year.. just need that ring now

[therealmjl]

6 minutes ago, dpm0409 said:

Young looking dude.  I thought most knew who he was.  Don't think he's brand new.  Could be wrong though.

I recognize him...but don't know him by name...then again I don't watch much ESPN so there's that.

[ChuckWag78]

He does the fantasy focus podcast with Matthew Berry and is a regular on ESPN.  He is usually pretty level headed and not one to make broad proclamations.

[Jangler]

His younger brother, Yard, hates everything we've done so far.

[JawnyBlaze]

Quote

Carolina Panthers

Grade: B

Franchise player: CB Josh Norman (unsigned)

Re-signed: LS J.J. Jansen, LB Ben Jacobs, G Chris Scott, WR Stephen Hill, DE Charles Johnson, QB Joe Webb, FB Mike Tolbert

Signed: C Gino Gradkowski, S Trenton Robinson, CB Brandon Boykin

Lost/cut: P Brad Nortman, DE Jared Allen (retired), DT Dwan Edwards, DT Nate Chandler

The Panthers have not done much beyond re-signing Tolbert and Johnson, two key veteran role players. That was the point after the team spent last offseason re-signing Greg Olsen, Cam Newton, Thomas Davis and Luke Kuechly. The team presumably would like to strike a long-term deal with cornerback Josh Norman, their franchise player. That has not happened.

"I'm convinced this might be the most stable model of success in the NFL right now," Yates said. "My question looking at them is, how many spots are available on the 53-man roster as of the first day of free agency? There are not many. You could say they need to add another target in the passing game, but if you spend there, does it prevent you from getting a deal done with Norman?"

Dominik said the Panthers are probably bracing themselves for next offseason, when defensive tackle Kawann Short will be in line for a new contract. The money Malik Jackson commanded from the Giants had to be eye-opening for other teams with top defensive tackles, although Carolina does have the franchise tag as leverage.

While Yates thought Carolina deserved an 'A' grade, the broader consensus said the grade should be lower simply because the Panthers have not done much -- not that standing pat is bad for a team that has shown it can get good value from lower-end investments such as Michael Oher and Kurt Coleman.

"They have a plan," Riddick said.

 

 

[TheSpecialJuan]

7 minutes ago, JawnyBlaze said:

 

Thanks

[TheSpecialJuan]

[Bartin]

1 minute ago, TheSpecialJuan said:

I honestly can't tell if that's a photo or a painting.