This Season May Actually Be A Blessing In Disguise

[Saca312]

This season is what happens when you mix the Browns and Jags in a pot and then poo all over it. It's a terrible mess. Everything is not clicking. Our offense, as talented as it is, has some glaring weaknesses at the tackle position, and we've got the discipline of high schoolers. Any RB not named Stew can't block. Now defensively, our D-Line has regressed. Our DEs are playing like JAGS, our secondary looks like the team decided to pick some players from Clover High School benchwarmers, and we're playing like poo. Now, injuries sure have been a factor, as our secondary has taken hits with Bradberry and Worley getting hit hard, and the turmoil of our tackle position, and Cam coming from a concussion, but the Panther season has officially come to a bleak state after our 38-41 loss to the Saints.

Now, many fans are pointing fingers, looking at who to blame. From blaming the coaching staff, to condemning Gettleman for our setbacks, we just want some explanation to why we keep losing. Now, I personally believe that we honestly aren't that bad, we just make so many mistakes and get beat by so low margins that our losses just look horrid. I mean most games were decided by a missed FG or made FG at the last second. However, it is what it is. We're 1-5, and 0-3 in the division. But, could this season be the best thing that could possibly happen to the Panthers?

So Just Imagine

Gettleman goes complete 180 and strikes early in FA, being able to acquire Olivier Vernon to the same price as the Giants, or heck another top good DE to shore up the spot, and Ealy starts at his Superbowl position and CJ is let go, if he denies the 1.5 million contract max he'd possibly get. He strikes a $14 million for 5 year deal with Norman, or tags him, goes for a trade for a solid LT, with Williams starting at RT. He then pulls the trigger on S Eric Weddle, and in the draft drafts Hunter Henry in the 1st, Bradberry 2nd, a prospect DT in the 3rd, and shore up prospect players for multiple positions, including a DE. Gettlemen then is left with around $3-6 million in the cap after these transactions. Seems like a dream, right? Like this would've been the best thing to happen to the Panthers, right?

Now, this looks great, but then fast forward to 2017. Look at this list:

PLAYER (14)	POS.	AGE	FROM	TO	2016 CAP HIT	STATUS	MARKET VALUE
Ted Ginn Jr.	WR	31	CAR	TBD	$2,775,000	UFA	-
Charles Johnson	DE	30	CAR	TBD	$2,562,500	UFA	Market Value
Mike Remmers	RT	27	CAR	TBD	$2,553,000	UFA	-
Mario Addison	DE	29	CAR	TBD	$1,620,000	UFA	-
Kawann Short	DT	27	CAR	TBD	$1,473,192	UFA	Market Value
Teddy Williams	CB	28	CAR	TBD	$1,010,000	UFA	-
Colin Jones	FS	28	CAR	TBD	$885,000	UFA	-
Robert McClain	CB	28	CAR	TBD	$810,000	UFA	-
Michael Griffin	FS	31	CAR	TBD	$728,823	UFA	-
A.J. Klein	ILB	25	CAR	TBD	$722,825	UFA	-
Kyle Love	DT	29	CAR	TBD	$625,882	UFA	-
Leonard Johnson	CB	26	CAR	TBD	$600,000	UFA	-
Chris Scott	G	29	CAR	TBD	$538,823	UFA	-
Brenton Bersin	WR	26	CAR	TBD	$458,822	UFA	-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yes, these are the 2017 Free Agents the Panthers currently have to deal with. Among some notable players would include KK Short, Mike Remmers, Kyle Love, Charles Johnson, and Ted Ginn Jr. I mean doesn't look too bad. Just some backup players here and there to go. But consider the fact that we could've also had Ryan Kalil, Kurt Coleman, and Oher on this list. Now, considering the scenario above, Oher and Remmers are backup roles, so one of them would be probable to go. Kalil would most likely be retained in some way or form. Kyle Love would assume a backup role as well, so not much money for him, and CJ would either be gone or stay, pending on whether he accepted a 1.5 mil prove it deal tops. Klein would get his chance with another team as the starting LB, and of course the rest is depth fix up. 

But the issue really lies with KK Short and Kurt Coleman. Consider if we actually got a decent DE. His play would most likely be elevated, as having help from DEs really allow KK to get to the QB, as the QB also accounts for the DEs. KK would prove his point and warrant a top DT contract. Pretend CJ stayed, and he really began to prove himself decent. How would you handle that? Plus if Norman stayed, Coleman would still look like a solid safety, and he'd warrant a contract. And what if Norman was tagged? Imagine trying to take care of all that.

And if that wasn't enough, 2018:

PLAYER (13)	POS.	AGE	FROM	TO	2017 CAP HIT	STATUS
Thomas Davis	OLB	33	CAR	TBD	$8,250,000	UFA
Jonathan Stewart	RB	29	CAR	TBD	$8,250,000	UFA
Star Lotulelei	DT	26	CAR	TBD	$6,757,000	UFA
Graham Gano	K	29	CAR	TBD	$3,850,000	UFA
Paul Soliai	DT	32	CAR	TBD	$3,500,000	UFA
Ed Dickson	TE	29	CAR	TBD	$2,716,668	UFA
Kelvin Benjamin	WR	25	CAR	TBD	$2,438,625	UFA
Derek Anderson	QB	33	CAR	TBD	$2,250,000	UFA
Mike Tolbert	FB	30	CAR	TBD	$1,850,000	UFA
Kony Ealy	DE	24	CAR	TBD	$1,128,538	UFA
Joe Webb	QB	29	CAR	TBD	$1,000,000	UFA
Trai Turner	G	23	CAR	TBD	$824,950	UFA
Tre Boston	FS	24	CAR	TBD	$791,367	UFA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yep. Now we're starting to get some meat in this. Tolbert would obviously be gone though, but our 2 backup QB's, the best of our OTs, Turner, Stewart, Ealy, Star, Boston, Benji, and Davis, all are on the list. Davis might retire at this point, though I still believe he's half cyborg and immortal. Stewart might retire as well, but he may still have some steam amid all the injuries. Now, Turner and Star. These two are the big points. Obviously, Turner is necessary to retain. Considering we've already cap restricted ourselves because we went all out in 2016, we'll have pains trying to keep him with all these contracts, and Star would still be looking good with good DEs next to him. And if Norman is gone, since we still can't get a deal with him, we need a good CB to come in even with all these cap issues we've caused for ourselves. If Ealy was at his superbowl position and retained his success then, he might want to warrant pass rusher money. Boston is still a solid backup we need to checkup on, and our backup QBs are necessary. I'm sure not good at salary or the cap itself, but I know this amount of players needed to be retained would be a problem if we went off in 2016. We might've had a better shot at the Superbowl for the 2016-2017 season (aka now) and a back to back superbowl experience, but the Patriots would be a formidable opponent for the Superbowl. It's obvious we'd be mediocre for the years to come afterwards, as we'd probably lose 1-2 of our DTs, and lose a DE, and other positions as well that we tried to plug for one season.

 

Now, here comes reality. We've made few moves in the offseason, and retained a lot of money in the cap. Now, these contracts are starting to look more reasonable. KK would not be getting his mega deal, because he bet on himself and no one is helping him, and get a decent deal in effect. The issue of Norman doesn't exist, and Bradberry would most likely begin showing signs of being the true great CB he is looking to become, with Worley becoming more accustomed to the system as well. The next offseason, don't be surprised to see a big splash for a good DE and a vet safety to shore up those positions, and draft a good tackle with our (sadly inevitable) top 10 pick, and shore up depth with a promising DE, future franchise RB, and help plug other positions. CJ would either accept he isn't that good anymore and accept a cheap deal or look elsewhere for a team that needs some benchwarmers. Ealy would still have not proven anything since the Superbowl, and not warrant too big of a contract. We'd look good cap wise, and wise FA splashes and draft pickups would make us look formidable and contenders for 3+ years. This would not be possible without the limited spending Dave has done last offseason.

 

So, effectively for this to happen, this season had to basically be a suicide season. We're rebuilding to be contenders for multiple years, not just this one season. Superbowls are not guaranteed anyhow, so would you rather have one possible season of hoping we'd make it, or be formidable for multiple seasons and get many chances to get there? 

 

Dave is getting blame when he's honestly looking at the future. Don't be surprised if he begins spending in FA next season, and don't be surprised that we're contenders for multiple seasons afterwards. Honestly what he's doing is genius. Cam still has a few years of prime in him, and it'd be worthless to waste it for the future years of his prime by going all out without being able to keep players.

 

Just think: would you rather be good for just this year of his prime in exchange for his future multiple years of his prime, or be contenders for his future multiple years of his prime, in exchange for one season?

 

The choice is yours. You can view this season as a waste by Gettleman, because it honestly is. I wouldn't be surprised if Dave was laughing to himself, expecting this to happen, and imagining how amazing we'd be in the future and how this would just be one forgotten season as we go for back to back Superbowl wins, and multiple playoff appearances. This is certainly possible, and I won't be complaining if it happens. For those who believe that "Ah bahhh Gettledouche is gonna keep being cheap and not do anything next season," I honestly doubt that would happen. Next season is imperative we make some moves, and I'm sure those moves will be made. He's a pretty smart GM, and I'm sure he'd assess how much longer Cam really has, and consider making sure we juice out the future years of his prime. Although this season looks bleak, the future certainly looks bright.

 

Keep Pounding and trudging, Panther Nation! Good times a coming!

 

 

 

[The_Rainmaker]

3 minutes ago, Saca312 said:

This season is what happens when you mix the Browns and Jags in a pot and then poo all over it. It's a terrible mess. Everything is not clicking. Our offense, as talented as it is, has some glaring weaknesses at the tackle position, and we've got the discipline of high schoolers. Any RB not named Stew can't block. Now defensively, our D-Line has regressed. Our DEs are playing like JAGS, our secondary looks like the team decided to pick some players from Clover High School benchwarmers, and we're playing like poo. Now, injuries sure have been a factor, as our secondary has taken hits with Bradberry and Worley getting hit hard, and the turmoil of our tackle position, and Cam coming from a concussion, but the Panther season has officially come to a bleak state after our 38-41 loss to the Saints.

Now, many fans are pointing fingers, looking at who to blame. From blaming the coaching staff, to condemning Gettleman for our setbacks, we just want some explanation to why we keep losing. Now, I personally believe that we honestly aren't that bad, we just make so many mistakes and get beat by so low margins that our losses just look horrid. I mean most games were decided by a missed FG or made FG at the last second. However, it is what it is. We're 1-5, and 0-3 in the division. But, could this season be the best thing that could possibly happen to the Panthers?

So Just Imagine

Gettleman goes complete 180 and strikes early in FA, being able to acquire Olivier Vernon to the same price as the Giants, or heck another top good DE to shore up the spot, and Ealy starts at his Superbowl position and CJ is let go, if he denies the 1.5 million contract max he'd possibly get. He strikes a $14 million for 5 year deal with Norman, or tags him, goes for a trade for a solid LT, with Williams starting at RT. He then pulls the trigger on S Eric Weddle, and in the draft drafts Hunter Henry in the 1st, Bradberry 2nd, a prospect DT in the 3rd, and shore up prospect players for multiple positions, including a DE. Gettlemen then is left with around $3-6 million in the cap after these transactions. Seems like a dream, right? Like this would've been the best thing to happen to the Panthers, right?

Now, this looks great, but then fast forward to 2017. Look at this list:

PLAYER (14)	POS.	AGE	FROM	TO	2016 CAP HIT	STATUS	MARKET VALUE
Ted Ginn Jr.	WR	31	CAR	TBD	$2,775,000	UFA	-
Charles Johnson	DE	30	CAR	TBD	$2,562,500	UFA	Market Value
Mike Remmers	RT	27	CAR	TBD	$2,553,000	UFA	-
Mario Addison	DE	29	CAR	TBD	$1,620,000	UFA	-
Kawann Short	DT	27	CAR	TBD	$1,473,192	UFA	Market Value
Teddy Williams	CB	28	CAR	TBD	$1,010,000	UFA	-
Colin Jones	FS	28	CAR	TBD	$885,000	UFA	-
Robert McClain	CB	28	CAR	TBD	$810,000	UFA	-
Michael Griffin	FS	31	CAR	TBD	$728,823	UFA	-
A.J. Klein	ILB	25	CAR	TBD	$722,825	UFA	-
Kyle Love	DT	29	CAR	TBD	$625,882	UFA	-
Leonard Johnson	CB	26	CAR	TBD	$600,000	UFA	-
Chris Scott	G	29	CAR	TBD	$538,823	UFA	-
Brenton Bersin	WR	26	CAR	TBD	$458,822	UFA	-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yes, these are the 2017 Free Agents the Panthers currently have to deal with. Among some notable players would include KK Short, Mike Remmers, Kyle Love, Charles Johnson, and Ted Ginn Jr. I mean doesn't look too bad. Just some backup players here and there to go. But consider the fact that we could've also had Ryan Kalil, Kurt Coleman, and Oher on this list. Now, considering the scenario above, Oher and Remmers are backup roles, so one of them would be probable to go. Kalil would most likely be retained in some way or form. Kyle Love would assume a backup role as well, so not much money for him, and CJ would either be gone or stay, pending on whether he accepted a 1.5 mil prove it deal tops. Klein would get his chance with another team as the starting LB, and of course the rest is depth fix up. 

But the issue really lies with KK Short and Kurt Coleman. Consider if we actually got a decent DE. His play would most likely be elevated, as having help from DEs really allow KK to get to the QB, as the QB also accounts for the DEs. KK would prove his point and warrant a top DT contract. Pretend CJ stayed, and he really began to prove himself decent. How would you handle that? Plus if Norman stayed, Coleman would still look like a solid safety, and he'd warrant a contract. And what if Norman was tagged? Imagine trying to take care of all that.

And if that wasn't enough, 2018:

PLAYER (13)	POS.	AGE	FROM	TO	2017 CAP HIT	STATUS
Thomas Davis	OLB	33	CAR	TBD	$8,250,000	UFA
Jonathan Stewart	RB	29	CAR	TBD	$8,250,000	UFA
Star Lotulelei	DT	26	CAR	TBD	$6,757,000	UFA
Graham Gano	K	29	CAR	TBD	$3,850,000	UFA
Paul Soliai	DT	32	CAR	TBD	$3,500,000	UFA
Ed Dickson	TE	29	CAR	TBD	$2,716,668	UFA
Kelvin Benjamin	WR	25	CAR	TBD	$2,438,625	UFA
Derek Anderson	QB	33	CAR	TBD	$2,250,000	UFA
Mike Tolbert	FB	30	CAR	TBD	$1,850,000	UFA
Kony Ealy	DE	24	CAR	TBD	$1,128,538	UFA
Joe Webb	QB	29	CAR	TBD	$1,000,000	UFA
Trai Turner	G	23	CAR	TBD	$824,950	UFA
Tre Boston	FS	24	CAR	TBD	$791,367	UFA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yep. Now we're starting to get some meat in this. Tolbert would obviously be gone though, but our 2 backup QB's, the best of our OTs, Turner, Stewart, Ealy, Star, Boston, Benji, and Davis, all are on the list. Davis might retire at this point, though I still believe he's half cyborg and immortal. Stewart might retire as well, but he may still have some steam amid all the injuries. Now, Turner and Star. These two are the big points. Obviously, Turner is necessary to retain. Considering we've already cap restricted ourselves because we went all out in 2016, we'll have pains trying to keep him with all these contracts, and Star would still be looking good with good DEs next to him. And if Norman is gone, since we still can't get a deal with him, we need a good CB to come in even with all these cap issues we've caused for ourselves. If Ealy was at his superbowl position and retained his success then, he might want to warrant pass rusher money. Boston is still a solid backup we need to checkup on, and our backup QBs are necessary. I'm sure not good at salary or the cap itself, but I know this amount of players needed to be retained would be a problem if we went off in 2016. We might've had a better shot at the Superbowl for the 2016-2017 season (aka now) and a back to back superbowl experience, but the Patriots would be a formidable opponent for the Superbowl. It's obvious we'd be mediocre for the years to come afterwards, as we'd probably lose 1-2 of our DTs, and lose a DE, and other positions as well that we tried to plug for one season.

 

Now, here comes reality. We've made few moves in the offseason, and retained a lot of money in the cap. Now, these contracts are starting to look more reasonable. KK would not be getting his mega deal, because he bet on himself and no one is helping him, and get a decent deal in effect. The issue of Norman doesn't exist, and Bradberry would most likely begin showing signs of being the true great CB he is looking to become, with Worley becoming more accustomed to the system as well. The next offseason, don't be surprised to see a big splash for a good DE and a vet safety to shore up those positions, and draft a good tackle with our (sadly inevitable) top 10 pick, and shore up depth with a promising DE, future franchise RB, and help plug other positions. CJ would either accept he isn't that good anymore and accept a cheap deal or look elsewhere for a team that needs some benchwarmers. Ealy would still have not proven anything since the Superbowl, and not warrant too big of a contract. We'd look good cap wise, and wise FA splashes and draft pickups would make us look formidable and contenders for 3+ years. This would not be possible without the limited spending Dave has done last offseason.

 

So, effectively for this to happen, this season had to basically be a suicide season. We're rebuilding to be contenders for multiple years, not just this one season. Superbowls are not guaranteed anyhow, so would you rather have one possible season of hoping we'd make it, or be formidable for multiple seasons and get many chances to get there? 

 

Dave is getting blame when he's honestly looking at the future. Don't be surprised if he begins spending in FA next season, and don't be surprised that we're contenders for multiple seasons afterwards. Honestly what he's doing is genius. Cam still has a few years of prime in him, and it'd be worthless to waste it for the future years of his prime by going all out without being able to keep players.

 

Just think: would you rather be good for just this year of his prime in exchange for his future multiple years of his prime, or be contenders for his future multiple years of his prime, in exchange for one season?

 

The choice is yours. You can view this season as a waste by Gettleman, because it honestly is. I wouldn't be surprised if Dave was laughing to himself, expecting this to happen, and imagining how amazing we'd be in the future and how this would just be one forgotten season as we go for back to back Superbowl wins, and multiple playoff appearances. This is certainly possible, and I won't be complaining if it happens. For those who believe that "Ah bahhh Gettledouche is gonna keep being cheap and not do anything next season," I honestly doubt that would happen. Next season is imperative we make some moves, and I'm sure those moves will be made. He's a pretty smart GM, and I'm sure he'd assess how much longer Cam really has, and consider making sure we juice out the future years of his prime. Although this season looks bleak, the future certainly looks bright.

 

Keep Pounding and trudging, Panther Nation! Good times a coming!

 

 

 

wow dude you pulled this poo all they way from ass of Matt Hurney, I'll take SB win over all those future dilemas. 

Now take this L back to Gettleman 

[Saca312]

5 minutes ago, The_Rainmaker said:

wow dude you pulled this poo all they way from ass of Matt Hurney, I'll take SB win over all those future dilemas. 

Now take this L back to Gettleman 

No Superbowls are guaranteed. You'd be naive to think so. Would you rather have multiple shots at the superbowl, or just this one season, where there are so many good teams in the NFC, and the AFC with the Patriots being better than ever?'

Your argument is invalid.

*EDIT: Imagine we actually made all these moves, and made it to the Superbowl, and lose in high fashion yet again. What then? How will we possibly go back now, with all the contracts coming up? We've wasted the future in hopes for an opportunity this one present season.

[joemac]

TL;DR

[Saca312]

Just now, joemac said:

TL;DR

Gettleman set us up for multiple superbowl appearances in the future, in exchange for sacrificing this season. If the opposite occurred, we'd be out of contention as soon as next season with these contracts coming up. Basically as soon as next season expect to be good for multiple seasons.

[motocross_cat]

Yea yall just wait till next year!

Oh and for gods sake dont quote posts that long.  Jeez laweez.

[Paa Langfart]

or this season may actually be the turd that we all think it is and there is no blessing hidden or other wise.

[Carl Spackler]

Our first-round DT and second-round LB will solve everything

[JJman Returns]

I kind of agree with OP. Gettleman has, for the most part, always shown to come out on top in the long run. He's made prior choices that were almost unanimously panned by everyone here at the time. But usually he ends up proving that he's one step ahead. 

I will give Gettleman the next two seasons after this to win us a super bowl before I say if it's time for him to go. 

[Hoenheim]

I hate the "next year" talk. Screw that noise. The fact is we are losing right here and now right after a Super Bowl 2 loss sesaon, there is something highly wrong with that picture. If anything this season should be teaching you nothing is guaranteed, you don't know who we are going to sign, release, draft next year or if it will have any positive impact whatsoever on winning football games. So what they could resign a bunch of our currents guys, so we can just lose more next year? alrighty. 

[KushMcDieselson]

First, I applaud your optimism and looking towards the future to help ease the pain. 

Second, I hate when douches who are literally the second post quote the OP.  Congratulations rainmaker you are still the new village idiot.

Thirdly, that is some long winded poo, but it does at least make an attempt at explaining the clusterfug that is/was our season/offseason.

[Hoenheim]

4 minutes ago, Carl Spackler said:

Our first-round DT and second-round LB will solve everything

If this happens I'll remind everyone on the huddle to come back and pie your post..

[Untouchable]

I agree, essentially just follow the money. This painful season will make sense. The only thing that doesn't is the undisciplined play on the field. All the turnovers, penalties and giving up long TDs are all unacceptable. 

[Darvinsun]

38 minutes ago, Saca312 said:

This season is what happens when you mix the Browns and Jags in a pot and then poo all over it. It's a terrible mess. Everything is not clicking. Our offense, as talented as it is, has some glaring weaknesses at the tackle position, and we've got the discipline of high schoolers. Any RB not named Stew can't block. Now defensively, our D-Line has regressed. Our DEs are playing like JAGS, our secondary looks like the team decided to pick some players from Clover High School benchwarmers, and we're playing like poo. Now, injuries sure have been a factor, as our secondary has taken hits with Bradberry and Worley getting hit hard, and the turmoil of our tackle position, and Cam coming from a concussion, but the Panther season has officially come to a bleak state after our 38-41 loss to the Saints.

Now, many fans are pointing fingers, looking at who to blame. From blaming the coaching staff, to condemning Gettleman for our setbacks, we just want some explanation to why we keep losing. Now, I personally believe that we honestly aren't that bad, we just make so many mistakes and get beat by so low margins that our losses just look horrid. I mean most games were decided by a missed FG or made FG at the last second. However, it is what it is. We're 1-5, and 0-3 in the division. But, could this season be the best thing that could possibly happen to the Panthers?

So Just Imagine

Gettleman goes complete 180 and strikes early in FA, being able to acquire Olivier Vernon to the same price as the Giants, or heck another top good DE to shore up the spot, and Ealy starts at his Superbowl position and CJ is let go, if he denies the 1.5 million contract max he'd possibly get. He strikes a $14 million for 5 year deal with Norman, or tags him, goes for a trade for a solid LT, with Williams starting at RT. He then pulls the trigger on S Eric Weddle, and in the draft drafts Hunter Henry in the 1st, Bradberry 2nd, a prospect DT in the 3rd, and shore up prospect players for multiple positions, including a DE. Gettlemen then is left with around $3-6 million in the cap after these transactions. Seems like a dream, right? Like this would've been the best thing to happen to the Panthers, right?

Now, this looks great, but then fast forward to 2017. Look at this list:

PLAYER (14)	POS.	AGE	FROM	TO	2016 CAP HIT	STATUS	MARKET VALUE
Ted Ginn Jr.	WR	31	CAR	TBD	$2,775,000	UFA	-
Charles Johnson	DE	30	CAR	TBD	$2,562,500	UFA	Market Value
Mike Remmers	RT	27	CAR	TBD	$2,553,000	UFA	-
Mario Addison	DE	29	CAR	TBD	$1,620,000	UFA	-
Kawann Short	DT	27	CAR	TBD	$1,473,192	UFA	Market Value
Teddy Williams	CB	28	CAR	TBD	$1,010,000	UFA	-
Colin Jones	FS	28	CAR	TBD	$885,000	UFA	-
Robert McClain	CB	28	CAR	TBD	$810,000	UFA	-
Michael Griffin	FS	31	CAR	TBD	$728,823	UFA	-
A.J. Klein	ILB	25	CAR	TBD	$722,825	UFA	-
Kyle Love	DT	29	CAR	TBD	$625,882	UFA	-
Leonard Johnson	CB	26	CAR	TBD	$600,000	UFA	-
Chris Scott	G	29	CAR	TBD	$538,823	UFA	-
Brenton Bersin	WR	26	CAR	TBD	$458,822	UFA	-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yes, these are the 2017 Free Agents the Panthers currently have to deal with. Among some notable players would include KK Short, Mike Remmers, Kyle Love, Charles Johnson, and Ted Ginn Jr. I mean doesn't look too bad. Just some backup players here and there to go. But consider the fact that we could've also had Ryan Kalil, Kurt Coleman, and Oher on this list. Now, considering the scenario above, Oher and Remmers are backup roles, so one of them would be probable to go. Kalil would most likely be retained in some way or form. Kyle Love would assume a backup role as well, so not much money for him, and CJ would either be gone or stay, pending on whether he accepted a 1.5 mil prove it deal tops. Klein would get his chance with another team as the starting LB, and of course the rest is depth fix up. 

But the issue really lies with KK Short and Kurt Coleman. Consider if we actually got a decent DE. His play would most likely be elevated, as having help from DEs really allow KK to get to the QB, as the QB also accounts for the DEs. KK would prove his point and warrant a top DT contract. Pretend CJ stayed, and he really began to prove himself decent. How would you handle that? Plus if Norman stayed, Coleman would still look like a solid safety, and he'd warrant a contract. And what if Norman was tagged? Imagine trying to take care of all that.

And if that wasn't enough, 2018:

PLAYER (13)	POS.	AGE	FROM	TO	2017 CAP HIT	STATUS
Thomas Davis	OLB	33	CAR	TBD	$8,250,000	UFA
Jonathan Stewart	RB	29	CAR	TBD	$8,250,000	UFA
Star Lotulelei	DT	26	CAR	TBD	$6,757,000	UFA
Graham Gano	K	29	CAR	TBD	$3,850,000	UFA
Paul Soliai	DT	32	CAR	TBD	$3,500,000	UFA
Ed Dickson	TE	29	CAR	TBD	$2,716,668	UFA
Kelvin Benjamin	WR	25	CAR	TBD	$2,438,625	UFA
Derek Anderson	QB	33	CAR	TBD	$2,250,000	UFA
Mike Tolbert	FB	30	CAR	TBD	$1,850,000	UFA
Kony Ealy	DE	24	CAR	TBD	$1,128,538	UFA
Joe Webb	QB	29	CAR	TBD	$1,000,000	UFA
Trai Turner	G	23	CAR	TBD	$824,950	UFA
Tre Boston	FS	24	CAR	TBD	$791,367	UFA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yep. Now we're starting to get some meat in this. Tolbert would obviously be gone though, but our 2 backup QB's, the best of our OTs, Turner, Stewart, Ealy, Star, Boston, Benji, and Davis, all are on the list. Davis might retire at this point, though I still believe he's half cyborg and immortal. Stewart might retire as well, but he may still have some steam amid all the injuries. Now, Turner and Star. These two are the big points. Obviously, Turner is necessary to retain. Considering we've already cap restricted ourselves because we went all out in 2016, we'll have pains trying to keep him with all these contracts, and Star would still be looking good with good DEs next to him. And if Norman is gone, since we still can't get a deal with him, we need a good CB to come in even with all these cap issues we've caused for ourselves. If Ealy was at his superbowl position and retained his success then, he might want to warrant pass rusher money. Boston is still a solid backup we need to checkup on, and our backup QBs are necessary. I'm sure not good at salary or the cap itself, but I know this amount of players needed to be retained would be a problem if we went off in 2016. We might've had a better shot at the Superbowl for the 2016-2017 season (aka now) and a back to back superbowl experience, but the Patriots would be a formidable opponent for the Superbowl. It's obvious we'd be mediocre for the years to come afterwards, as we'd probably lose 1-2 of our DTs, and lose a DE, and other positions as well that we tried to plug for one season.

 

Now, here comes reality. We've made few moves in the offseason, and retained a lot of money in the cap. Now, these contracts are starting to look more reasonable. KK would not be getting his mega deal, because he bet on himself and no one is helping him, and get a decent deal in effect. The issue of Norman doesn't exist, and Bradberry would most likely begin showing signs of being the true great CB he is looking to become, with Worley becoming more accustomed to the system as well. The next offseason, don't be surprised to see a big splash for a good DE and a vet safety to shore up those positions, and draft a good tackle with our (sadly inevitable) top 10 pick, and shore up depth with a promising DE, future franchise RB, and help plug other positions. CJ would either accept he isn't that good anymore and accept a cheap deal or look elsewhere for a team that needs some benchwarmers. Ealy would still have not proven anything since the Superbowl, and not warrant too big of a contract. We'd look good cap wise, and wise FA splashes and draft pickups would make us look formidable and contenders for 3+ years. This would not be possible without the limited spending Dave has done last offseason.

 

So, effectively for this to happen, this season had to basically be a suicide season. We're rebuilding to be contenders for multiple years, not just this one season. Superbowls are not guaranteed anyhow, so would you rather have one possible season of hoping we'd make it, or be formidable for multiple seasons and get many chances to get there? 

 

Dave is getting blame when he's honestly looking at the future. Don't be surprised if he begins spending in FA next season, and don't be surprised that we're contenders for multiple seasons afterwards. Honestly what he's doing is genius. Cam still has a few years of prime in him, and it'd be worthless to waste it for the future years of his prime by going all out without being able to keep players.

 

Just think: would you rather be good for just this year of his prime in exchange for his future multiple years of his prime, or be contenders for his future multiple years of his prime, in exchange for one season?

 

The choice is yours. You can view this season as a waste by Gettleman, because it honestly is. I wouldn't be surprised if Dave was laughing to himself, expecting this to happen, and imagining how amazing we'd be in the future and how this would just be one forgotten season as we go for back to back Superbowl wins, and multiple playoff appearances. This is certainly possible, and I won't be complaining if it happens. For those who believe that "Ah bahhh Gettledouche is gonna keep being cheap and not do anything next season," I honestly doubt that would happen. Next season is imperative we make some moves, and I'm sure those moves will be made. He's a pretty smart GM, and I'm sure he'd assess how much longer Cam really has, and consider making sure we juice out the future years of his prime. Although this season looks bleak, the future certainly looks bright.

 

Keep Pounding and trudging, Panther Nation! Good times a coming!

 

 

 

What the hell are you talking about.. who cares about the future..the future is now..we are not guaranteed that Cam, Luke, Olsen, KK, will be good in the future..This is the future..if you keep thinking that way then you will forever be drafting for the future...Cam was drafted for the future in 2010, Luke 2011..when do you stop drafting for the future when do you stop sending the developed talent away to other teams..some guys have to go butsome stay..especially those that you developed for cheap. Who nourishes and cares for a tree, get it to bare good fruit and then gives the tree away without some type of compensation. There is no way this is a blessing in disguise..you don't know the affect that this could have on your good core players.