And another one. Thomas Davis wants a contract extension before Training Camp.

[t96]

12 minutes ago, RoaringRiot said:

This could end up being a PR nightmare for GMan. 

His job isn't PR though. He needs to do what is best for the future of this team winning football games. Of course I think both Greg and TD are huge pieces in our success and should be extended but if they are unwilling to take anything less than an amount that would cripple the rest of the team building, then DG has a tough decision to make. Fortunately though I don't think Greg or TD is looking for some outrageous number like Josh was. I bet it will go smooth and both get extended.

[ThPantherFan]

1 minute ago, joemac said:

So now that's Olsen, Davis, Turner and Norwell that want / need raises. How the hell is GMan gonna pull this one off? Something tells me more than one of these guys is going to end up unhappy with the outcome.

It's inevitable.

[joemac]

Just now, ThPantherFan said:

It's inevitable.

I really really hate to say this,. but if it's got to be one of them, it's gonna be Davis. He's in his mid 30's with bionic knees at this point, oh yeah, and we have his greatly under-utilized replacement in Shaq ready to go.... hopefully it doesn't get ugly and they can figure something out.

[jumpman910]

The projection on his future play doesn't suggest that you should do it, especially if we do indeed lower his snaps. But I know that isn't a popular opinion around here so I'll see myself out. 

[RoaringRiot]

7 minutes ago, thomas96 said:

His job isn't PR though. He needs to do what is best for the future of this team winning football games. Of course I think both Greg and TD are huge pieces in our success and should be extended but if they are unwilling to take anything less than an amount that would cripple the rest of the team building, then DG has a tough decision to make. Fortunately though I don't think Greg or TD is looking for some outrageous number like Josh was. I bet it will go smooth and both get extended.

Ha! Easier said than done my man. 

Also....I'm predicting it doesn't go well.

[the butch]

A favorable contact extension should be worked out. If you don't do it for TD, then what incentives are you giving to the other younger guys? There are exceptions to every rule. TD is a clearly defined exception imo. 

[jumpman910]

Just now, RoaringRiot said:

Ha! Easier said than done my man. 

Also....I'm predicting it doesn't go well.

This. And honestly I'm not extending both if it jeopardizes Norwell & Turner, it's already going to be hard enough if either or both have a monster year 

[SetfreexX]

Star, Turner, Norwell, to me are all more important contracts to negotiate moving forward. I'm as big a TD fan as the rest here, but those three and Olsen are the deals that need to be done first. 

My only disclaimer would be if the extension was built around what he's paid currently, or with a team discount, at 34 and a perceived reduced role DG fiscally is not likely to open up the wallet but so much. 

However I don't think we'll see a Smitty-esque exit. I'd imagine the worst case is leaving like Gross aka retirement, but like some have said, he's the heart of this team, I believe you find a way to add two to three years. I also believe it will be done. 

[Adb6368]

16 minutes ago, Jangler said:

There is no player in Panther history that deserves whatever he wants more than Thomas Davis. He is the Greatest Panther and fyck you if you disagree.

That said....he better want a friendly deal.

I agree with him being the greatest panther.

However, Thomas Davis owes as much to this franchise as they do to him. The Panthers (JR specifically) continued to support him through everything and gave him every opportunity to succeed. Who knows what would have happened if we didn't decide to continue to hang with him through 3 ACL injuries. It had never been done before! Who knows how many teams would have given him the opportunity and (more importantly) the ideal situation to succeed. 

He will always be one of my favorite Panthers but we can't be spending all of our cap space on veterans that are nearing the end of their career.

[blackcat]

I read that as he's looking for some assurance that the team wants to keep him around.  Don't think he's looking to break the bank.  We'll see....

Also, comparing him and SS is apples to oranges.  While it would have been great to have Smitty around, he was let go because of his personality, not because he wanted more money.

[Jangler]

1 minute ago, Dick the Butcher said:

A favorable contact extension should be worked out. If you don't do it for TD, then what incentives are you giving to the other younger guys? There are exceptions to every rule. TD is a clearly defined exception imo. 

There are times when loyalty is a good thing. DG will take care of Davis and Olsen. 

no cannoli.

[iamcline]

I'm just glad we have Gettleman dealing with this and not Hurney. Olsen and Davis would end up with max contracts over 5 years. Smith situation be damned, he has the nuts do take care of business.

[Ship]

You guys will still say Greg and TD "deserve" contracts from the Panthers when they're 80.

People spend a lot of time arguing over whether a contract is fair and who deserves and who doesn't deserve a contract. Contracts are supposed to be for future production. Neither of these guys have a lot of future production and the production they do have is likely to start declining both from age and from newer players taking larger roles on the team. If they want extra years at a low price then fine, but there's no reason to pay Greg #1 TE money for another 3-4 years. By the end of that contract he won't be producing at that level. I think this is his last year of that type of work.   If Greg wanted top money, he should have argued for that 2 years ago. TD isn't going to be a top full time player starting this year. There's a good argument to keep them and make them happy, but no reason to let sentimentality make us pay these guys big money to stay.

Both of these guys seem to see the writing on the wall in regard to their age and potential breakdowns starting this year and they wanna grab what they can while they can. I get why they'd want to from their perspectives, but as someone who supports team decisions first, we shouldn't be paying these guys a lot and we shouldn't be happy that they're potentially gonna fug up our training camp chemistry for this last minute cash grab. Just because you feel like you can relate to them as fellow employees wanting security and money doesn't mean you should blindly celebrate them here. 1) these guys have more financial security than we may ever know. 2) you're not the one asking for the money, you're a fan of the team who will have to watch and cheer for it long after these guys are gone. Don't let your sentimentality blind you to the reality of the next 5 years for this team.

[rippadonn]

I was listening to that show and he didn't come across like that at all. It was more like he said it was something you'd hope for but he was focused on the season ahead and those things will work out for the best. He also said he tried to get Smitty back.

At no time did he say anything about holding out. I like how the media frames what you say to fit a sky is falling narrative the they themselves put forth. Click bait folks!