When you wish upon a Star...

[MHS831]

·         “I don't know what's going to happen,” the pending free agent  (Star) said, “so I'm going to take all of this (The Panther wear in his locker) and give it away to my family.”

·         “I'm not worried about it. I know I'll find a job, if it's here or somewhere else.”

     

“I "I probably will (test the waters),” Lotulelei said. “I'd like to see what my offers are out there.”

“Like I said, I'd love to stay here. I love the guys around here. I love this locker room, coaches have been great. But I'm going to do what's best for myself and my family.”

MHS Analysis (pure gold around here): This is a man who is going to test the market, giving the Panthers a slightly better than 1/32 chance of signing him. Many on here are suggesting that we are going to re-sign Star, but I do not see the signs that suggest that.    Star would be foolish not to find a 3-4 team looking for a stud NT. I think 3-4 teams may pay more for his skill set than we should.  I think we are looking for more pass rush from the DT position and maybe more versatility.   

First, what is the statistical difference between the very inexpensive Kyle Love and Star.  Over the last three seasons, Star averaged 24 tackles and 2 sacks (I realize that most of his work is to take on double teams, but I have to use the stats I have available—this is not necessarily indicative of his overall value).  During the same time, Love, playing fewer reps, mostly in running situations, averaged about 17 tackles and just over 2.5 sacks per season.  No real difference, considering playing time. 

Butler is 330 put plays closer to KK than Star, but if we are looking for more pass rush and maybe more versatility, is it possible that we could use Butler at both NT and 3 technique,  depending on situation?  Even without an additional DT, Imagine Butler and Love in short yardage, KK and Butler on 3rd and long, for example. Butler can also play 3 tech, so you have some versatility, depending on situation.   Instead of putting Butler in the KK rotation, there are situations where both can play on the same line. For example, on passing downs, KK and Butler is a formidable front, with Butler having enough size to anchor. 

I just do not see the point of wishing upon a Star this off season.  Instead, look for a mid to late-round DT to join the rotation. 

[KDawg004]

I don’t see Star staying. He’s looking to cash out and we have too many other needs. I would like to see Vernon be given a shot. I don’t think he would give up much in the run game while adding to our pass rush. He’s a big dude.

If we insist on keeping Butler at 3 tech then I would keep my eye closely on the Broncos. They may release Domata Peko. I think he’s a solid option that would not be expensive. Nice stop gap until we find our next NT.

[carpanfan96]

We have no one on the roster that can do what Star does, his double teams open it up for KK, Addison and peppers on the dline and for Luke and TD at LB. Butler can't do that effectively like Star. He's easily the second most important defensive player on the team.  

[LinvilleGorge]

1 minute ago, carpanfan96 said:

We have no one on the roster that can do what Star does, his double teams open it up for KK, Addison and peppers on the dline and for Luke and TD at LB. Butler can't do that effectively like Star. He's easily the second most important defensive player on the team.  

I like Star and I'd love to keep him, but I honestly don't think there's a massive drop off from him to Kyle Love and I'm personally tired of seeing us waste 1st round picks in backup roles during the cheap years of their contracts.

[Captain Morgan]

I felt he was gone before the season.

I also think we can replace him fairly easily in the draft, which is weird to say about replacing a first round pick.

We might even replace him with his brother.

[Ship]

Maybe it's just the fan in me, but he really has rubbed me the wrong way since the end of the season. Being rational and realistic about contract prospects is one thing, but he's literally talking about how he's ready to throw away all his Panthers stuff and get out is pretty harsh/shitty to hear as a fan. Guys can say we'll see how it goes and it's a business, but he's been relatively outspoken about his desire to leave.

[KillerKat]

9 minutes ago, Captain Morgan said:

I felt he was gone before the season.

I also think we can replace him fairly easily in the draft, which is weird to say about replacing a first round pick.

We might even replace him with his brother.

I feel the same. A first rounder with no pro bowls or all-pro selections who is only a space eater. His stats also aren't even better than Brentson Buckner's time with us in the same number of years.

[uncfan888]

He's most definitely gone 

[Harbingers]

Giants anyone?

[LinvilleGorge]

3 minutes ago, Harbingers said:

Giants anyone?

I don't think he wants to be on the east coast at all. I think he'll go west.

[Harbingers]

Just now, LinvilleGorge said:

I don't think he wants to be on the east coast at all. I think he'll go west.

I don’t think he’d refuse Gettleman. 

[ericr0319]

i agree Star is great, but how does he open it up more for KK? Or is KK that good? Because if anyone should be double teamed it would be KK, opening the way for Star to get after it more, but it is the other way around. 

[LinvilleGorge]

2 minutes ago, ericr0319 said:

i agree Star is great, but how does he open it up more for KK? Or is KK that good? Because if anyone should be double teamed it would be KK, opening the way for Star to get after it more, but it is the other way around. 

The double team talk is primarily focused on running plays, specifically running plays between the tackles. The NT almost always takes on a double team on those plays. On offense, if you can't control the NT on those between the tackle plays, it's over before it ever got started. On defense, that NT has to be able to hold his ground against those double teams. If he gets bulldozed out of the way you're gonna get gashed.

[Harbingers]

2 minutes ago, ericr0319 said:

i agree Star is great, but how does he open it up more for KK? Or is KK that good? Because if anyone should be double teamed it would be KK, opening the way for Star to get after it more, but it is the other way around. 

Because that’s his technique. He’s basically a nose tackle in opposite scheme.