Daryl Williams and the franchise tag

[t96]

Haven't really had this discussion on here so I think it would be interesting to see people's thoughts even though the deadline is in less than 3 hours and there's been zero indication it's in the Panthers' plans. 

Would you consider placing the franchise or transition tag on Williams? 

Franchise tag number would be $15,283,000 and the transition tag number would be $13,717,000. Transition tag would just allow us to match any offer he gets or let him walk if we don't want to. 

Of course those number are really very high for an OL, however in his last healthy season he was arguably a top 5 OT. I wouldn't consider the franchise tag, but the transition tag seems a little more reasonable. I think it'd be a tremendous move to keep him around with Moton to anchor both tackle spots this year and give us flexibility in the draft, but not sure it's worth that high much money.

If you wouldn't consider either, what is the highest amount you'd pay him on a one year prove it deal here? I think something like 1 year $10M would be beneficial and fair for both sides.

It does seem to be trending towards us letting him walk and him getting a longer term deal from some other team, which is what it is if that happens, but I know I'd really like to keep him. Coming off the injury I don't think I'd offer him a long term deal at all unless it was at a significant discount (like $7M a year or something) which wouldn't make sense for him.

Thoughts?

[Mr. Scot]

On ability, maybe.

Given his injury history, uh uh.

[Peppers90 NC]

Is he even a top 20 tackle, regardless left or right? Would be crazy to pay him top 5.

[LinvilleGorge]

You can't franchise a RT IMO. Not unless you're flush with cap space (we're not).  The highest paid RT in the NFL is Lane Johnson and he has a $11.25M per year average. The NFL really needs to adjust the OL franchise tag to better reflect the values of the different positions. LTs get screwed with the tag, everyone else makes out like a bandit comparatively.

[Dex]

Absolutely fuging not.

[t96]

3 minutes ago, Peppers90 NC said:

Is he even a top 20 tackle, regardless left or right? Would be crazy to pay him top 5.

When he was healthy in 2017, absolutely. He was dominant in the run game and pass protection. Granted, it was only a 1 year sample size before last year's injury but I think there's no doubt he has the ability to be a top 5 OT in the league.

[Panthers8969]

3 minutes ago, t96 said:

When he was healthy in 2017, absolutely. He was dominant in the run game and pass protection. Granted, it was only a 1 year sample size before last year's injury but I think there's no doubt he has the ability to be a top 5 OT in the league.

Lmao yeah definitely wasn’t a HUUUUUGE liability anytime he went against cam Jordan. Def didn’t need Ed Dickson next to him to not get beat off the snap. There’s multiple twitter threads on how bad this guy was. Can’t find a single person who thinks he deserved the all pro

[Mr. Scot]

7 minutes ago, Peppers90 NC said:

Is he even a top 20 tackle, regardless left or right? Would be crazy to pay him top 5.

I think he could be really good, hence why I say "maybe".

But has he conclusively shown he's that good? I'd have to agree the answer to that is "no". And I'd be pretty hesitant to use a franchise tag on something I don't feel is proven.

[LinvilleGorge]

19 minutes ago, black-panthers said:

Tampa just gave Donovan Smith a 3yr/41.25M with 27M guaranteed. Avg of 13.75M a year. Thats less than the franchise tag. I dont see Daryl being the tackle Smith is too. Now, I would consider offering Daryl a 10M a year offer. He’d be smart to take.

Doesn't Smith play LT? There are currently 16 LTs with a per year average $10M+. There is one RT.

[thefuzz]

Do. Not. Want.

 

At least not at those numbers.  We have Moton, and who knows what we have with Kalil.  Prefer to let things play out, especially with at much trench talent that is available in this draft.

I fully expect Hurney to make the wrong call however.

[LinvilleGorge]

Just now, thefuzz said:

who knows what we have with Kalil

Let's be honest, we all know. We might not want to talk about it, but we know. 

[joemac]

47 minutes ago, Peppers90 NC said:

Is he even a top 20 tackle, regardless left or right? Would be crazy to pay him top 5.

Wasnt he like second team All-Pro year before last, or did I dream that?

[shaqattaq]

45 minutes ago, LinvilleGorge said:

he highest paid RT in the NFL is Lane Johnson and he has a $11.25M per year average.

So what is fair for DW? I would be happy between the $8.5M - $9.5M range IF we think Moton is a viable option at LT; and I'm not sold on that since we haven't seen much of it. If we keep Moton at RT, then DW is a back up and shouldn't get starter pay. BTW, Moton is under contract for $1.1M and $1.3M for the next 2 years  , and is better than Williams.

[thefuzz]

6 minutes ago, LinvilleGorge said:

Let's be honest, we all know. We might not want to talk about it, but we know. 

I really can't understand what we are doing with him, but it's feeling more and more like he will not be cut this offseason.