Biggest decisions looming this offseason... Guess what, 2010 doesn't look that bad...

[Samuel L. Jackson]

Do you:

A. Cut Jake Delhomme, thus being on the hook for $12.7M spread out over the next three years (yes, we have to pay him that much even if he is terminated)?

B. Franchise or extend Julius Peppers?

C. Depending on the new CBA, re-sign potential UFA's such as Thomas Davis, Tyler Brayton, Josh McCown, and Keydrick Vincent?

D. Depending on the new CBA, tender pending RFA's such as Matt Moore, Richard Marshall, Jeff King, Rhys Lloyd, and James Anderson?

E. Allow John Fox and Marty Hurney to keep their jobs, based on the Jake Delhomme debacle alone?

F. If "No" to E, who do you bring in to fill one or both openings?

G. If "Yes" to re-signing Moore and "Yes" to A, who, if anyone, do you bring in to backup/compete with Moore going into the 2010 season?

H. Allow Muhsin Muhammad to become a UFA or retire?

I. If "Yes" to H, who do you bring in to help the hurting WR corps?

J. What do you do with the potential logjam at DT (2 people we traded future picks for (and they could possibly be RFAs depending on the new CBA being reached) and our #1 DT all coming back from IR)?

K. What are the biggest holes we will need to fill via the draft depending on how the rest of this alphabet shapes up?

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Alright, as a primer, I suggest you read the following:

On the hook for Delhomme

Free Agency in an uncapped 2010

CBA Q&A

Panthers pending FA's

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Now then, if I had to answer those questions based on the last few weeks alone...

A. Cut him now. Sever the ties and move on.

B. Extend and keep him at all costs. He's well worth being on the hook for that amount of salary, and despite popular belief, he WANTS to be here, especially with how they have come together as of late.

C. Bring back Davis first and foremost, then try to get deals done with Brayton and Vincent at least... Not too sure about McCown, but I guess it depends on how the Moore/Delhomme situation plays out...

D. Keep Moore, for sure... Try to get King, Marshall, and Anderson to stay as well... Lloyd may stick as well, although I'm not sure of Kasay's future...

E. As of right now, yes... If they can stick to the plan of these last 4 weeks, we should be alright. It's also important that 2010 and 2011 are kind of up in the air, so I'd rather go in knowing what we have...

F. See E

G. Jason Campbell

H. I think he may be retiring... but I am indifferent at this point... It wouldn't hurt to have him back...

I. Drafting a WR early will be on top of our list...

J. Make sure Leonard, Tyler, and Kemo are all in the fold, and hopefully Lewis sticks around too... Should be a good thing to watch in TC next year...

K. As stated in I, WR... Then a full time returner, LB depth, OL depth, another WR... Really BPA for the majority of the draft...

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To be honest, these last 4 games have given me a lot of hope for next year, but I'm sure I'll have plenty to bitch about when the time comes...

[Gazi]

A. Restructure his deal or have him retire and take a front office job.

B. Franchise peppers

C. Sign Davis, Brayton and Vincent. Cut ties with McCown

D. Anderson has to go. The rest can stay

E. Allow Fox to stay. Hurney gets fired.

F. ....

G. Need to draft a QB and maybe bring in one of the young QBs from FA or RFA who never really got the full chance to start

H. Muhsin should retire ceremoniously

I. Draft WR

K. WR, DT, CB

[Squirrel]

A. Cut Jake Delhomme, thus being on the hook for $12.7M spread out over the next three years (yes, we have to pay him that much even if he is terminated)? Cut him after Trianing camp. That way you can spread out the cap hit over two years. If you cut him before June 30th it all counts next season.

B. Franchise or extend Julius Peppers? Let him walk he will cost to much and Johnson and Brown are coming along fine. Resign Brayton and draft a DE

C. Depending on the new CBA, re-sign potential UFA's such as Thomas Davis, Tyler Brayton, Josh McCown, and Keydrick Vincent? Yes to all except McCown

D. Depending on the new CBA, tender pending RFA's such as Matt Moore, Richard Marshall, Jeff King, Rhys Lloyd, and James Anderson? Let Marchall and Anderson walk and cut Kasay keep Lloyd

E. Allow John Fox and Marty Hurney to keep their jobs, based on the Jake Delhomme debacle alone? No both need to go

F. If "No" to E, who do you bring in to fill one or both openings? Cower and Co.

G. If "Yes" to re-signing Moore and "Yes" to A, who, if anyone, do you bring in to backup/compete with Moore going into the 2010 season?Bring back Jake and bring in a veteran QB along with drafting a QB

H. Allow Muhsin Muhammad to become a UFA or retire? Retire

I. If "Yes" to H, who do you bring in to help the hurting WR corps?

Bring in a FA and also draft a WR.

J. What do you do with the potential logjam at DT (2 people we traded future picks for (and they could possibly be RFAs depending on the new CBA being reached) and our #1 DT all coming back from IR)? TC competition and keep the best

K. What are the biggest holes we will need to fill via the draft depending on how the rest of this alphabet shapes up? Pick up a FA WR, draft another/ need another CB and DE

[Cap'n]

A) I dont cut Jake but I would restructure it over 2 years. something needs to be done so hes not sitting on the bench for 5 years or ruining our seasons on the field. Over $7 mill per 2 years, he would be a great mentor and back up. Moore (or other) gets hurt and misses a game, Jake would be a fine veteran backup. If he wants to play here longer then 2 years, his next contract would be very cheap due to his decline abilities and age.

Franchise Pep and do what he wants. If he likes Meek's system then SIGN HIM UP LONG TERM. if he starts his trade talk again, get whatever u can for him. If its a 2nd this and next year, so be it. Get what you can if he does not wanna be here.

C) Resign Davis longterm. Get our 2 great linebackers set for years to come and build around them. Vincent would be cheap and good depth. Brayton....ehhh. hes just a body pretty much. Cut McCown. With Moore, Delhomme, Feeley, a FA or rookie in the draft, we dont need a 5th.

D) Resign Matt Moore. No question. If Rhys cant kick a FG, send him packing. Kasay will retire in a year or 2 and we need someone who can kick FG and kickoffs. didnt think it was that hard to find. If Marshall wants his huge contract, good bye. Not worth it. resign King and anderson.

E) I dont fire or extend Fox. Hes got one year left, and i let it play out. Fox isnt the best but is there anyone that will be better in the short term? Worst case, one more year of foxball.

F) Go into training camp with Moore (1) Delhomme (2) Rookie (3) and PS guy.... Cantwell maybe? If Moore is the answer, then we're set. If not, then groom the Rookie.

G) Bring Moose back. Amazing chemistry with Smitty and best run blocking WR in the game. Great mentor and locker room personality. Cut Jarrett, give Kenny extended looks in TC. See if he is that speedy slot guy we could use (like breaston, welker, ect). Deff draft 2 WR and let them battle it out in TC. I wanna see Kenny Moore fit in this system. I think he can be great

H) See what is going on with Kemo. Bring em back obv. if he can play. Thomas can play a few more years, Lewis is good. Use those 3 and decide on one of the other 3-4 for depth. 4th DT doesnt matter that much.

I) WR, WR, WR, and WR. No but seriously, we need 2 of them to groom. Moose is only gunna be here another yr or 2 tops and then after smitty...... yea we need youth now tht our QB actually can throw the ball. If Pep wants out, then Def End also. FS/ CB also.

So basically:

1)WR

2)FS/CB (with marshall gone and godfrey needing an upgrade perhaps)

3)WR

4)DE/QB (depending on moore and Pep)

[Dpantherman]

Jason Campbell...yuck

[Snake]

Whoa this is way too in depth to reply too. I mean I would have to use way too many brain cells on that one.

[OneBadassCat]

Do you:

A. Cut Jake Delhomme, thus being on the hook for $12.7M spread out over the next three years (yes, we have to pay him that much even if he is terminated)?

Restructure or cut

B. Franchise or extend Julius Peppers?

Try to get a long term deal done. If not franchise and trade for whatever you can get. If he doesn't sign the tender, take the tag off and let him go.

C. Depending on the new CBA, re-sign potential UFA's such as Thomas Davis, Tyler Brayton, Josh McCown, and Keydrick Vincent?

Resign Thomas Davis. Offer Brayton a deal but don't break the bank for him. I'd consider tendering Brayton. Offer Vincent a vet contract if he doesn't take it let him go. He wasn't as good as he was last year and we have Bernadau and Robinson waiting in the wings.

D. Depending on the new CBA, tender pending RFA's such as Matt Moore, Richard Marshall, Jeff King, Rhys Lloyd, and James Anderson?

Getting Matt Moore a new contract is priority and needs to be done. Give Richard Marshall what he's worth but again don't break the bank for him, Munnerlyn, Wilson, and Martin are talented players that can make up for him. Let Jeff King walk, resign Anderson. IDK about the kickers yet.

E. Allow John Fox and Marty Hurney to keep their jobs, based on the Jake Delhomme debacle alone?

Fox and Hurney are here for 2010

F. If "No" to E, who do you bring in to fill one or both openings?

G. If "Yes" to re-signing Moore and "Yes" to A, who, if anyone, do you bring in to backup/compete with Moore going into the 2010 season?

Jake Delhomme and a 4th round draft selection. OR J. Campbell/Thigpen(whichever) and 4th round draft selection.

H. Allow Muhsin Muhammad to become a UFA or retire?

If he wants to be on the team he can sign a vet minimum contract. We can't afford to pay him big bucks.

I. If "Yes" to H, who do you bring in to help the hurting WR corps?

Moose stays as #3 WR. I'd bring in a 2nd round draft selection. I'd love to try and land Boldin but Breaston is a more likely option. Golden Tate would be nice.

J. What do you do with the potential logjam at DT (2 people we traded future picks for (and they could possibly be RFAs depending on the new CBA being reached) and our #1 DT all coming back from IR)?

Tank Tyler and Leonard are definitely on the team and possibly next years starters. Evaluate Kemo's progress and if he's doing well then bring him back.

I'd let Lewis go or try to trade him.

K. What are the biggest holes we will need to fill via the draft depending on how the rest of this alphabet shapes up?

#2 WR, a UT who can bring pressure(he might already be on the team), back up SS, competitive back up QB. I'd consider kicker a possible need as Lloyd may command too much for his role and Kasay wasn't that great this year.

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To be honest, these last 4 games have given me a lot of hope for next year, but I'm sure I'll have plenty to bitch about when the time comes...

It's given me hope too. My thoughts are in your quote.

[Fright]

Why cut Delhomme, still pay him, and then bring in someone (Campbell) just as bad (imo) to be a back up?

I'm most worried about the out come of Peppers and the developement of another WR. I think everything else will fall into place.

[ItsNotGonnaBeAlright]

A major point to answering all of these questions would be reactionary moves to our opponents in the offseason.

[guyinchesapeake]

What is this obsession some have with Jason Campbell? I'll take Jake any day of the week over him. I know Campbell has been stuck with rotating OCs' and HCs', but oh well. If anything, those circumstances alone suggest that he's 'damaged goods'. I don't think Campbell has the heart for the starting QB position anymore, on ANY team. Whatever potential he had, his time is probably past, and he's not worth the risk to determine if that is the case.

If Jake won't rework his contract, I say take the money hit. If the FO was that stupid to sanction such a deal, they should thus be responsible for it. I'd like to see Jake stay, but not as the starter. Those days are gone, but I believe he can be an effective backup for THIS team. Moore has earned the distinction of being at the top of the depth chart going into next season. If he doesn't pan out, then the 'Cats will finally have a #1 pick in the 2011 draft to possibly address the QB situation.

I love that Pep is finally playing well consistently, but why is that? He's had games where he has been invisible this year. Certainly not worth a mil a game! He 's had some injuries which have no doubt effected his performance at times, but they have to be taken into account along with everything else for his long term prospects. I say the same thing about Pep as I did about Jake, if he doesn't want to sign a realistic contract, then release him. it's the cost of doing business in this league. We know from last year that there wasn't much interest in him, so to hope for, much less expect, that a deal that will bring us some decent compensation in the way of draft picks shouldn't be counted on. The money freed up if he is let go can go to other critical needs this team has.

Fox? You're judged on the decisions you make, and how well those decisions work out. I don't know if starting Moore earlier would have resulted in a better record and thus playoff contention, nor do I know if doing so wouldn't have made any difference. But some of us on these boards have been advocating for Moore all season. It was obvious to all that Jake was a HUGE question mark coming into this season, based on the playoff debacle and the preseason. There is some wisdom in allowing a player to 'play thru a slump' in hopes of him overcoming it. But a starting NFL QB is a far different situation than, say, a MLB centerfielder who isn't hitting the ball. The QB runs the offense and is a team leader, if he isn't getting it done, the HC owes it to the team, especially a talented one, to do what is necessary to make a difference. He did that with Peete and Jake in 2002, he failed to do that this year until it was too late. If Jake had not broke his finger, I have no doubts that he would still be starting. And Moore would not be able to show what he has so far. I say let Fox go (and take the money hit in doing so) if a good replacement is available, which appears to be the case. If letting Fox go means Cowher will be brought in, I say do that. I think Cowher is the best of the candidates, retread or otherwise, who can impact this team in the way that's needed.

With Moore as QB for the coming season, attention can be put towards shoring up our other needs. WR, "O" and "D" line depth (including a possible replacement for Pep if he doesn't sign), and special teams should all be taken care of via the draft and FA. There's a lot to work with here with the running game and the much, much improved defense (that turnover ratio turnaround is unreal!). I have no problem with Moose hanging on, but only as a 3rd WR or lower. He is still an exceptional blocker, and can make some tough short to medium yardage (no more than, say, 15 yards) catches when needed, but no one takes him seriously as a long threat. He's not going to retire if he doesn't want to. We need more than one WR to consistently stretch the field. If Kenny Moore might be that guy, let's find out.

I hate to think of parting with either of our fine RBs (D-Will and Stew), they have proved the luxury of having more than one quality back because either of them has been hurt and sidelined at some point in the season, with our running game hardly missing a beat. But should we trade one of them for a quality WR, or a high draft pick(S)? Comments?

[Wither]

A. Keep him as a backup.

B. Keep Peppers.

C. Sign Thomas (moderate contract), then Brayton (low to moderate contract) then Vincent (low). Drop McCown.

D. Marshall (moderate contract), Moore (low to moderate contract), King (low to moderate contract), Lloyd (low contract) then Anderson (low contract) [in that order].

E. Keep Hurney first, then Fox if it looks like a promising year player-wise.

F. ^

G. Whoever you can get in the draft.

H. Resign him unless he wants to retire.

I. ^

J. Cut the worst, keep at least 3 backups.

K. WR's and one QB.

[Jangler]

Why cut Delhomme, still pay him

I brought up an interesting answer to that question, or so I thought ...

http://www.carolinahuddle.com/forum/carolina-panthers/27577-will-any-fas-wrs-even-come-to-carolina.html

[PantherDude]

A. Cut Jake Delhomme, thus being on the hook for $12.7M spread out over the next three years (yes, we have to pay him that much even if he is terminated)?

I would have him restructe his contract & give back lot of money to the team & have him as a backup.

B. Franchise or extend Julius Peppers?

This is a hard one to answer with how the situation is with keeping him. I would say we extend his contract without hurting our chance on keeping others around. If he won't sign the extend, I would get rid of him. It's dumb to franchise him again with how it going to hurt our salary cap even more.

C. Depending on the new CBA, re-sign potential UFA's such as Thomas Davis, Tyler Brayton, Josh McCown, and Keydrick Vincent?

I would give Davis a new contract with how lately he been playing before he was put on IR. Brayton deserve another start here, but don't overpay him. Same for Vincent.

And I would cut McCown along with Feeley. I would promote either Cantwell or a QB from the draft as #3. Or depends on how the QBs look in training camp.

D. Depending on the new CBA, tender pending RFA's such as Matt Moore, Richard Marshall, Jeff King, Rhys Lloyd, and James Anderson?

We need to keep all of those guys as you listed. We can't afford to lose them with how they're doing so far.

E. Allow John Fox and Marty Hurney to keep their jobs, based on the Jake Delhomme debacle alone?

Those guys will be back. Plus, we might risk losing more money if we replace them next year with paying someone else more. With how we may not get an NFL games at all in 2011 if a deal doesn't work out, we would still have to pay new coaches a lot at that time. With both Fox & Hurney's contracts ending after next season is over, we might save money when 2011 is here without getting someone new & then afford them if 2012 season start. Time will tell.

G. If "Yes" to re-signing Moore and "Yes" to A, who, if anyone, do you bring in to backup/compete with Moore going into the 2010 season?

Maybe. Depend on how the situation go when that come. But I do think we need competition, since that is so important in sports.

H. Allow Muhsin Muhammad to become a UFA or retire?

I would let him stay here with how he still got enough gas left in him. Just don't break the bank to keep him & everything a-ok. :thumbsup:

J. What do you do with the potential logjam at DT (2 people we traded future picks for (and they could possibly be RFAs depending on the new CBA being reached) and our #1 DT all coming back from IR)?

We got plenty of DT, so I think we'll be fine. Even though we may need to look at available in case if Kemo or Lewis or both are gone with them getting older along with Kemo likely never returning back to what he once because of surgery.

K. What are the biggest holes we will need to fill via the draft depending on how the rest of this alphabet shapes up?

WR for sure. Not to mention a good Special Team player as well. If only we could get a Devin Hester type of player, our ST could be better in years along with getting rid of Crossman.

[DynastyRTR]

A. Keep him as a backup and then draft anther QB

B. Trade him for a 1st round draft pick

C. Re-Sign all besides McCown

D. Cut Lloyd and resign the rest

E. NO. Get rid of both of em'

F. Cowher to HC

G. keep delhomme as a backup and draft another QB

H. yes/retire

I. Jason Avant or Davone Bess...or Both. draft another reciever.

J. TC competition

K. QB, WR, DL, DB