Fox: Panthers not a lock to make a move at DT or RG...and more

[Dpantherman]

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Panthers coach John Fox said punter Jason Baker is getting prepared to kick off next season if necessary, but that the team still might bring in a kickoff specialist to replace the departed Rhys Lloyd.

"Jason has done it before," said Fox, referring to the fact that Baker kicked off in a combined 26 games in 2003 and '04 for Kansas City, Indianapolis and Denver.

"He is a viable candidate. We have him training for that now as we speak."

But the Panthers also are open to bringing in a new kicker to compete for the kickoff job.

John Kasay, at age 40, remains one of the league's top field goal and extra point kickers, but likely won't be called upon to kick off anymore.

"We're always looking for somebody else," Fox said this morning at a media breakfast with NFC head coaches at the league meetings.

The Panthers decided not to give Lloyd a tender offer as a restricted free agent. The minimum offer they could make was $1.101 million.

However, Fox indicated that the reasons for letting go of Lloyd, who has signed with Minnesota, went beyond financial considerations.

"We just thought it was time to move," said Fox. "He had an excellent year the year before (in 2008). He's still very capable. We just felt it was time to go in a different direction."

Lloyd led the NFL with 30 touchbacks (kickoffs into the end zone that weren't returned) in '08, most in the NFL since the introduction of the K-Ball for kickoffs in 1999. His total was eight more than any other player.

Last season, Lloyd tied for sixth in the league with 21 touchbacks, eight behind Dallas' Michael Buehler.

(x)

For said the Panthers aren't in the market to sign a new right guard despite the fact that the starter for the past two seasons, Keydrick Vincent, remains an unsigned unrestricted free agent. He also said the team isn't looking to make moves at defensive tackle even though Maake Kemoeatu and Damione Lewis were released.

"Right now -- of course, we haven't played a down yet -- I think those are areas that might be (two) of our more solid areas, our O-line and defensive tackle," said Fox. "That's not to say we wouldn't move or look or change ot try to create new people there, but that's not high on the priority list right now."

Fox wouldn't identify a favorite to start at right guard, but said the candidates include Mackenzy Bernadeau, Geoff Schwartz and Duke Robinson.

At defensive tackle, the Panthers are expected to start Louis Leonard and Tank Tyler, both restricted free agents who were acquired last year via trades. The reserves include former Colts starter Ed Johnson, '09 third-round pick Corvey Irvin, Nick Hayden and Derek Landri.

-- Charles Chandler

http://blogs.charlotte.com/panthers/2010/03/fox-discusses-wholl-kick-off-says-theres-no-need-for-moves-at-rg-dt-positions.html

[jakesthemistake]

told you guys we are getting a WR before anything else

[The Saltman]

yes

[markbm62]

told you guys we are getting a WR before anything else

I did not see anything about DE not being in the mix as our first choice.

[scpanther22]

depends on what "moves" mean is it just trade. or does "moves" mean trade and draft.

[WilkinsonDonnie]

Yeah I think we address some type of offensive playmaker with our second. Hopefully Jacoby Ford will be available or someone else who can stretch the field in the passing game. But I think are biggest impact on the coming season is having Moore start for the year. Our team will be significantly better under Moore than Delhomme.

[Dpantherman]

depends on what "moves" mean is it just trade. or does "moves" mean trade and draft.

i think the main idea was when he said it wasn't a "high on their priority list" which would mean they are probably looking to add a cheap free agent or a late round draft choice

[PhillyB]

yeah like he's going to tip his hand before the draft.

[ncbobcat]

Let me get this straight, John Fox--you know the MASTER of speaking without actually saying anything is asked specifically about positional additions in the OFFSEASON and some of you are saying 'see I told you we were good there'. Really? I mean really????

Like the Countdown crew says, "C'mon man!"

[SorthNarolina]

Yeah I think we address some type of offensive playmaker with our second. Hopefully Jacoby Ford will be available or someone else who can stretch the field in the passing game. But I think are biggest impact on the coming season is having Moore start for the year. Our team will be significantly better under Moore than Delhomme.

if we draft Jacoby Ford in the 2nd I won't be a happy camper. 3rd is cool.

[mick eye]

What up Phillyb and Ncbobcat so i see you are still canoeing down the river D'Nile. Defensive End is way more likely than a DT. I guess you two will continue to insist that it is all smokescreen until reality smacks you between the eyes.

[Montie_0123]

I don't think they have a choice in the matter, I see us getting a WR first and I think JR is going to be behind it!

[jramsey4]

if we draft Jacoby Ford in the 2nd I won't be a happy camper. 3rd is cool.

Suit yourself, if your banking on that you are going to regret it if hes gone by our 3rd. Hes going to be special.

[SorthNarolina]

Suit yourself, if your banking on that you are going to regret it if hes gone by our 3rd. Hes going to be special.

I'm not banking on drafting him at all. If somebody reaches for him in the draft in the 2nd that's their loss. It'd be nice to get him but I'd rather have a guy who is more quick than fast. Ford doesn't really turn on a dime so I don't know if he's going to be as dynamic a RS as people think. I watched him a lot at Clemson. The only reason his stock went up so much was the combine.

Considering our adittude towards RS in the draft I don't think we even consider return skills until the 2nd day.