Fox says “budget” is the reason the Panthers traded SS Harris

[CRA]

The Panthers, as an organization, are all about toeing the company line. That's why Jenkins was sent packing, that's why Delhomme was such a favored son. For Fox to break rank is huge, in my opinion. Especially knowing how he feels about the local media. I wouldn't be totally shocked if he had fed this to that bald dude with the goatee (name escapes me right now), but to give something to one of the local guys, who the Panthers are convinced are out to get them, is very surprising.

I agree.

also, Fox is a good coach but I think it is clear Carolina/Fox are ready to part ways....it just makes sense b/c of other factors (lockout, no gigs, etc.) for them to finish out the last year of his contract together.

It has long been rumored that all these moves and nonmoves were about getting a team ready and ground work done for the post Fox era. I think this comment by Fox was a sign he is annoyed with them doing so much future prep work while he is still here......he does want to win games and look good to land another big gig. Serveral moves have made us much weaker on D coming into this season.....you know Foxy ain't thrilled b/c a solid D is just as much of Foxball as a ground game.

[Murph]

This is probably the most out of character thing Fox has ever said to the media. It almost sounds like he is acting out of frustration with the recent events. A little over a month ago we listened to Hurney swear at a press conference that all of these veterans cuts were not about the money savings, the CBA and a possible lockout in 2011 but rather allowing the younger guys to step up and contribute. Fox was sitting beside him at the time. Now he basicly disputes it.

Hurney has to be a little ticked. JR is I'm sure.

[Matt Foley]

From Pat Yasinskas' latest tweet...

"First, an update, out of John Fox’s wrap-up comments. This one’s interesting. Fox talked about the decision to trade safety Chris Harris and said the team’s budget had something to do with the move. In other words, it had a lot to do with the trade and probably prompted it. Consider this another sign that general manager Marty Hurney is probably steering this boat more than ever. Decisions are being made with a possible 2011 lockout in mind and the long-term future a big part of every decision. Yes, we all know Fox is on the hot seat as he heads into the final year of his contract. But I’m not so sure Hurney falls into that category in the eyes of owner Jerry Richardson."

At the end, Yas says the Panthers have made a lot of changes and in his opinion those changes were for the better and he sees the ingredients of a good football team. Spoke highly of Edwards and Clausen.

[CRA]

From Pat Yasinskas' latest tweet...

"First, an update, out of John Fox’s wrap-up comments. This one’s interesting. Fox talked about the decision to trade safety Chris Harris and said the team’s budget had something to do with the move. In other words, it had a lot to do with the trade and probably prompted it. Consider this another sign that general manager Marty Hurney is probably steering this boat more than ever. Decisions are being made with a possible 2011 lockout in mind and the long-term future a big part of every decision. Yes, we all know Fox is on the hot seat as he heads into the final year of his contract. But I’m not so sure Hurney falls into that category in the eyes of owner Jerry Richardson."

At the end, Yas says the Panthers have made a lot of changes and in his opinion those changes were for the better and he sees the ingredients of a good football team. Spoke highly of Edwards and Clausen.

doesn't Hurney already have a new contract just sitting there for him to sign?

[panthers55]

not just about making money. they've wasted a lot of money lately on peppers and delhomme. they need to make it up somehow. this is a much smaller market than most nfl teams. they don't rake in the cash like some. plus, no one knows what the salary cap will be like after they sort it out. best to go as cheap as possible 'til then. i think they've done an extraordinary job finding a balance between player talent and the financial side of it. we have probably the youngest team in the league, and probably one of the lowest salary totals, and i still think we could make the playoffs.

We are a "have" not a "havenot". With the PSL owner format, all of the box seats and TV revenue which is shared across the league, the Panthers are one of the top 15 revenue producing franchises in the NFL not one of the lowest. We have sellouts every game, we do rake in the cash. These moves are not due to having to conserve money because we have to. This is about saving money this year and next to fend off a possible lockout and make more money by lowering the payroll and salary cap. This is a choice many teams make at one time or another. If they field a competitive product and make the playoffs they do well moving forward and become even more profitable. If they suffer on the field and struggle then they become Jacksonville, Buffalo, or Tampa and suffer in revenue. Again the Panthers are somewhat insulated in that the PSLs agreements makes folks buy the season tickets or forfeit the licenses. Still they would suffer with concessions, merchandise and other revenue. But Richardson spent almost all of the 143 million dollars last year and they still made money. What we have done is go cheap. Whether or not we field a good team on the field still remains to be seen.

[Peppers90 NC]

I think the money issue is just a simple, polite way to give an answer instead of telling the truth. We know how tight-sealed Fox and Hurney like to keep things, and Harris is one to voice his opinion whether it be on tweets or whatever. He no longer really fit the bill here and our coaches felt he was expendable b/c of the talent that is here already.

[CRA]

I think the money issue is just a simple, polite way to give an answer instead of telling the truth. We know how tight-sealed Fox and Hurney like to keep things, and Harris is one to voice his opinion whether it be on tweets or whatever. He no longer really fit the bill here and our coaches felt he was expendable b/c of the talent that is here already.

No way Fox gives up what was a Starter and the only depth at S he had if he wanted to go young for a backup LB. Not sure how Harris no longer fit the bill.....considering the guys replacing him haven't shown that can be better. Neither has ever played a down at SS.

[Peppers90 NC]

No way Fox gives up what was a Starter and the only depth at S he had if he wanted to go young for a backup LB. Not sure how Harris no longer fit the bill.....considering the guys replacing him haven't shown that can be better. Neither has ever played a down at SS.

Personality-wise. It's not like his salary was that big that we would settle for unproven just to save a little bit of money. It has to be deeper than that.

[panthers55]

Personality-wise. It's not like his salary was that big that we would settle for unproven just to save a little bit of money. It has to be deeper than that.

That is exactly what it is. Plus they would like to find a guy who can cover as well as hit. In the end though Richardson is willing to take a flyer on a drafted unproven guy over a veteran because he is cheaper. This is not a move we would have made in previous years.

[Getridofthegaythreads]

bump, till the gay thread is off the front page

[KatsAzz]

As much as I first thought it was crazy , I have come around to see this a a wise move. He got rid of future expenses that could have cost him and the team. He cleared cap space for the comming years. He is basically saying to a lot of players this year is your chance to prove you can play, if not more cap cuts. When a new CBA is in place they will have plenty of money and know what postions are needed, they have a great core group of players. the one thing he has done in the past is spend up to the CAP limit each year and i suspect when the CBA is back he will again.

He has also put himself in a great postion as far as Fox goes, if he does decide to get rid of him, a new coach comes in with a gresat core group on both sides of the ball, plenty of options at QB, and moeny to bring in his own players. That is seldom the case when a new coach is hired, and the Panthers would be the choice of anyone wanting a head coaching job.

This is only a one year gamble by Jerry , he is looking to the years beyond, he found a loophole for a clean slate and took advantage of it. If they play poorly this year it will be expected, if they make the playoffs he will be a genius.

Take a look at the Jets they have been active in FA and have some big contracts out there, they are playing for next year not the future.