Richard Marshall

[Baschski]

Let's get away from the Luck talk for a moment. Richard Marshall has changed his tune somewhat and has expressed a desire to stay with the Panthers going forward. A lot of people here like to trash Marshall, but he's been a solid corner for us over the years. No, he didn't have a great year, but who on this team did? He's a legit starting corner and if we don't re-sign him then CB becomes a big need for us. With some other glaring needs already at the top of the priority list (QB, DT, O Line depth) the last thing we need is to create more needs. I say sign this guy as soon as possible. Thoughts?

[OnlyPantherFaninMaine]

All depends if we can sign him to a reasonable contract. Just hoping he doesn't ask for something unrealistic, his play was suspect this year and he doesn't deserve to be paid like an upper-echelon CB. It would be nice to get him a contract that is fair to both parties and use a draft pick or FA signing on something other than a corner.

If not, and if Luck does not come out, I really think Patrick Peterson might be the best pick we could make.

[PhillyB]

of course he wants to stay, he knows he's been sucking lately. didn't ken lucas say the same thing after the 2008 season?

that said, i say keep the guy. use his sucking as leverage for a lower contact, and in the offseason make moves at some superb defensive lineman. consistent pressure up the gut will do wonders for the defensive ends, which will in turn do wonders for marshall's coverage abilities.

signing him is probably the smartest thing to do at this point.

[CharlotteBeer.com]

I think the dropoff between Gamble and Marshall is substantial. Between Marshall and Munnerlyn? Not so much.

I'd be inclined to let him walk and then draft a cornerback or pursue one in free agency, knowing that Munnerlyn isn't horrible if we have to rely on him as our No. 2 corner.

We need to find another corner or two for depth anyway, in my opinion.

[Baschski]

If not, and if Luck does not come out, I really think Patrick Peterson might be the best pick we could make.

Completely with you on this one. If Luck doesn't come out and we can't trade down, I want a shut-down corner with that first pick.

[Delhommey]

If he wants to stay, a 2-14 team does not need to create holes in the lineup, regardless of where.

[Baschski]

We need to find another corner or two for depth anyway, in my opinion.

With you on this as well. McClain showed nothing this year. Stanford has been invisible. Wilson is apparently a career special teamer. Munnerlyn is solid, IMO, but it was blantantly obvious when Gamble was out that we have very little CB depth. McClain covering the slot was a nightmare to watch.

[PhillyB]

i agree that we should take a corner in FA or the draft regardless, but i think taking peterson is a huge stretch. we're 2-14 because of a putrid offense. that top pick absolutely HAS to go to offense.

[Baschski]

i agree that we should take a corner in FA or the draft regardless, but i think taking peterson is a huge stretch. we're 2-14 because of a putrid offense. that top pick absolutely HAS to go to offense.

If Luck doesn't come out the offensive options that high in the draft are very limited. We could go AJ Green but I really think that Lafell and Gettis are our WR's of the future and I think our pathetic passing game has been more a product of terrible QB play and terrible play calling than a product of bad WR's.

[Delhommey]

AJ Green is the best talent in the draft, Luck or not.

Lafell and Gettis are at best #2/3 options.

[OnlyPantherFaninMaine]

If Luck doesn't come out the offensive options that high in the draft are very limited. We could go AJ Green but I really think that Lafell and Gettis are our WR's of the future and I think our pathetic passing game has been more a product of terrible QB play and terrible play calling than a product of bad WR's.

Agreed. Outside of Green, who is the best overall prospect along with Luck and Peterson, any other player is a stretch. It would be nice to get a WR in FA. Drafting Peterson would give us a guaranteed #2 corner, and could take over #1 duties by the end of the season if he played to his potential. Gamble isn't getting any younger either. Peterson would also sure up our return game, and allow AE to get more reps at WR and Munnerlyn to catch his breath after a defensive series.

[Baschski]

AJ Green is the best talent in the draft, Luck or not.

It's possible. But WR's are just as much a crap shoot as QB's in the draft. I really like what I've seen out of Gettis.

[philp]

if marshall doesn't get signed, cb definitely would be a big need and no one is arguing that. but i just can't see them drafting defense in the first. it seems like any offensive player could only help at this point. so i say green if luck stays. no cb, no dt, and no de. watch them draft a lb though....lol.

[TANTRIC-NINJA]

AJ Green is the best talent in the draft, Luck or not.

Lafell and Gettis are at best #2/3 options.

BC Pickles has been so bad people have downgraded AJ Greeen for some reason.

Just like Luck, who is he highest rated QB since Manning and Elway..... AJ Green is coming out with Megatron and Randy Moss as his comps... Patrick Peterson a rare player as well...One of the three has to be on this team no matter what.