The more interesting story re: Shockey

[mountainpantherfan]

It could mean one of two things:

1) The talks between the NFLPA and the NFL is going better than being reported and the NFLPA has accepted in principle a deal that the hardest owner, Richardson, is willing to accept as well. Great news!

2) The NFLPA is going to decertify on March 3 if the owners do not give in to the players demands. The owners are all smiling and love the fact that Smith done exactly what the owners wanted the entire time. Come March 4 the season will proceed as normal but without a new CBA (stupid NFLPA) and so Richardson is preparing for business as usual during an offseason.

[Cyberjag]

Good point of course. The one I raised is just something I feel is a valid counter to the original question. And we don't know what's going on behind the doors anyway, this could be as simple as Chud drumming up interest for an old friend.

Frankly, I'm not a Shockey fan, and honestly I won't live or die by whomever we sign. I"m ready to root for whoever. :)

[Jackofalltrades]

Shockey was released early last week. The Panthers could have flown him in immediately when the entire coaching staff was there to speak to him. Its not like they didn't know enough about him to know if he was a viable option. Easy decision.

But for some reason, over the last few days there is all of a sudden a need to get him in quickly even though the entire coaching staff is not present? Also, during those few days there have been arbitrated CBA talks happening.

Could be nothing, sure. But sounds to me something is up. You assume 600 bucks is nothing to JR, but that just means you don't know much about JR. Every dime counts.

He's coming next week when the staff will be back.

[Highlandfire]

It could mean one of two things:

1) The talks between the NFLPA and the NFL is going better than being reported and the NFLPA has accepted in principle a deal that the hardest owner, Richardson, is willing to accept as well. Great news!

2) The NFLPA is going to decertify on March 3 if the owners do not give in to the players demands. The owners are all smiling and love the fact that Smith done exactly what the owners wanted the entire time. Come March 4 the season will proceed as normal but without a new CBA (stupid NFLPA) and so Richardson is preparing for business as usual during an offseason.

They will decertify, they will lose in court and the owners win. I can't wait to see the fallout against Smith lol

[Zod]

I just find it curious that until now, JR has taken a hard line stance not even talking to available players. Something over the past day or two has changed that.

[JungleCat]

It was unexpected. Makes me wonder who else might be brought in.

[mountainpantherfan]

They will decertify, they will lose in court and the owners win. I can't wait to see the fallout against Smith lol

I'm not as hard agaisnt Smith as others. He's only doing what he know how to do. But his play won't work and in the end I think the owners will end up getting exactly what they've wanted for years now, the union busted up.

[Squirrel]

I just find it curious that until now, JR has taken a hard line stance not even talking to available players. Something over the past day or two has changed that.

To big of a player to pass up. He knows his players cant go anywhere else until the CBA is signed. Shockey brings in a skill we have been lacking and could teach Barnidge how to play the position. I wouldnt mind him coming here.

[Zod]

To big of a player to pass up. He knows his players cant go anywhere else until the CBA is signed. Shockey brings in a skill we have been lacking and could teach Barnidge how to play the position. I wouldnt mind him coming here.

Shockey is the last person I would want teaching any young player.

[Jackofalltrades]

Shockey is the last person I would want teaching any young player.

Thank you, I agree completely.

[DaveThePanther2008]

I am actually against Shockey being a Panther, I like Barnidge for next year under a superior TE coach. But just the circumstances around his coming to me is interesting.

For the right price I think it would be a good addition for the Panthers and Barnidge. Whether you like Shockey or not the guy is a quality TE. He has a nasty streak to him and just what Barnidge needs as a mentor.

I believe he was at Miami when Chud's was there. Chud's probably made Shockey into what he is today.

Finally we have had good luck with Former New Orleans Tight Ends.... Wesley Walls name ring a bell?

[Lumps]

Who says they will bring him in to teach? Would you want smitty to teach? Ah now your mind shifts right, yet he has punched a teammate in the face. But, we still utilize him. Usually TEs don't really teach one another so he'd really have nothing to offer unless we drafted a high round (for TE ) TE prospect. I just want as many weapons our QB can have, he is going to need it.

[csx]

What available players have the Panthers passed up talking to?

[Zod]

Personalty wise, Shockey and Barnidge/Rosario are polar opposites. It won't go well.