Could Wharton's days be numbered?

[vorbis]

i don't think wharton is going anywhere. rivera thinks the line is a position of strength and stability and you don't go releasing entrenched starters if that is the case. i remember a year or so ago gantt was asked what player he thought was most likely to be a panther 3 years from now (then) and he said wharton. fwiw.

[WilkinsonDonnie]

What I do see is us drafting an interior lineman in one of the later rounds, but we are not looking to trim this beef more than needed. He is still too valuable to let go this year, but yes his play has diminished some. I will like to see what this new offensive line staff can do with our guys.

[pantherfan49]

Wharton is the best o-lineman that the team has.

[JawnyBlaze]

Gross signed a 6 year $60 mil deal a couple years ago. Wharton is not almost making gross's money. Wharton has been exceptionally reliable and if he were cut or traded I might have to finally believe all the idiots who say "but Jerry Richardson is too cheap to..."

[panthers55]

Apparently Rivera didn't get the message:

http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/2818/player?r=1

Rivera called Wharton a "key player return(ing) from injury," after his season ended on I.R. with a severe case of turf toe. This all sounds good for Wharton's chances of staying in Carolina. He's due a $5.4 million base salary

He gave up 2.5 sacks in 10 games. Considering pass blocking is the weaker part of his game, that is not exactly shabby.

He was called for 3 penalties for a total of 20 yards.

[Woodcookedbbq]

If it ain't broke....

[MHS831]

"Let's get rid of our best guard, who happens to be our best backup at tackle, all cause I feel he is overpaid."

Glad you are not running the panthers.

It was not my idea, and it was a question. There has been talk about Wharton and Gamble being too expensive. Do a little homework and learn not to attack the messenger, Einstien. There is no need to be a smart ### at every single opportunity.

Source: Steve Reed Feb 10 2011

http://www.kffl.com/player/9601/nfl/travelle-wharton

[MHS831]

Gross signed a 6 year $60 mil deal a couple years ago. Wharton is not almost making gross's money. Wharton has been exceptionally reliable and if he were cut or traded I might have to finally believe all the idiots who say "but Jerry Richardson is too cheap to..."

Gross is making over 6 million in $2012, Wharton $5.5 million in 2012.

[PackPanther]

nope, whartons going to stay. Rivera already said he liked our line. he wouldnt say that and then cut one of our most reliable linemen

[Mr. Scot]

Rework his contract, but he's earned his payday and he's too good, too versatile to let go.

Yep.

[Urrymonster]

Apparently Rivera didn't get the message:

http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/2818/player?r=1

He gave up 2.5 sacks in 10 games. Considering pass blocking is the weaker part of his game, that is not exactly shabby.

He was called for 3 penalties for a total of 20 yards.

I disagree, pass blocking is where he excels as a guard. His run blocking is really hit and miss and he can be easily exploited. There is a reason he was originally thought of as a left tackle...

[Mr Mojo Risin]

Our line is just fine the way it is (excluding RG at the moment) when every one is healthy.

[JawnyBlaze]

Yea, I guess I see what you're saying. I just don't see the point in releasing a very good player over 5.5 mil when A) we don't really have anyone ready to fill in for him and B) we aren't exactly hurting for capspace. We'll have the second most space (whatever the new cap is) in the league this year...

My point about Gross is that while he may be making only a little less than him THIS year, it's not like he's had a Pro Bowl LT contract. I'm sure we can survive a $5.5 mil cap hit this year if it means retaining one of the more dependable players on our team.

Gross is making over 6 million in $2012, Wharton $5.5 million in 2012.

[MHS831]

Yea, I guess I see what you're saying. I just don't see the point in releasing a very good player over 5.5 mil when A) we don't really have anyone ready to fill in for him and B) we aren't exactly hurting for capspace. We'll have the second most space (whatever the new cap is) in the league this year...

My point about Gross is that while he may be making only a little less than him THIS year, it's not like he's had a Pro Bowl LT contract. I'm sure we can survive a $5.5 mil cap hit this year if it means retaining one of the more dependable players on our team.

I never argued that they should. I pointed out a speculation in the press. But many people are using performance to support what may be a financial decision. If they think they can replace a G and not dip in performance and save $4 million+, I wonder what they would do?

Good lord, after last season's cutting, you should all know it ain't always about what happens on Sundays. It can be about dollars and sense (pun intended, grammarians). A new coach might want to reallocate resources--use the $5 million to lure a top QB or DL, for example. Who knows. Gotta think outside the box. Wharton has a high salary for his position. I want him here for the reasons you all provide, but if I were the team's accountant, I might have to offer concessions to allow Rivera some flexibility. That is the way it works.

We have cap space and WHarton would be extended if it came to that. However, extending is not always best nor an option.