Next up, Geoff Hangartner

[Mr. Scot]

So how about some additional (potential) good news?

A lot of folks have been under the impression that Geoff Hangartner will head off to a team where he can be a starter this year. And while it'd be no shock if another team offered him starter money, there are indications that when it comes to what's best for him, he might be of the same mind as Jordan Gross.

From Gantt: Panthers still have work to do on the signings front

With left tackle Jordan Gross re-signed and defensive end Julius Peppers franchise-tagged, the Panthers now have just seven free agents to deal with. From the sounds of things, they’re going to start soon, as the agent for offensive lineman Geoff Hangartner said Thursday he’s going to talk with Panthers general manager Marty Hurney today at the scouting combine about a new deal.

Even though the Panthers emerged from the biggest one-day spending spree in franchise history, there still should be enough to bring back the versatile blocker.

“Absolutely I think we can get something done,” agent Eric Metz said of Hangartner returning. “That’s what he wants, and we remain optimistic we can get something done.”

The 26-year-old center-guard has been a valuable piece for the Panthers, starting 27 games the last four seasons. He was a reserve this year but still started eight games (at three different positions), proving his ability to adapt on the fly. Always one of the smartest players on the team, Hangartner scored a 47 (of 50) on his pre-draft Wonderlic test, part of the reason the Panthers chose him in the fifth round in 2005.

Hangartner would have opportunities at clear-cut starting jobs if he left, and said he’s considering everything. But he’s also been careful to point to the positives of being a sixth-man on a good team as opposed to a starter on a bad one, and puts plenty of weight on the difference.

He’s valuable enough to have plenty of supporters in the locker room as well.

Gross was laughing Thursday when he said it, but he was serious when he implored Hurney to resign his friend, saying it was another step in keeping a good line together.

“I told Marty to get busy,” Gross said. “We need to sign Hangartner, make sure he’s staying too.”

There's more in the article, of course, but this article leaves me feeling very optimistic

[panthersphan]

You need to throw in his face in the Big Uglys

[Mr. Scot]

Offseason/training camp time I generally expand it.

If he signs, maybe I'll go early this year (Omiyale too).

[therealmjl]

Hangartner is an EXCELLENT backup. I hope this deal gets done.

[carpanfan96]

good news

[Mr. Scot]

Ain't done yet, of course, but sounds very promising

[carpanfan96]

out of that list, who do you expect back?

I really like when ask about the cap and he says it's fine we'll be under and shrugs while he says it. Hurney is always tricky when it comes to the cap. I wonder what tricks he's used/got up his sleeve this off season with the rule changes and stuff on bonuse money and ltbe's and such.

[Mr. Scot]

I'd like back Hangartner, Omiyale, Mark Jones and Jason Kyle.

Seward is expected to take off (almost did once already but the deal blew up). Walker just seems like he might never return to pre-injury form. Curry is a good special teamer but sa young draftee could take that role.

(be nice to have a Jarrod Cooper type again)

Of the RFAs, the only one I could see drawing much outside interest is Jeff King, and even that depends on what tender the team puts on him.

[carpanfan96]

I'd like back Hangartner, Omiyale, Mark Jones and Jason Kyle.

Seward is expected to take off (almost did once already but the deal blew up). Walker just seems like he might never return to pre-injury form. Curry is a good special teamer but sa young draftee could take that role.

(be nice to have a Jarrod Cooper type again)

Of the RFAs, the only one I could see drawing much outside interest is Jeff King, and even that depends on what tender the team puts on him.

I've been wondering that as well. It's probably going to be the high tender though. I'd agree with the UFA's though, same ones I expect back. Though on note Kyle could be gone with Barnidge on the roster, I believe he did some long snapping last off season. I doubt it, but it's a possibility.

[Mr. Scot]

If they put the high tender on King, my hope of a dual threat TE will go out the window (again)

[carpanfan96]

If they put the high tender on King, my hope of a dual threat TE will go out the window (again)

Maybe Barnidge could end up being that guy. Show up for camp 15 pounds heavier and steal the top spot. I don't think with fox we will ever have that guy though. I'm hoping Barnidge or Rosario can turn it around and have an excellent season though.

[zebrainz]

Keeping Hangartner would be nice. I'm glad he realizes that taking just any starting job isn't necessarily a good thing. I'm not sure I'm ready for the MacKenzie Bernadeau debut. Hopefully he'll be ready to take over the C/G backup duties if Hangman walks.

Of the UFAs not named Hangartner, I think Walker and Curry are the least likely to be offered contracts. Seward wanted to test the market for a 3-4 team last year. I could see him signing with someone else just to get the opportunity to start/play more often. We have multiple legitimate competitors for Jones's position, I'd be surprised at anything more than the vet minimum. I'd like to keep him if we could though. Omiyale actually stepped in and played some acceptable left tackle for us last year, I was surprised. Our run game is better if we don't have to kick Wharton out to tackle. Keeping him as an inactive lineman makes good sense if we can swing it financially. Offering Kyle a contract is a given if he wants to keep playing.

We don't have any RFAs that other teams will beat our doors down to get to either. Medium/low tenders for all. I could see Anderson and/or Gibson not making it through final cuts depending on their competition and any injuries their positions.

[Cardiac Cats86]

The way the O-line played last season Hangartner should stay, however I think he could start with some teams so it all depends on if he wants to stick around for depth or if he wants to hit the market. I think the Panthers wanna keep him, its all on wether he wants to stay or not.

[HSCBandit07]

hangartner, kyle, and king are the big three now. Hangartner and king were also big parts of our solid running game and kyle is arguably the best long snapper in the nfl