Free agency helping Panthers
Conservative approach has paid off, judging from balance of hits and misses.
By Charles Chandler
cchandler@charlotteobserver.com
Posted: Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2008
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/panthers/story/267359.html
Wide receiver Muhsin Muhammad's return after three years in Chicago clearly has been the Panthers' headliner move; giving the team a legitimate receiving mate for Smith. JEFF SINER - jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
PANTHERS 2008 FREE AGENCY CLASS
The Panthers didn't spend big money during the free agency signing period last spring, but wound up with three starters and four reserves. Here's a look at what's happened to their signees:
With Team
Muhsin Muhammad, WR, Starter
Keydrick Vincent, G, Starter
Tyler Brayton, DE, Starter
D.J. Hackett, WR, Backup (injured)
Landon Johnson, LB, Backup/Special Teams
Darwin Walker, DT, Backup
Dante Wesley, CB, Backup/Special Teams
Didn't Stick
Milford Brown, G, Jacksonville (starter)
Ricardo Colclough, CB, Out of NFL
Toniu Fonoti, G, Out of NFL
Terrence Holt, S, Out of NFL
Ian Scott, DT, San Diego (backup)
LaBrandon Toefield, RB, Out of NFL
Each March, NFL fans get excited about the free-agent signing period.
It's a chance for teams to improve by signing veterans whose contracts with other teams have expired.
But the pool of available talent isn't what it used to be because teams are doing a better job of re-signing their best players, especially as the salary cap has grown.
The free-agency market is nearly as volatile for general managers as is the stock market for financial investors.
A big-money acquisition can help turn around a team, like Atlanta running back Michael Turner this year, or turn into an all-out bust, like injury-plagued Cleveland center LeCharles Bentley a few seasons ago and Oakland receiver Javon Walker this year.
The Panthers took a conservative approach last spring, choosing not to spend extravagantly and instead to seek role players at bargain prices while waiting to fill certain positions through the draft.
Carolina's free agency strategy, for the most part, has succeeded.
The Panthers are 5-2, with three free-agent signees starting every game – wide receiver Muhsin Muhammad, guard Keydrick Vincent and defensive end Tyler Brayton.
There have been three disappointments, too, though none dramatic.
Former Cincinnati Bengals starting linebacker Landon Johnson, who received Carolina's most expensive free-agent contract, hasn't excelled after not beating out incumbent Na'il Diggs for a starting job. However, Johnson remains a valuable reserve behind Diggs and middle linebacker Jon Beason.
The injury woes wide receiver D.J. Hackett had in Seattle have followed him to Carolina. He missed much of training camp with an injured toe and has missed the past two games because of a sprained knee. When healthy, he's the team's No.3 receiver behind Steve Smith and Muhammad.
Cornerback Ricardo Colclough was set to make the team and looked capable of helping the secondary and special teams units until a DWI arrest just hours before final cuts led to his release.
Muhammad's return after three years in Chicago clearly has been the Panthers' headliner move, giving the team a legitimate receiving mate for Smith.
Muhammad shows little sign of decline at age 35, ranking among the top 15 in the NFL in catches (32) and receiving yards (469).
Muhammad also has been a stabilizing force in the locker room and was elected a team co-captain.
Vincent is the only one of three 325-pounds-and-over offensive linemen signees who made the team. Milford Brown barely missed making the final cut and is now starting at guard for a Jacksonville team that had early-season injuries on its line. Toniu Fonoti, a former starter for the Chargers, started out strong in minicamps but slipped down the depth chart during the preseason and is now out of the league.
Vincent has been a good fit for the Panthers at right guard. He's big, physical and is the only starting offensive linemen who hasn't missed a game because of injury.
Brayton hasn't put up big numbers (11/2 sacks and 14 tackles), but plays almost every down on the defensive line and does so with a contagious energy and work ethic. He's been stout against the run on first and second downs, and moves to an inside rush position on third downs and obvious passing situations.
Among free agents the Panthers passed over despite interest from their fan base, the most popular probably was Turner, who's among the league's leading rushers for a Falcons team that is much better (4-2) than expected.
Carolina never seriously considered pursuing Turner because they planned to seek a running back in the draft, eventually landing Jonathan Stewart.
The Panthers gave some thought to signing another fan favorite, tight end Alge Crumpler, but backed away because of concerns about the health of his knees.
There's no reason to question that decision.
Though Crumpler is starting for the 6-0 Tennessee Titans, he's clearly not the player he once was. He has nine catches for 99 yards and a touchdown.
Calendar
