i know LongTimeJetFan will be irked by this, but I just read that Will Witherspoon will test free agency: "Linebacker Will Witherspoon is expected to test the free-agent market and as of now, the Panthers don't have much money to compete with potential suitors (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2351904)." We've speculated drafting AJ Hawk, which I think is doubtful. We've also speculated switching to the 3-4, which I think is probable. With the possibility of Barton being cut - or even staying - we need another solid OLB. Moving Hobson to the middle alongside Vilma makes sense because he played some ILB at Michigan. That brings us to Witherspoon -- he's only 25yrs. old, and already has big game experience; he's played in a Superbowl (vs. NE) and an NFC Championship (vs. Seattle). You won't find too many young players with that type of resume. Furthermore, he's a good all-around player. He'd be an upgrade over Mark Brown and Victor Hobson (at OLB). Sooo, if we have the $$$ to do so, should we pursue Witherspoon? Or would y'all rather wait until the draft to try and find someone even younger to develop, and focus FA to finding that one good starting OL or DT that we desperately need? cheers
if money were no object, i would go after witherspoon. but money is an object and we don't have the cash. he will be looking for a big payday.
i know, i know. im just uncertain about the state of our cap right now. yesterday it was reported we "quietly" got under the cap. so, i don't know.... cheers
that's the other reason i posted; i was hoping people would know what he's seeking in contract because it doesn't really say in the article. cheers
I'm beginning to think that we wont employ a base 3-4. Mangini has insisted over and over again he will play whatever gives our team the best chance to win. He actually started this past season as Pats DC playing the 4-3. Vilma, D rob, Barton, Ellis, etc...fit best in a 4-3...I think that's what we'll play.We may employ some occassional 3-4 looks to confuse the opposition, but I truly believe we'll be playing a 4-3 as long as Vilma is in NY. W/ that said, Witherspoon could be an intriguing upgrade from Hobson.
I like witherspoon also, but up to this point all players know if there is no CBA deal no one is getting a huge payday because of it. So the main concern on signing witherspoon is the cap situation, if we can get more than a couple of millions under, then we can make some moves.
good points. so is it true that we "quietly" got under the cap last night? and with restructuring Pennington, does that help even further? Or is it all still speculation? Even if we stay in the 4-3, Witherspoon gives us a very good trio with Vilma and Barton. But I guess we can't afford him. I still think we'll sign one FA who can start, be it OL, DT, or another position of need. In choosing just one, I wouldn't mind signing Witherspoon and addressing everything else in the draft; especially a draft so rich with OL. cheers
Haha..no doubt kurt, i thought i was alone in that. I have said they should have special defensive plays as a 3-4 but keep it a 4-3. I posted that in one of the old threads in the before time, you know in the long long ago. :lol: I even sent them an email, but it was when herm was here like in 2003. :beer:
He'll cost too much money. Look for James Wyche, Frostee Rucker and Stanley McClover in rounds 4-5 if you're looking for a speed rushing potential OLB. Maybe even Eric Henderson.
Im not counting out hobson i think hes a good solid player and we dont need to draft anyone over him.
How about Julian Peterson? He's 28, and while not as good as Witherspoon, a whole lot cheaper and still pretty good. I've read that the Giants and Titans are interested in him.
from what im herng if the cba reaches an agreement the jets may have about 15 mil in free cap space with the moves they have made
From what I've read, if Pennington gets his deal redone, and Abraham gets traded, we will be almost 20 mil under the cap as is. I think there will be some money to do some FA shopping.... NT? OLB? O lineman?
Peterson is a beast, but I'd rather go with the younger, more durable Witherspoon; especially if we're 20mill under the cap. Furthermore, if we're 20mill under the cap, forget Witherspoon; let's go after Bentley. cheers
(this is totally off track, but I figure I'd post here, hoping to get a quick reply. my roommate is a huge Panthers fan [he's from Charlotte], and he's looking for a good Panthers message board, on par with TGG [although I doubt this exists!]. Do any of y'all know of any that he can join?) cheers
If we have that kind of space, I'm hoping we make a push for Kemoeatu. David Givens would be a nice player to look in to, as well.
