Deke Cooper back +

Gannt blog

They're rolling now.
The Panthers added three more lower-level free agents Monday, signing safety Deke Cooper, cornerback Curtis Deloatch and defensive tackle Chad Lavalais.
Cooper’s the most experienced of the lot. He signed with San Francisco late last year, after spending the previous three seasons with Jacksonville. He played with the Panthers in 2002, earning a job after an impressive stint in NFL Europe.
Deloatch played in New Orleans last year, but the Saints didn’t tender him a contract as a restricted free agent. He also spent two years with the New York Giants.
Lavalais started 20 games for Atlanta in 2004 and 2005, but was released in final cuts last September, after being criticized for his work ethic.

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Deke looked promising at one time. It does not hurt having him around to compete for a spot.

 

Hopefully between Minter, Cooper and Deloach we can pull a safety to play along side Nelson

 

If I remember right, Deloatch was the dude that made the big play for the saints vs. Atlanta on MNF. Blocked a punt or something for a td.

 

Kinda worries me that all we're signing is lower tier guys. Some players are going to take this as a sign we're not willing to pay for quality players and not even look our way. The trying to get by on the cheap is going to bite us in the ass over the long run.

 

If we did this all the time it might but we have a history of paying out big bucks when we want to. I do not think it will hurt our reputation with players if we do not spend much this year.

 

Deke started when Darius was hurt, right?

Looks like a solid depth/competition guy. Not sure at all why he washed out with Miami and didn't play with SF.

Deloatch is a State guy who apparently didn't get his RFA tender (like Ball). Started in 05 as a 2nd year guy in NY, but apparently waived after that year. He was an undrafted FA with the giants, good enough special teamer, recovered a blocked punt for TD.

Certainly good enough to fill that 4th spot. I'm guessing Reggie Howard is still whatever the fuck he was once the season started last year - gone. Good size, might translate to safety? Also returned punts apparently, but only in college.

 

problem is we do have a reputation for doing this at certain positions already. What quality safety is going to look at the Panthers now when we continually play rent a scrub with the position? We've let our own guys walk rather than pay them (Minter the lone exception) and relied on scrubs to take up the slack.

 

yeah, kinda set the tone for the game and the season. Returned the punt for a TD. Didn't block it. Good enough size for ST. Scouts kinda battled over whether he was a CB or S, but given that he walked on for the DC who's now his position coach, I'm guessing he stays at CB




Lavalais started for Atlanta. 2005, and 6 games in 2004. Also was a prison guard while trying to get his grades up to go to LSU. 6'1, 293...good enough in a gap, I guess.

He'd be more likely to win the 5th DT job than Stephen Williams, but guess we'll battle them out...good. Like having depth at 5 and 6 DT when you have four starters ahead of them.

For the cost, we're putting together good depth. I'm just worried about the guys who'll end up starting.

 

I remember Lavalais from LSU, he was a name there.

He started alot early in his career at ATL.

Could be more than camp fodder if he gets his ass in gear.