Sporting News: Panthers Possible FA Targets

1. Ebenezer Ekuban, DE, Denver.

With Julius Peppers wanting out, the Panthers need help at end, and Ekuban, 32, still has some pass-rush ability. He also fits the team's free-agent profile -- smart and cheap. The team might like to take a run at Arizona's Antonio Smith, but he probably will be too expensive.

2. Jovan Haye, DT, Buccaneers.

Haye is undersized but solid against the run and would help shore up the interior of the line. The Panthers also could make a run at the Colts' Darrell Reid, who had success in Indy under new Panthers coordinator Ron Meeks.

3. Chris Kemoeatu, G, Steelers.

He's physical and mean and could fill the team's only hole in the offensive line. His brother, Maake Kemoeatu, is a starting defensive tackle for the Panthers. The team could resign versatile Geoff Hangartner, but Chris Kemoeatu offers more size and strength.

4. Dre' Bly, CB, Broncos.

The Panthers need to add another starting-caliber body to the secondary, and Bly played college ball at North Carolina. David Barrett (Jets) or Keiwan Ratliff (Colts) are less-expensive options.

5. Mark Jones, KR/PR, Panthers.

He came in and sparked the return game last year. He doesn't have ideal speed, but he improved the team's field position dramatically and created a market for himself. The Panthers looked at KR/CB Chris Carr (Titans) last year and could give him another shot.

 

Carr, huh?

I guess it's possible. Idon't see the others signing here, personally. Kemoeatu is OK, but we don't have a need there. Him, Dockery, any of them. We need more super-cheap, one or two year deal guys like Fonoti to battle Vincent. He or Brown would've easily made the roster if not for the money already put into Hangartner and Bridges.

 

I'm concerned that we've haven't locked up Mark Jones yet. He was an invaluable player for us last year in terms of field position. If we do what I think we might end up doing at returner, I might have to slash my wrist.

Bly would be a good nickle. The rest of that list is pretty depressing.

 

I'd prefer a returner who can out run a kicker here and there.

 

i would just prefer a kick returner like mark jones who can get past the 30 100 percent of the time almost... before this year we had trouble getting back to the 20.. mark jones is a great returner and i believe it would be wise for the panthers to set him up a deal. not to mention how big of a role special teams are in the game of football!!!!

 

I just wonder how much credit a really slow guy should get for sort of running through holes created by blockers.

 

its also called ball carrier vision..break away speed is great but when a guy can get in and out of holes like jones and get past the 30 every time you need to keep him.. the break away speed doesnt matter until u get in and out of a couple holes!

 

I agree with the new guy about Jones.

He consistently got us good FP, and held onto the ball. I like the flashy fast guys too, but he will take what he gave us every year without complaint.

 

I just hope we don't let Jones go for a guy like Ratliff who is supposed to be a returner who will contribute as a position player. Ratliff, IMO, would not fill either need...he's been rather underwhelming.