2004 Free Agents

Some of those rankings are a bit off. I certainly don't dispute Grant, of course because Sehorn and the others are mediocre, and Darius/Wesley are both better than him. But it's gotta be a weak class of TEs if Mangum ranks, and Brian Allen's the 7th best MLB available?
Wallace not being ranked top ten is allright. Most of the guys listed are starters. He will be too, though. Jeno's not mentioned, either.


Look at the corner quality. #10's a 5.65 - while those rankings are gibberish, they must've meant something to someone, and suggest that whoever we get of that list will be quality compared to the rest of the pool.

 

Smart's decent, but he's not great. He's a good player to have around for all that he does, but other than a few great returns, unimpressed. He doesn't typically make something out of nothing like Smith, nor explode through a seam like Bates.
of course, that's a hard standard to set someone toward.
Now hopefully, going out and getting a punt/kick returner means that said player is our primary KR. Smart being the other guy, and gunning, is a great combo.

 

I only noted it because we released Bates for Smart...and it couldn't have been all for cap reasons.

 

FWIW, I'd say it's because Bates was being less and less effective. I don't think that's changed. I wouldn't personally put either up there as that impressive. But like I said, those rankings aren't necessarily somethign I agree with in all facets.

 

cause Smart could be a RB when necessary

 

This is a very deep group at our needs:

1 Julian Peterson 49ers UFA 26 8.05
2 Brandon Short Giants UFA 27 5.55
3 Carlos Emmons Eagles UFA 31 5.50
4 Ian Gold Broncos UFA 26 5.25
5 Marcus Washington Colts UFA 26 5.10
6 Barrett Green Lions UFA 26 5.10
7 Dhani Jones Giants UFA 26 5.00
8 T.J. Slaughter Ravens UFA 27 4.95
**1 Al Wilson Broncos UFA 27 8.65
**3 Randall Godfrey Seahawks UFA 31 6.00

1 Champ Bailey Redskins UFA 26 9.15
2 Charles Woodson Raiders UFA 27 9.00
3 Chris McAlister Ravens UFA 27 7.20
4 Troy Vincent Eagles UFA 34 6.60
5 Antoine Winfield Bills UFA 27 6.55
6 Bobby Taylor Eagles UFA 30 6.40
7 Fernando Bryant Jaguars UFA 27 6.15
8 Shawn Springs Seahawks UFA 29 5.95
9 Ahmed Plummer 49ers UFA 28 5.85

Fun.

 

IMO

UFAs:
OG Kevin Donnalley - bI'd like to see us resign him. He's already said he'd return for less money. A year or 2 at most would be fine with me because there isn't much behind him. I'd also like to see his replacement drafted this year or next. Brzenski should be released to free up cap money. Equal talent can be had for less money.

WR Kevin Dyson - Haven't really been able to see him do much. I wouldn't really have a problem resigning him short term as long as nothing else is available. Also he could become a factor if Proehl decides to retire after this year.

LB Greg Favors - As a back up... for back up money... but I have a feeling we could find better talent than him cheaper.

S Deon Grant - I don't really see us getting Donovan Darius. So I'd return Grant he's not a bad option ATP.

CB Reggie Howard - Not a bad back up CB... he isn't a top dollar starter and that's the kinda money he'll want at season's end.

OG Jeno James - He's what Doug Brzeznski was supposed to be... give him Doug's money.
PK John Kasay - He'll be back... I think he'll retire a Panther.

LB Jason Kyle - He gets resigned every year... what's this year any different?

TE Kris Mangum - This has been his best year by far... resign him for reasonable money and look for a younger/furture starter in the draft.

DE Kavika Pittman - He'll be back to fill Al Wallace's old role... he didn't get to "prove" himself this year and I think he'll return for that chance.

OG Tutan Reyes - Who cares?

LB Lester Towns - Solid in Goalline situations and on STs... if he keeps the salary low I'd consider bringing him back, but if he doesn't we could draft a replacement in later rounds.

DE Al Wallace - I'd like to see you back, but just don't see it happening... we'll miss you Al and thanks for everything you've done.

TE Jermaine Wiggins - Not great, but not horrible... if we don't keep Mangum I wouldn't have a problem with Wiggins and possibly bringing someone else in. I'm also hoping Seidman will step up next year.

OT Matt Willig - Not a major deal... Melvin Tuten comes back next year and will be a steady enough backup tackle.

RFAs:
LB Brian Allen - Tender him
S Jarrod Cooper - Tender him
FB Nick Goings - Tender him
RB Rod Smart - Tender Him
WR Steve Smith - 1st Round tender him unless you can resign him
S Travares Tillman - buh bye

 

Willig > Tuten

 

yeah... but not enough to pay more... salary will be the deciding factor there

 

Steussie, Todd OL Carolina Panthers 3400000.00
Donnalley, Kevin OL Carolina Panthers 1100000.00
Tuten, Melvin OL Carolina Panthers 1000000.00
Gross, Jordan OL Carolina Panthers 1000000.00
Willig, Matt OL Carolina Panthers 755000.00

Notably Willig's signing costs us $450,000 this year because it's the vet min