Ken Lucas also in today (visit)

Panthers to meet with 2 free agents

Packers lineman Wahle, Seahawks corner Lucas to visit

PAT YASINSKAS

Staff Writer


After struggling through injuries and defections on the offensive line last season, the Carolina Panthers apparently don't want a repeat.

According to league sources, free agent offensive lineman Mike Wahle was scheduled to arrive in Charlotte on Wednesday night, the first day of the signing period, and will spend today visiting with team officials. The Panthers were talking contract numbers with Wahle's agent and are expected to make a strong offer.

The Panthers also will entertain cornerback Ken Lucas today.

Wahle, who will turn 28 later this month, has spent the first seven seasons of his career with Green Bay and the Packers remain interested in bringing him back after releasing him in a salary cap move earlier this week.

Wahle, 6-foot-6 and 304 pounds, is one of the top-rated linemen in the free agency class. Known as a finesse blocker, he played left tackle early in his career before moving to left guard. Although several scouts said Wahle's best position is guard, he also can contribute at tackle.

The Panthers could view Wahle as a guard or tackle, but it likely would be on the right side. Jordan Gross is entrenched at left tackle and rookie Travelle Wharton had a promising season at left guard. But the jobs on the right side are wide open.

After the retirement of Adam Meadows in training camp, the Panthers got through last season with veterans Matt Willig and Todd Fordham playing right tackle. They also could be seeking an upgrade at right guard, where Tutan Reyes was inconsistent.

Lucas, 26, has been with the Seattle Seahawks for the past four seasons. He blossomed last season, recording a career-high six interceptions. After releasing cornerback Artrell Hawkins in a salary cap move earlier in the week, the Panthers are looking to beef up their secondary. Lucas would likely compete with Ricky Manning for the starting job opposite Chris Gamble.

Official numbers for Muhammad

Here are the official numbers on the contract Muhammad signed with the Chicago Bears. It's a six-year deal with a $6 million signing bonus and another $6 million in roster bonuses in the first two years of the contract.

The deal could be worth up to $30 million if escalators are met, but Muhammad is scheduled to earn $11.2 million in base salary over the life of the contract and there are more than $1 million in other roster and workout bonuses in the deal.

 

might never see the second $6m

 

GIT R DONE!

:bananalam

 

No opinions on lucas?

 

I see bigger glaring needs than this. I don't have a major problem with him as a whole, but I'd like to see Fields back first. Also are there ANY safties out there? WR? RB? Yeah its a spot that needed upgrading, but I think Manning and Gamble could've held the fort if necessary.

 

Is he related to George Lucas?

 

I'll take him. I've seen him ranked anywhere from 10-15 in the top 50 FA's available. 6-0 as opposed to Mannings 5-8. Solid against the run. Should start opposite Gamble and move Manning to nickel.

 

Very happy with the potential of the signing, I wanted an upgrade at corner.

It's more than I figured we'd try at, since it probably does push Manning to the bench - but that may have been where they figured he should be from the beginning.
That, or he's a safety here.

 

"Holding the fort" is for 8-8 teams

 

I wondered if he would play S too. I bet not, just because of the money. But you never know.

I was surprised we were looking CB, but not shocked. I read several times that the CB play was a part of our problem in the run game. And of course we gave up alot of pass plays too.