Long term deal for Wharton?

[PantherPaul]

From Observer Blog:
Panthers need to start thinking about extension for Wharton
As the Carolina Panthers worry about re-signing some players who can become free agents in March, they also might want to start thinking about one player who can’t.

That’s left tackle Travelle Wharton. He’s under contract through 2007. If the Panthers truly believe Wharton is their left tackle for the long term, it might be wise to sign him to an extension soon.

It also might prevent some headaches. Wharton is scheduled to make $385,000 in 2006 and $460,000 in 2007. Everything is relative, but for a starting left tackle, Wharton is grossly underpaid. He knows it and his agent knows it. This won’t become a Terrell Owens situation, but don’t be surprised if some noise is made about Wharton’s salary if talks about an extension don’t come.

Wharton had a decent (but, by no means, great) first year as a starting left tackle. Even though the Panthers don’t have a lot of salary cap room for 2006, giving Wharton a raise and extension could help a lot down the road. Right now, the Panthers could sign Wharton to a very reasonable extension. If he plays well in 2006, the price tag goes up dramatically and he gets a step closer to free agency.

Seems like a hell of a roll of the dice signing a guy who may or may not be a starting tackle much less be on the team

 

[Collin]

ok by me, as it's usually better to pay too soon than too late. That said, even if we give him more money now, he'll still want more later if he and his agent think they'd get a lot more on the open market.

 

[Thelt]

He is under contract through the 2007 season? That means he has two years left on his deal? I would not extend him yet. I would want to see if he should get LT money or guard money first. He may end up back inside before it is settled.

 

[hasbeen99]

He is under contract through the 2007 season? That means he has two years left on his deal? I would not extend him yet. I would want to see if he should get LT money or guard money first. He may end up back inside before it is settled.

I agree completely. Give him one more year and see how he does. Then decide whether to extend him, and for how much.

 

[Collin]

We're not really in a position to add to the salary cap anyway, so it won't happen, but I do think we could save some money by extending him another two years at a reasonable salary now with a decent signing bonus. A lot of non-first rounders will take less money in order to get some up front cash since they didn't make much on their rookie contracts. By the same token, those same guys are less likely to give their drafting teams any discount if they play out that contract.

 

[magnus]

The thing Paul said about "might not be on the team" is absolutely false.

Wharton might or might not be an above average LT in the future, but I do feel like he has good tackle skills, and would do well at RT or G if he washes out at LT or the team feels they must improve. He wasn't that bad a guard as a rookie, run blocks well, pass blocks well against any non-speed rusher. Why consider cutting him?

 

[Thelt]

I guess it is relative. If we can extend him for a reasonable price I might do it. He would not get anywhere near proven starter at LT money though.