SB Nation - C.J. Wilson

Panther Paw Prints - Peppers Signing Deadline Edition

Jaxon — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 14:15:17 -0000

This edition of Paw Prints focuses on today's signing deadline at 4pm for the Panthers and PB DE Julius Peppers to agree to a long term contract. If they fail to do that then we will most likely go through this entire franchising process yet again after the 2009 season. The consensus appears to be that it is not going to happen:

Inside the Panthers: No long-term deal likely for Peppers
The Panthers will have three primary options in January: Try again to sign Peppers to a long-term contract, put their franchise tag on him again at a one-year price of more than $20 million (there's a mandatory 20 percent increase over his '09 tender amount), or let him become an unrestricted free agent without receiving any compensation from another team.

So will the Panthers really pony up $20+M in 2010 for Peppers? I imagine his performance in '09 will be the deciding factor. Why is this important at this point? As pointed out in the Team Report I've linked up next, it has essentially prevented the Panthers from signing any FA's (as we have discussed many times), such as back-up offensive linemen.

Panthers Team Report - NFL - Yahoo! Sports
As it stands now the Panthers are less than $1 million under the salary cap meaning they haven’t had a chance to re-sign any players or add any free agents this offseason.

Now if you are looking for someone to blame in all this fiasco I've always felt Peppers agent Carl Carey should shoulder most of the blame. Darin Gannt gives us all the ammunition we need to point the finger squarely at him:

Darin Gantt's Panthers Blog | The Herald - Rock Hill, SC

But the timing makes this deal complicated. With an uncapped year looming and a stack of minutiae which makes doing deals difficult, it's not the time for inexperienced help. The Panthers have smart people working on it, but the reality is, Peppers' agent Carl Carey has never negotiated a contract on his own. He's smart, and obviously loyal, just green. Peppers trusts the guy, so who am I to question him, but there are a lot of people in the business (football, not media) who wonder if Carey's inexperience is the holdup here.

You have to be kidding me right? He's never done it on his own...I'm speechless on that nugget of info.

Things are looking up for LB Dan Conner and our special teams:

Connor's knee: 'Better and better' each day
"Once we started opening it up, it started coming back," Connor said. "It's more getting the strength back in my hamstrings. But the knee feels secure as it's ever been. "This is what kept me motivated through the season, having to watch and rehab. I didn't miss a day for probably six months straight. It's all for getting back on the field and feeling how you felt when you first got here. I've been looking forward to this. "It gets better and better each day."

CB CJ Wilson says new DC Ron Meeks reminds him an uncle:

Wilson leaps at opportunity
"(Meeks) is like that uncle that sits on the porch when you're out playing football in the front yard. He's going to tell you every little move," Wilson said. "I love it. It's good. We all love it."

At least he's not talking about the 'crazy' uncle we all have, right?

Former Panther Mike Minter continues to give back to the community. Here's my favorite Q&A from this post:

Mike Minter, former Carolina Panther, is a role model on and off the field

CC: You are an athlete, philanthropist, and businessman. People think they know you based upon what they read in the media. In your own words, describe Mike Minter—the man.

MM: Mike Minter is a motivated person who wants to bring out the best in people. People are my passion. I’m not perfect and I don’t have it all together. I sometimes make bad decisions, but, it is just part of the learning curve as I try to figure it out just like everybody else.

Projected Panthers 2009 Depth Chart: Cornerbacks

MichaelProcton — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 18:02:18 -0000

More photos » by MATT SLOCUM - AP

Rookie CB Sherrod Martin slaps the hand of a receiver aside as he breaks up a pass.

Browse more photos »

Since Richard Marshall was drafted in 2006, the Panthers have had the luxury of having "three starters" in their cornerback rotation, with Chris Gamble really stepping up his game and his consistency in the last year or so, and the steady (if sometimes burnable by good speed receivers) veteran Ken Lucas. After Lucas was cut this offseason in a salary-saving move that actually didn't save much money at all (another story for another day), however, a lot of young players are going to be thrust in the spotlight and we'll find out if they're ready for the big time. Below, we'll take a look at the players competing for spots on the roster and how the depth chart is shaping up for the 2009 season.

Base set (2 CBs)

CB1	CB2
Chris Gamble	Richard Marshall
C.J. Wilson	Sherrod Martin
Dante Wesley

Nickel Formation (3 CBs+Jon Beason/Thomas Davis)

CB1 (outside)	Nickel CB (covering slot )	CB2 (outside)
Chris Gamble	Richard Marshall	C.J. WIlson
Dante Wesley	Sherrod Martin	Dante Wesley

You may be surprised not to see recently-signed 7th-round draft pick Captain Munnerlyn on either of these depth charts, but last season, the Panthers carried just five corners, and only three of those played more than a handful of snaps on defense. The Panthers return four corners from their 53-man roster last year in starter Chris Gamble, nickel back Richard Marshall, and special teamers C.J. WIlson and Dante Wesley. However, the team will be replacing its only departed starter in Ken Lucas--who had started for four relatively successful (if somewhat inconsistent) seasons--was cut in a cost-cutting move that only saved about $2.4 million after a trade with the Lions fell through after Lucas refused to play in Detroit. Lucas was signed by the Seahawks--for whom he played his first four years in the league--and is currently listed as a starter opposite Marcus Trufant.

Now, a breakdown of every CB on the Panthers' current 80-man roster:

Chris Gamble (6th year, Ohio State) - 6'1", 200: Gamble has been a relatively successful draft pick of the Panthers after they traded up in the 2004 draft to get him, but last season, he really put it all together. Gamble was never a full-time cornerback in college (playing wideout as well), and, as such, his technique and consistency was a work in progress from the beginning. He had lots of interceptions early in his career (13 in his first two years), but that had a lot to do with the fact that he had good hands and opponents were willing to challenge him. This year, though, even though the picks didn't necessarily come in bunches, he truly began to show those "shutdown corner" abilities every team looks for in their #1 CB. As his teammate and fellow defensive starter Damione Lewis said:

"They stick him out on an island from time to time, and he's making plays out there. Every time they threw to him, the ball is on the ground, it's batted down or he's getting a pick or a big hit. He's (always) doing something where he's making a lot of noise over there."

To reward Gamble for his consistent improvement, the team signed him to a six-year, $53.5 million contract (of which $23 million is guaranteed) during Week 13. This contract places him among the top five CBs in the NFL in terms of salary, but the money wasn't the only reason Gamble wanted to stay a Panther:

"I didn't want to be with another team. I like the organization, the coaching staff, the fans (and) my teammates," Gamble said on the day the contract was announced. "I wanted to get it out of the way."

By the end of the season, Gamble had scored the defense's only TD on a fumble return against the Chargers, led the secondary in tackles with a career-high 101, and tied for the team lead in INTs with three. Hopefully he will not grow complacent with his new deal and will continue to provide performance commensurate with his salary. It will also be interesting to see how Gamble, who has always played as more of a finesse corner, responds to Ron Meeks' system and coaching style, which has always called for a more physical corner who can be a stout and consistent tackler against the run.

Richard Marshall (4th year, Fresno State) - 5'11", 189: Marshall was a second-round pick of the Panthers in 2006 at a time when it seemed that he was blocked by established starters in Gamble and Lucas, but the Panthers have used this to their advantage, believing they've had three starter-quality corners in the event of any injury or the abundance of three-plus wideout sets now popular across the league. As such, Marshall has started 14 games in his young career when stepping in for an injured Gamble or Lucas or when the team opened in a nickel set, although none of those starts came last year. However, he was the only player to reach double figures in tackles on both defense and special teams (a role he's thrived in since he arrived), leading the team with 20 stops on kick and punt coverage. He was somewhat inconsistent last year, particularly down the stretch as he was picked on by opposing quarterbacks. In my opinion, though, he did not receive some deserved blame from fans that was instead ticketed for Lucas. However, from having arrived to the team as something of an egotist, he showed his improving maturity in taking some of the responsibility after the huge performance by Antonio Bryant in the Week 14 MNF game against the Buccaneers. Speaking about one long TD after the game, he said,

"A lot of people think it was Luke's fault; in reality it was my fault. I was playing too close to the line (of scrimmage) and I hesitated and I didn't get back deep. That was my fault. I should never have been that far up.

"I watched film and they showed me where I did wrong and how close I was; I should have been back deeper and I've just got to learn from my mistakes and I'll be there next time."

He also summarized his season after the playoff game against Arizona:

"I feel like last season wasn’t one of my best seasons. I feel I could have played better, tackled better, on defense and special teams."

Still, Marshall will have his chance to show his continued improvement and willingness to learn as he is currently pegged to be an opening-day starter for the first time in his career. However, because of his (relative) lack of size, he's still ticketed to be the inside corner in nickel formations. Hopefully Marshall responds to the challenge of being a true starter for the first time, and perhaps he will be spurred on by the fact that he is an unrestricted free agent after this season. Whether it's for the Panthers or another team, Marshall is about to undergo a one-year audition for a starting role in the league.

C.J. Wilson (3rd year, Baylor University) - 6'1", 195: Wilson is a former seventh-round draft pick who played mostly CB in college but was initially slated to play safety in the NFL. However, that didn't hold, and with the addition of Chris Harris and Charles Godfrey to the safety position, Wilson made the move back to CB and didn't look back. He hasn't played much in his NFL career, logging just eight games total in two years, and just two of them last year on defense, but he did see lots of action in the preseason last year, starting one game against the Eagles on national TV as the nickel back. Wilson was regarded relatively well for a late-round pick coming out of college:

"Wilson is a guy who really stood out to us when we watched all the defensive backs. He’s a versatile player who lined up at both safety and corner in college. Wilson was a real playmaker at Baylor and showed good ball skills on tape."

--Patriots Weekly, Patriots.com

A productive defensive back with above-average ball skills, Wilson nicely projects as a dime back at the next level and will get looks late in the draft.

--Sports Illustrated

At this time, Wilson seems to have impressed the Panthers, as he's currently slated to be the team's first sub corner, ahead of second-round pick Sherrod Martin, according to a blog entry by Darin Gantt of the Rock Hill Herald.

Small note, but an interesting one as they worked on two-minute offense against nickel defense Thursday. Even though he's a starter this year, CB Richard Marshall will maintain his inside responsibilities when they go to three corners. C.J. Wilson will cover an outside receiver when they go to an extra DB. Sherrod Martin's also getting a look at the nickel spot, as the converted safety is working to learn a new position.

Since that statement seemed very firm to me and I was surprised that a second-round pick would be getting reps only as a backup nickel to a starter who he almost certainly won't pass, I asked whether Gantt thought that personnel grouping was pretty final. His response:

I think the nickel look (Marshall inside, with Gamble and Wilson outside) is probably solid, unless someone gets hurt or Munnerlyn freaks out and replaces Wilson. Wesley's a special teamer.

Surprising to see Martin not mentioned at all, but he is learning a new position, and only the season will tell, if Wilson can hold off his challengers as the top sub corner. Chance of making team: 90% (WIlson hasn't shown a great affinity for ST play, so if he shows poorly through camp and falls down the depth chart, he could be cut in favor of Wesley or Munnerlyn, both of whom offer more versatility as special-teamers if not playing much at CB.)

Sherrod Martin (rookie, Troy) - 6'1", 198: Martin was a second-round pick this year of the Panthers--their third overall--and he hopes to be another of many players who has been able to make an impact out of Troy University in the Sun Belt Conference. There are 13 alumni of the school in the NFL, including defensive standouts DeMarcus Ware, Osi Umenyiora, and Leodis McKelvin. Like several other prospects in the last few years, the Panthers did not Shy away from using an early pick on a player they felt would need to make a position change to be most successful in the NFL. Though Martin spent much of his college career at safety (both free and strong), he's being ticketed for cornerback with the Panthers. There were those who thought he was better off staying at safety, but the Panthers were looking for a big, physical corner to replace the departed Ken Lucas. Martin was a productive college player, setting an NCAA record for interceptions in a quarter with three in the second quarter last season against Alcorn State. Martin was as surprised as anyone, as he had not had a single interception in nearly three years:

"I'm speechless. The team did a lot of good things tonight. The defensive line and linebackers hustled and executed. I had the easy job, all I had to do was catch the football."

Martin was also a willing and frequent tackler, setting a school record among DBs (and ranking 10th overall) in Troy history with 191 solo tackles. His 292 total tackles rank 2nd and 14th respectively on those two lists. In his junior season, Martin also set a school record and led his conference with six forced fumbles, a great number for a DB.

Martin is a prospect who is relatively old for a rookie (25), a result of having greyshirted at the beginning of his college career and was granted a medical hardship for the '06-'07 year (what would have been his junior season) following dual shoulder surgeries to repair his AC joints, which are the pivot point which enables the arm to be brought above the head. Impressively, though, Martin had played through these shoulder injuries during his sophomore year. Martin also missed time in his redshirt junior season with a broken hand which required surgery and caused him to sit out a pair of games.

Finally healthy last year, Martin came out strong, establishing a new career high in tackles (94) and making the All-Sun Belt first team. After the season, he was invited to the Senior Bowl, where he made three tackles and broke up a pass for the winning South team. Martin also had an impressive showing at the combine, running a faster-than-expected 4.52 in the fourty (a mark he bettered with a 4.46 at his Pro Day) that showed off speed that would translate to the corner position. In addition, he showed very well in the agility drills, posting the second-best short shuttle time of all players at the combine and tying for third among all players in the three-cone drill.

As a player, Martin is considered aggressive and physical, with strong tackling ability as well. He is also unafraid to deliver the big hit, and his speed and agility project well at any position in the secondary. However, there were those who question his instincts and ability to make the proper reads while up at the line as a cornerback rather than back off the line as a safety. There is also some concern that Martin is a "workout warrior" whose tested physical abilities do not always translate to the field. Finally, though he got through his senior year healthy and has shown the toughness to play through pain in the past, his injuries cannot be ignored.

Martin was drafted by the Panthers as a player whose physical abilities were a bit ahead of his football skills, particularly at the cornerback position, where he played little in college. Because of this, it will be important to be patient with him, as his current dime back spot on the depth chart would be a disappointment for many given his draft position in the second round, particularly with a CB picked two spots later (Sean Smith) running as a starter for the Dolphins. However, Martin's skillset fits well into what Ron Meeks asks of his cornerbacks and he should project as no less than a nickel back with the potential to play safety if needed who can be a standout as a special teams gunner (a role he played and succeeded in at Troy), an important ability given the need to replace Richard Marshall's reps at the position, which will fall off now that he is a starter. Chance of making team: 100% (even if Martin does not win any more than the dime back job out of training camp, he'll be put on special teams and given a chance to develop; a 2nd-round pick won't be cut.)

Dante Wesley (8th year, Arkansas-Pine Bluff) - 6'1", 210: Though Wesley has never been a starting-caliber player (his two career starts came in his first two years for some pretty weak Panthers secondaries), he's found his niche in the league, never playing in fewer than 13 games through a seven-year career outside of 2006, when a broken collarbone limited him to three games. Wesley ranked not only ranked third last year in special teams tackles with 11, but he was the only Panthers special-team player to both force and recover a fumble. His TD return in Week 17 against the Saints was not only the only special teams TD for Carolina on the season, it helped provide the winning margin in a very tight game. Though Wesley mostly plays on special teams, he also has the size and ability to play safety in addition to his listed cornerback position, which may allow him to keep a roster spot even if Munnerlyn impresses. Chance of making team: 70%

Captain Munnerlyn (rookie, South Carolina) - 5'8", 186: Munnerlyn was a surprising early-entrant after his junior year who was disappointed to fall all the way to the 7th round after being told by the NFL advisory committee that he'd likely be picked in the first three rounds of this year's draft. The most notable thing about him is probably his lack of size: at 5'8", he will likely struggle against NFL-size wideouts, and while his speed is good, it didn't time at the elite level at the combine, where he ran a 4.51, despite having reportedly run as fast as 4.35 last summer. He did improve his time to a 4.41 at his Pro Day, but many scouts had already written him off after his poor combine showing. Many were surprised that Munnerlyn ended up declaring for the draft because, after a good sophomore year (in which he made first team All-SEC), he struggled at times last year, both on and off the field. Though he played a lot of zone throughout his college career, the signs he had shown of man-to-man shutdown ability seemed to fade some last year, registering no interceptions last year after racking up five in the previous two. In addition, Munnerlyn was benched by Steve Spurrier on two occasions last year, once against Mississippi for missing a team meeting and for the second half against Clemson along with fellow secondary member Emmanuel Cook. Spurrier had the following to say after the game:

"A few guys aren't playing quite like they did early in the year. I think that was obvious. It's disappointing. Football season's a long time. Teams either get better or worse. I thought we were getting better after the Arkansas game, and then it seems like we've taken a down turn since then."

Still, there are plenty of things to like about Munnerlyn and his game. In spite of his short frame, he's got solid strength and he plays tough, allowing him to be a pretty consistent tackler. His closing speed and change-of-direction ability help him overcome his lack of size. In addition, he has solid return ability on both kicks and punts. He had a game last season in which he returned both a blocked field goal for an 81-yard touchdown and a kick for an 84-yard touchdown (the longest kick return for South Carolina in more than ten years.) Consistency and awareness are two things Munnerlyn needs to work on, as he was beaten by receivers with precise route-running and NFL-style double moves. He also missed time in each of his three seasons with injuries, including an arm infection, a broken foot, and flu-like symptoms.

Munnerlyn is an interesting prospect who likely could have improved his draft stock by returning for his senior year, but a seemingly contentious relationship between himself and Steve Spurrier helped encourage him to begin his pro career early. Though I don't see Munnerlyn making the roster unless he can win the return job, he looks like a good practice squad candidate who could be a sold contributor in a year or two. Chance of making roster: 20%

D.J. Clark (rookie, Idaho St.) - 6'0", 200: Clark is a player with mid-round productivity, but late-round/UFA measurables. A college safety and a member of last season's pre-season All Big Sky team and the second team in the conference after the season, he is not particularly big or fast (4.63 speed), but has good hands (leading his team in interceptions for all of his four years in college) and plays with high intensity. His strength is consisdered to be in man-to-man coverage rather than zone, but he is a willing tackler with solid technique in coverage. I've also read that he can return kicks, but I can't confirm that anywhere. Idaho State apparently doesn't do a great job of archiving their stats. Chance of making team: 1% (and that's assuming he can compete to return.)

Poll

Will Sherrod Martin be able to adjust to his new position and overtake C.J. Wilson as the third corner for the Panthers?

Yes

169 votes

No

54 votes

It won't be either one of those two (explain below)

9 votes

232 votes | Poll has closed

Panther Paw Prints - June OTA's Edition

Jaxon — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 12:34:50 -0000

More photos » by RICK HAVNER - AP

Browse more photos »

With the June OTA's wrapped up here are some recent articles of interest. MP already pointed out this first one but I think its worth mentioning again.

Darin Gantt's Panthers Blog - OTA Day 7 | The Herald - Rock Hill, SC
Small note, but an interesting one as they worked on two-minute offense against nickel defense Thursday. Even though he's a starter this year, CB Richard Marshall will maintain his inside responsibilities when they go to three corners. C.J. Wilson will cover an outside receiver when they go to an extra DB. Second-round pick CB Sherrod Martin's also getting a look at the nickel spot, as the converted safety is working to learn a new position.

Hopefully this is more a vote of confidence in CJ Wilson more than anything else. It the Panthers could find even a starting nickel back or even outside corner in the 7th round would be quite a find.

The Associated Press: Panthers' Beavers hopes to make small-college jump
"I think I can get faster," Beavers said. "Hopefully I'll get a chance to prove myself."

If this guy goes any faster he'll have to get a license plate. I'm sure he will get the chance he is looking for but even if he shines he is still longer odds than the horse that just finished last at the Belmont last weekend.

Godfrey seeks breakthrough second season | The Herald - Rock Hill, SC
"Now is kind of the time, I'm looking at it as ‘No excuses,'" Godfrey said. "You're not a rookie anymore, you've played a year, there's no excuses, you go out and play and make plays, and that's the bottom line."

This article points out one of my questions about Godfrey from his rookie season, where was the 'ball-hawk'? A single INT and a handful of PD's was not too impressive over 16 games. Godfrey does seem to have the skills to get a lot better so combined with Meeks influence hopefully we'll see some FS play we haven't seen in years.

Panthers' run game gets a key cog back - RG Keydrick Vincent | CharlotteObserver.com
"What they do on offense is what I'm built for," he said. "I'm a run blocker. I can pass block a little bit, but we're going to out-physical you. That's what I'm made for. That's what I do. I'm not a finesse guy."

"I'm not a finesse guy", I LOVE it. Vincent had to be a 'non-fit' in Arizona's passing offense but he was a great fit here. I think those predictions that rookie Duke Robinson might unseat Vincent are baseless. He's healthy again and given how well he and Otah dominated on the right side I think the motto "If it ain't broke don't fix it" fits here well.

Panthers rookie QB hopes to shake last year's struggles | cantwell, think, quarterback - Sports - The Star Online : The Newspaper of Cleveland County
(Concerning Hunter Cantwell) "I think he's shown some maturity and shown he can deal with the veteran pressure," Muhammad said. "He looks comfortable. I think he's out here throwing the ball well. I think every rookie is going to make some mistakes and that is a given, that's expected. But what you want is a guy who can eliminate some of those mistakes and learn from the coaches and not make the same mistakes over and over again. I think he's a guy who can probably do that."

He'd have to set the world on fire to make the team buthe could hold up for a season on the practice squad. He's the kind of guy if things go well might get a shot down the road when Jake retires.

Otah says Panthers rookie DE Brown has 'unexpected strength' | brown, otah, right - Sports - The Star Online : The Newspaper of Cleveland County
"Playing against a guy like Jeff is going to put me ahead of the learning curve," Brown said. "He's not only big, but he's good at what he does. He's been in the league. It's really making me work on my technique because some of the things I did in college don't necessarily work. He's making me work and sharpen my tools."

For a guy like Otah to say Brown is strong is a pleasant surprise though he may be referring 'leverage' strong and not necessarily 'bench press' strong. Hey, thats how the smaller DE's survive in this league, by using leverage versus pure braun. Add in some strength and you have the next coming of Dwight Freeney (I know, the analogy is over-used). If Brown can play the run too then pencil him in on the left side for years to come.

Panther Paw Prints: Pre-Draft Edition

Jaxon — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 15:03:22 -0000

It was my birthday yesterday so I took the weekend off from blogging, not really by design but just took the opportunity to relax a little. As such I'm late getting up my weekly links post but here we go regardless.

The key statement in this post form David Scott is the estimate that barring any trades the Panthers won't make their first pick in the draft until around 10pm. I don't understand nor do I like the fact they pushed the start time back to 4pm.

Here's a Team Draft capsule that is pretty spot on for the Panthers in my view. You'll have to scroll to the very bottom to get to the Panthers.

Darin Gantt updated his mock draft based on Marty Hurney's recent press conference. I liked his first one better as I would rather go defense early and offense late.

Here's another post focusing on the Panthers potentially drafting DE Paul Kruger. I would not be unhappy with this pick but as I've pointed out in previous posts I have other preferences if they are available.

This post examines whether the Panthers schedule will be as tough as we are expecting. It also includes a good re-look at the Jeff Otah trade. I still think it was a good trade regardless of what Philly did with the #1 pick they got from us.

Pro Football Weekly postulates that CJ Wilson is the leading candidate to play nickel corner for the Panthers but is not confident he is up to the task.

Two SBN bloggers have been given credentials to attend the draft, our Broncos and Eagles bloggers. This is big news as we all struggle for credibility with the MSM and the NFL.

Here's another Bleacher Report post on DE Julius Peppers that only recaps what we already know. As such I'm only linking it in the name of being thorough but honestly I'm finding the BR lacking in substance in most the stuff they put up.

How the Panthers 2010 Free Agents will be affected without the CBA

LittleKing — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 15:09:14 -0000

I previously posted a general look at how the Panthers organization would fair beyond the 2010 season without a salary cap. In continuing to think about his topic I realized that we have a slew of players in their last contract year. Trying to negotiate a new contract with no cap next year and uncertain future will be extremely complicated.

With the new provision of having to acquire six accrued seasons of NFL experience to become a UFA instead of the current four I was wondering how many would fall into this category.

Here's a list of all the players in their last contract year for the 2009 season.

Player (Pos)	Years Pro After 2009 Season
Under six accrued seasons
Nick Hayden (DT)	2
Kevin McMahan (WR)	2
Lorenzo Williams (DT)	2
Kenneth Moore (WR)	3
Nate Salley (S)	3
James Anderson (LB)	4
Jason Carter (WR)	4
Rhys Lloyd (K)	4
Matt Moore (QB)	4
Quinton Teal (S)	4
C.J. Wilson (CB)	4
Jeff King (TE)	5
Richard Marshall (CB)	5
Six and over accrued season
Thomas Davis (LB)	6
Tyler Brayton (DE)	8
Josh McCown (QB)	9
Julius Peppers (DE)	9
Keydrick Vencent (G)	10
Jake Delhomme (QB)	12
Muhsin Muhammad (WR)	15

Here is how the numbers breakdown: 20 total players subject to become FA, 13 that will be under the six year rule and 7 players over. Of the first 13, those with 2 & 3 years are unaffected by the new rule (since they would still be RFA under the current rules), its those with 4 & 5 accrued season it will affect.

The two biggest names of out this group are TE Jeff King and CB Richard Marshall. King was tendered this year and this means, if he doesn't sign a new contract this year, we can use the tender on him again next year. Marshall is in the last year of his contract. If he makes good use of this year and proves he is starter quality, we can use the a tender on him as well if he doesn't want to sign long term.

It will be interesting to see how we handle the rest in this group. CB C.J. Wilson has been a project Fox may like to continue to see develop. With the safety positions locked in with Chris Harris and Charles Godfrey, S Quinton Teal definitely would continue as a backup. Since he wasn't drafted he would get a low tender.

QB Matt Moore and K Rhys Lloyd would be a difficult decision. Moore is in a tough spot, fans want him to play, but bringing in McCown last year didn't show a lot of confidence. Although since Fox likes to have a veteran backup, maybe you can't read a lot into it. But if they think Moore is the future it sure is hard to tell. Fox and his QB will always be a mystory. Lloyd was definately a benefit last year but every year we have to ask, is the roster spot worth it? Most will probably say yes.

WR Jason Carter wasn't drafted but if he continues this year the way his 2008 preseaseon was going be in for a tender next year if not a full long term contract. His recently signed contract was probably a one year deal. And that leave LB James Anderson. He was given a tender this year and because he knows the system could be give a tender next year.