Carolina Starts Cap Purge
The Carolina Panthers began cutting salaries on Monday by releasing LG Mike Wahle and oft-injured MLB Dan Morgan. Neither move came to a surprise as
Carolina is one of the few teams to be in less than stellar cap shape as we get
closer to the start of free agency on February 29.
C Justin Hartwig could move over to LG to replace Wahle next season which would
clear up a starting job for second-year C Ryan Kalil. Wahle turns 31 on March
but should still have two to three years left as a starter or as a key backup.
Morgan's release should be no surprise since the club selected MLB Jon Beason in
the first round in last year's draft. Morgan missed 28 out of 32 games in the
past two seasons due to concussion and Achilles injuries. When healthy, Morgan
is an outstanding run stopper. It's possible he finds a team that could sign him
to a very incentive laden deal based on playing time.
Beason began last season as the starter at WLB and moved to inside for Morgan
for the final 11 games. Beason had a very solid rookie campaign and many inside
the league believe already one of the rising defensive stars in the NFC.
Starting RB DeShaun Foster could be the next veteran to be released especially
since Carolina spent a first-round pick on RB DeAngelo Williams two years ago.
Foster has one year left on his contract at $4.75 million.
Miami Jettisons Veterans
The Miami Dolphins released nine players on Monday including several
veterans such as QB Trent Green, WR Marty Booker, OT L.J. Shelton, and DT Keith Traylor.
Green suffered through concussion problems for the second straight season in
2007 and at 37 years old (turns 38 in July), his starting days are likely over.
He should find some interest in free agency as a backup considering the dearth
of talent at the position.
Booker's release paves the way for young receivers Ted Ginn Jr. and Derek Hagan
to see serious playing time next season. Look for Booker to latch on with
another team who is looking for a No. 3 receiver.
Shelton, a former first-round pick of the Arizona Cardinals, has been been a
career underachiever. However, he'll get some looks during free agency because
of his ability to play both tackle spots.
Traylor, who turns 39 in September, may be at the end of the line of a 17-year
career.