Carolina Panthers Trade Rumors

Wilson and Anderson draw attention as backup for Cam
January 27
Charlotte Observer
 
"The Panthers met with former N.C. State and Wisconsin quarterback Russell Wilson this week and are exploring the possibility of adding a backup quarterback who would be a good fit in Rob Chudzinski's offense. Cam Newton broke several records and earned a Pro Bowl berth as an alternate after taking nearly every snap as a rookie. Derek Anderson, Newton's backup in 2011, is an unrestricted free agent; Jimmy Clausen was inactive for every game last season after going 1-9 as a starter in 2010. Anderson, who said he'd like to return to Carolina, has proven he can handle the passing portion of the scheme. He earned a Pro Bowl berth in 2007 with Cleveland when Chudzinski was the Browns' offensive"
Panthers not locked on defensive player with 1st pick
January 21
Charlotte Observer
 
"Panthers coach Ron Rivera will take his entire staff to Mobile, Ala., next week to scout the Senior Bowl practices. And contrary to popular belief, the Panthers will not be limiting their focus to the defensive fields while evaluating possible prospects for their first-round pick. The Panthers, who will pick 8th or 9th based on the outcome of a coin flip with Miami, have needs on both sides of the ball, according to general manager Marty Hurney. "I don't think you lock yourself in to offense or defense as far as that first pick goes, and really any pick," Hurney said this week. "You have to go by your board. And we've done that and I think we've done well by doing that." The Panthers' most"
Rob Chudzinski now on Tampa Bay radar
January 14
Charlotte Observer
 
"As soon as one door closes on Panthers offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski this offseason, another opens. That was the case again Friday, when Chudzinski lost out on the St. Louis Rams' head-coaching vacancy but was asked to interview for the opening in Tampa Bay, according to an NFL source. Chudzinski has interviewed the past two weeks with Jacksonville and St. Louis, which hired Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey and former Tennessee Titans coach Jeff Fisher, respectively. Fisher's decision period prompted the Rams to interview Chudzinski and Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Dennis Allen as fallback candidates. Tampa Bay is looking for a replacement for Raheem"
Buccaneers receive permission to interview Mike Zimmer, Rob Chudzinski
January 14
St. Petersburg Times
 
"Perhaps Bucs fans haven't seen the last of their team's plan to hire a first-time head coach. Having spent the early phase of their search primarily meeting candidates with previous NFL head coaching experience, the Bucs on Friday received permission to interview Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer and Panthers offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski. The Bucs did not announce when the interviews will happen. Zimmer, 55, interviewed for the Dolphins' coaching position earlier this week while Chudzinski, 43, interviewed with the Rams and Jaguars before those jobs went to Jeff Fisher and Mike Mularkey, respectively. Since firing Raheem Morris on Jan. 2, the Bucs had focused on Mike"
Source: Jaguars interested in hiring Panthers' offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski
January 2
Charlotte Observer
 
"The Jacksonville Jaguars have contacted the Panthers about interviewing offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski for the Jaguars' head coaching vacancy, according to an NFL source. Panthers first-year coach Ron Rivera confirmed a team had contacted the Panthers about Chudzinski, but would not identify the team until Panthers owner Jerry Richardson had been notified. Rivera also indicated the Panthers would be proactive in trying to keep Chudzinski. Chudzinski, 43, led the Panthers to the most prolific offensive season in their 17-year history. With rookie quarterback Cam Newton directing Chudzinski's diverse attack that featured option runs and downfield passes, the Panthers finished with a"
Panthers' Rookies Fua, McClain done for season
December 7
Charlotte Observer
 
"The Panthers took a two-fisted hit along their defensive line Tuesday when rookie defensive tackles Sione Fua and Terrell McClain were placed on injured reserve. The loss of the two starters for the remainder of the season forced the Panthers to shuffle their personnel again. It likely means second-year tackle Andre Neblett and rookie Frank Kearse will fill their roles. The Panthers also signed free-agent defensive tackle Ogemdi Nwagbuo and Jason Shirley from the practice squad. Nwagbuo played three seasons under Ron Rivera with the San Diego Chargers, and Shirley spent one week with Seattle this season after being released by Cincinnati during training camp."
Rivera assesses Panthers rookies
November 29
Charlotte Observer
 
"At various times this season, Panthers coach Ron Rivera has seen first-year players struggling with the so-called rookie wall. He's seen it particularly in rookie defensive tackles Sione Fua and Terrell McClain. One player who hasn't hit the wall is quarterback Cam Newton, who needs 647 passing yards over the final five games to break Peyton Manning's rookie passing yardage record of 3,739. Newton's 3,093 yards are currently fourth-best for a rookie quarterback, behind Manning, Sam Bradford (3,512) and Matt Ryan (3,440)."
Panthers' Munnerlyn fined for cleats that are too blue
November 24
Charlotte Observer
 
"Panthers cornerback Captain Munnerlyn said he was fined $5,000 by the league for wearing cleats that featured too much blue in them last week at Detroit. Munnerlyn said he's worn the same cleats for 10 weeks, and was told by a league official before the game that the shoes complied with the NFL's uniform policy. Munnerlyn plans to appeal. Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart was fined for the same offense earlier this season, but said the fine was reduced on appeal. Chicago receiver Earl Bennett ran up $15,000 in fines after wearing orange cleats for two weeks. Bennett played in regular cleats last week against San Diego after the league informed him he wouldn't be allowed on the field"
Cam Newton feels safer running than in the pocket
November 24
Charlotte Observer
 
"Panthers coach Ron Rivera said a couple of weeks ago that he wanted to reduce Cam Newton's carries. Good luck with that. With Newton's running ability giving the Panthers' offense an added dimension, particularly in the red zone, the rookie quarterback continues to get between seven to 10 carries a game. And that's fine with Newton. "Honestly, I take more hits in the pocket than I do outside the pocket. In the pocket, I don't see who's coming. That can be more dangerous than when you're running you've got your eyes on a swivel, aware of your surroundings," Newton said today."
Shockey won't play against the Lions
November 20
Charlotte Observer
 
"The Panthers will be missing one of their top receivers today at Detroit after tight end Jeremy Shockey stayed in Charlotte with sore ribs, according to a team spokesman. Shockey, the Panthers' fifth-leading receiver with 24 catches for 311 yards and a touchdown, did not practice all week after taking a shot while blocking on the Panthers' first offensive play in last week's 30-3 loss to Tennessee. Ben Hartsock, primarily a blocking tight end, will back up Greg Olsen against the Lions."
Newton not changing behavior
November 17
Charlotte Observer
 
"Cam Newton is not a paid endorser for Gatorade. Maybe he should be. After a bad series - and there were a lot of them in Sunday's 30-3 loss to Tennessee - the Panthers' rookie quarterback retreated to the bench and put a white Gatorade towel over his head. Newton's reaction to poor plays and losses has struck a nerve among some fans, who have been critical of Newton's body language on the sideline. But Newton, who lost only one game his final two college seasons, made no apologies Wednesday for how he handles losing. "This is something that I'm not used to and it's something that I'm not going to get used to," Newton said. "So you look at it as poor leadership. You look at it as sore"
Carolina waives Jermale Hines
November 16
Charlotte Observer
 
"The Carolina Panthers waived safety Jermale Hines on Tuesday after the rookie from Ohio State failed to make many special teams contributions. Hines was claimed off waivers Oct. 4 after the Panthers released safety Sean Considine in another move designed to boost the struggling special teams. But Hines had just two special teams tackles in five games with the Panthers, who rank at or near the bottom of several special teams categories. Hines, 24, a fifth-round pick by St. Louis, was not in the Panthers' secondary rotation. The Panthers did not announce a corresponding roster move."
Panthers release Lawrence Wilson after marijuana charge
November 9
Charlotte Observer
 
"The Panthers released rookie linebacker Lawrence Wilson on Tuesday, six days after the practice-squad player was charged with speeding and possession of marijuana. It was one of several personnel moves made by the Panthers, who return to action against Tennessee on Sunday following last week's bye week. Wilson was stopped on I-85 near Salisbury for driving 76 mph in a 65-mph zone last Wednesday, just hours after Panthers coach Ron Rivera advised his players to avoid trouble during a four-day break."
Shockey wanting contract extension
November 8
Charlotte Observer
 
"Jeremy Shockey has enjoyed being a part of the Panthers' rebuilding process. And the veteran tight end wants to stay here to see it through. Shockey, who signed a one-year deal worth $4 million last offseason, said Monday he hopes to negotiate a contract extension with the Panthers. "You see people grow and you know it's going to be a special team. You want to be a part of that," Shockey said. "You were here when new coaches came and developed. You don't want to be somewhere else because you put so much hard work in and you've seen people grow. And the only thing it's going to do is get better and better.""
Infant's health scare weighs on Butler
November 3
Charlotte Observer
 
"Panthers cornerback Darius Butler stood in front of his locker still wearing a pink hospital bracelet - a reminder of what he called the scariest few days of his life. Butler was back in Charlotte on Wednesday after spending a week in south Florida worrying, praying and getting little sleep after his 3-month-old daughter, Milan, had open heart surgery on Oct. 27. What started as a routine well-visit to the pediatrician ended up with Milan in the operating room for emergency surgery after her doctor discovered a complication involving her veins."
Panthers' Otah to miss rest of season for the 3rd time in 4 years
October 20
Charlotte Observer
 
"Jeff Otah is injured. That's not news. Jeff Otah is healthy constitutes news. The Carolina Panthers put Otah on injured reserve Wednesday, meaning he will miss the rest of the season. By January, he will have missed 35 games and played in 29. If IR were a place, Otah would own a home there. This is his third trip in four seasons. Otah, 25, had what was thought to be minor knee surgery before the 2010 season. He was day-to-day. Every week the Panthers expected him to return. He missed the season."
Panthers QB Newton should play vs. Jags despite ankle injury
September 19
NFL.com
 
"Carolina Panthers rookie quarterback Cam Newton is wearing a walking boot on his injured right ankle, but the move is only precautionary, a source with knowledge of the situation said Monday. Newton doesn't have a serious injury and expects to take regular work in practice and play this weekend against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He injured his right ankle Sunday during the Panthers' 30-23 loss to the Green Bay Packers."
It's good to be No. 1, Gamble says positively
September 15
Charlotte Observer
 
"Chris Gamble was asked a couple of times Wednesday who he thought the Packers' No. 1 receiver is. The fact that Gamble is the Panthers' unquestioned No. 1 cornerback shows how far the eight-year veteran has come in his short time with the new coaching staff. Buried on the bench in the final days of John Fox, Gamble has been given a clean slate by Ron Rivera, who told him in their first meeting that he would be matched up with the opponent's top wideout each week. "We wanted him to know we had all the confidence in him," Rivera said. "Based on the tape we'd seen, we were looking to establish him as a No. 1 corner. And he's responded very well.""
Otah evaluated for concussion
September 15
Charlotte Observer
 
"After missing all of last season with a knee injury, Panthers right tackle Jeff Otah returned to the field last Sunday in Arizona only to suffer a concussion that sidelined him from practice Wednesday. Head coach Ron Rivera said Otah is going through the NFL-mandated concussion protocol and it's unclear when he will be able to return. If Otah isn't able to play against Green Bay Sunday, Rivera said rookie Byron Bell would start with Lee Ziemba, another rookie, as his backup. The injury happened on a third-quarter interception when Otah was hit in the open field. Otah played the remainder of the game and Rivera said team officials weren't aware of the condition until Monday."
Beason could be out for season
September 12
Gaston Gazette
 
"The Carolina Panthers fear that three-time Pro Bowl linebacker Jon Beason has torn his left Achilles tendon and is out for the year, two sources confirmed. The Panthers didn't want to make any announcement until they have a chance to see an MRI and confirm the injury. After the game, coach Ron Rivera wouldn't talk about the specific nature of the injury, but several players talked about the significance of the injury. The injury happened while Beason was covering former Panthers tight end Jeff King, who scored on a 48-yard touchdown after Beason fell down. Beason was carted to the locker room and the Cardinals went on to win the game 28-21 at University of Phoenix Stadium."
Beason's ankle injury 'looks dire,' Rivera says
September 12
Charlotte Observer
 
"Middle linebacker Jon Beason suffered an ankle injury in the third quarter Sunday that could keep him out of the lineup for an extended period of time. Coach Ron Rivera declined to specify the nature of Beason's ankle injury but said "it looks dire." Beason was chasing Arizona tight end Jeff King in the open field when Beason went to the ground, clutching his left leg. He had missed the bulk of training camp dealing with tendinitis in his left Achilles and recently had a minor medical procedure performed to alleviate the discomfort. It was unclear if Beason's injury Sunday might be related to his previous injury."
Panthers lock up safety Godfrey with 5-year deal
September 10
Charlotte Observer
 
"The Panthers continued their push to lock up their core players Friday by signing safety Charles Godfrey to a five-year contract extension. The deal runs through 2016 and is worth $27.5 million overall, with $12.4 million guaranteed, according to Doug Hendrickson, Godfrey's agent."
Rivera: Beason, Otah should start
September 10
Charlotte Observer
 
"The Panthers practiced without two of their starters Friday, although first-year coach Ron Rivera expects both right tackle Jeff Otah and middle linebacker Jon Beason to play Sunday at Arizona. Both are listed as questionable. Rivera said he was being cautious with Otah, who missed the 2010 season following arthroscopic knee surgery. "Just want to be careful with Jeff," Rivera said. "He's practiced really hard. This is the most extended period of time he's practiced without having a day off." Asked if Otah would play against the Cardinals, Rivera said: "Without a doubt." Rivera was not quite as confident about Beason, who had surgery Aug. 22 on a bone bruise on his left heel."
Panthers plan to rotate 3 defensive tackles
September 9
Charlotte Observer
 
"Cam Newton isn't the only rookie who will draw close attention in the Panthers' season opener Sunday at Arizona. Defensive tackles Terrell McClain and Sione Fua will share interior duties with Andre Neblett at a position that has been a point of concern through the preseason. The Panthers brought in Marcus Harrison earlier in the week to help at the position but he failed his physical, leaving the team with two rookies among its three defensive tackles. "We kind of got thrown into the fire," Fua said. "We've made a lot of strides in a lot of different areas. I feel like the last two games we've gotten better push up front and we've just got to keep making strides.""
Panthers' offensive line takes another hit
September 2
Charlotte Observer
 
"The Carolina Panthers' offensive line depth took another hit Thursday when versatile reserve Garry Williams injured his left leg during the first quarter of a 33-17 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers at Bank of America Stadium. Williams, who was starting at right guard for injured Mackenzy Bernadeau, was carted off the field with a balloon cast on his lower leg. The Panthers didn't announce the nature of the injury, but the team's radio network reported Williams had broken the leg. The Panthers already have lost tackle Geoff Schwartz for the season with a hip injury. Bernadeau missed Thursday's game with turf toe. Williams, in his third year out of Kentucky, started 11 games for the Panthers"
Newton Wins Starting Job, but Who Is the No. 2 Quarterback?
September 2
Bleacher Report
 
"If it wasn't already a forgone conclusion before tonight's game even began, there was no question as to who would start the season at quarterback for Carolina after the opening drive. After leading the team down the field, Cam Newton threw his first (and only) preseason touchdown to Greg Olsen. After throwing the touchdown, he spent the rest of the game on the sidelines to think about the season opener against Arizona. It's no secret that Rivera and the coaching staff have been grooming Newton for the starting role and hoping that he would decisively win it tonight. I mean he was the No. 1 pick for a reason, right? He didn't set the world on fire in any of the exhibitions, but he did just"
Alex Brown talks to Bears, 2 others
August 31
ESPN.com
 
"Defensive end Alex Brown said Wednesday that he's heard from three teams since being released from the New Orleans Saints on Tuesday, and he said one of those teams is the team that drafted him, the Chicago Bears. But a Bears source said it's unlikely Brown will rejoin the team with which he spent his first eight seasons. "I talked with my agent, and three teams have made contact," Brown said on "The Waddle & Silvy Show" on ESPN 1000. "We're just trying to figure out what's best for my family and what's a really good situation for me to go in. "I would love to go play in a 4-3, so there are a lot of teams out there that still run a 4-3 that could use a defensive end that still has a little"
Panthers coach Rivera still debating Newton's playing time
August 30
Charlotte Observer
 
"Coach Ron Rivera said he hasn't decided how much rookie quarterback Cam Newton will play Thursday night when the Panthers play their final exhibition against Pittsburgh at Bank of America Stadium. Newton is scheduled to start his third consecutive game, and is the likely No. 1 quarterback when the regular season begins. Typically starters don't play extended minutes in the preseason finale, but given Newton's limited practice time because of the lockout, it could give him a few extra plays. "We're going to discuss that after (Tuesday's) practice," Rivera said. "We got the extra day of practice this week, so I'd really like to see how we come through ... practice. We'll have some first"
Panthers' Defense still needs work
August 26
Charlotte Observer
 columnist Scott Fowler
"The Carolina Panthers' most obvious deficiency right now? Their run defense. A week after making Reggie Bush look like he was back in college and allowing Miami 301 total yards in the first half, the Panthers allowed 269 first-half yards Thursday to a Cincinnati Bengals team that isn't supposed to be very good at all. Both Cedric Benson and Bernard Scott rushed for over 60 yards and a touchdown apiece in a first half that ended with the Bengals ahead, 24-7. And with the run working so well for the Bengals, they could throw the ball with some ease, too. Rookie quarterback Andy Dalton outplayed Panther rookie quarterback Cam Newton while Dalton was in the game - he fired a 40-yard touchdown"
Panthers' secondary receivers relish Smith's return
August 24
Charlotte Observer
 
"The Panthers are confident that getting their No. 1 receiver back will make things easier for the wideouts vying for the No. 2 spot. Steve Smith sat out the Panthers' first two preseason games recovering from a laceration on his left hand. In his absence, the two players competing for the second spot - Brandon LaFell and Legedu Naanee - have combined for two catches for 35 yards. But Smith is scheduled to play Thursday at Cincinnati, where the Panthers hope to bounce back from a dismal offensive performance in last week's 20-10 loss at Miami. "It's really going to open things up," LaFell said of Smith's return to the lineup. "He's been doing this for a long time, and he's still got the"
Newton will start second week in a row
August 22
Charlotte Observer
 
"Cam Newton will get another start, but Panthers coach Ron Rivera was not yet ready to name the No. 1 pick his Week 1 starter. Despite struggling last week at Miami, Newton will start and play about three quarters Thursday at Cincinnati. Rivera plans to treat this week as a mock game week, and wants to see how Newton handles it. "We've only gone through 31/2, 4 weeks of training camp," Rivera said today. "So to rush into a decision would be kind of absurd." Coaches also want to see Newton improve his mechanics. The 6-5 right-hander completed 7 of 14 passes for 66 yards in the first half at Miami, but completed only one throw to a wideout and consistently misfired on longer passes."
Ryan Kalil tied up, Panthers free up space
August 19
ESPN.com
 
"On the same night they're deciding who will be their starting quarterback (Cam Newton or Jimmy Clausen) on opening day, the Carolina Panthers just made another huge move. Center Ryan Kalil, who had been tagged as the team's franchise player and signed a tender for $10.116 million, has just agreed to a long-term contract that will make him the highest-paid center in history, according to ESPN's Chris Mortensen. The deal is for six years and, although we don't have full details yet, we know it averages more than the $7.75 million per year that Nick Mangold got last year when he became the highest-paid center in NFL history."
Stewart, Goodson could miss action at Miami
August 19
Charlotte Observer
 
"The Panthers could be without two of their top tailbacks today in their second exhibition game at Miami. Jonathan Stewart and Mike Goodson missed Thursday's walkthrough with Achilles injuries they sustained this week in Spartanburg. Panthers coach Ron Rivera said both are questionable for the Dolphins' game. If they can't play, third-year back Tyrell Sutton and former practice squad member Josh Vaughan are expected to receive the carries after starter DeAngelo Williams. The Panthers are missing several starters, including linebacker Jon Beason (Achilles tendinitis), offensive linemen Jeff Otah (knee) and Geoff Schwartz (hip) and fullback Tony Fiammetta (neck). Defensive end Greg Hardy, who"
Panthers' DT Charles Johnson expects to play Friday
August 17
Charlotte Observer
 
"Defensive end Charles Johnson expects to see his first exhibition action Friday in Miami since he signed a $72 million contract shortly after the lockout was lifted. Johnson did not play in the exhibition opener after a minor shoulder injury last week. "But it's all good. I'm definitely playing Friday," he said Tuesday. Johnson was the first free agent the Panthers signed after the lockout ended and he immediately became one of the highest-paid players at his position in the league. It also led to questions about what he is doing with his newfound wealth. Not much, Johnson said when he was asked about his spending habits Tuesday. Then he admitted he is doing some spending. "First thing I'm"
NFL's Supplemental Draft postponed indefinitely
August 17
CBSSports.com
 
"The NFL informed its 32 teams in an email this evening that the supplemental draft has been postponed, according to a source within the league. The draft, which had been set to take place Wednesday, has not yet been been rescheduled. The email circulated simply didn't provide a date, according to the source. The postponement was presumably made to give the league more time to determine whether or not Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor should be found eligible and to allow he and other players time to conduct a Pro Day workout of sorts for scouts."
Olsen denies he wanted trade
August 12
Chicago Tribune
 
"Greg Olsen is happy to be a Panther, but he claims it was not his idea to become a former Bear. Bears general manager Jerry Angelo recently said the tight end "came at me hard last year" for a trade. Olsen's recollection is different. "I'm the last one to go to the media and make big spectacles, but sometimes when things aren't right, it's hard to keep your mouth shut," Olsen said in the lunch hall at Wofford College during a break from practice at the Panthers' training camp. "(Angelo) put the perception out that I forced my way out of there, which wasn't true at all. "He called me into his office before the draft last year to talk about things that were going on, what they were thinking."
Panthers WR Smith carted off field after injuring finger
August 9
NFL.com
 
"Steve Smith was carted off the field on Tuesday after injuring his finger during practice with the Carolina Panthers, the Gaston Gazette reported, citing a team source. The source said Smith's hand was cut, but there are no broken bones. The Gazette reported the injury occurred late in Carolina's three-hour padded practice. Smith was shaken up by a collision earlier in the practice, but he later returned before sustaining the finger injury. "I'm not sure if it was dislocated or sprained or whatever," Panthers coach Ron Rivera said after practice. "But they wanted to check it out and may get an x-ray. They just told me they had to take him up (to the locker room) so I'm assuming it might"
Panthers sign QB Anderson to one-year deal
August 2
Charlotte Observer
 
"First it was Warren Moon, then George Whitfield and, most recently, Chris Weinke. Now Panthers rookie Cam Newton has a new quarterback mentor: Cleveland Browns and Arizona Cardinals castoff Derek Anderson. Anderson, 28, signed a one-year deal with the Panthers on Monday to fill a veteran void at the position, and perhaps bridge the gap until Newton is ready to start. Terms of the deal were undisclosed. Anderson was released last week by Arizona, where he was benched last season and replaced by undrafted rookie Max Hall. The Cardinals started another rookie, John Skelton, later in the season while Anderson sat. So Anderson is familiar with this role. In addition to Newton, the No. 1 overall"
Panthers center Kalil patient on contract extension
August 2
Charlotte Observer
 
"While several teammates, including defensive end Charles Johnson, linebacker Jon Beason and running back DeAngelo Williams have received big contracts in the past week, center Ryan Kalil has not. Kalil had the franchise tag placed on him this season, which means he's operating on a one-year contract. However, Panthers officials have indicated they plan to talk with Kalil - a two-time Pro Bowler - about an extension soon. "I've said before I really do like this place," Kalil said. "If it works out that I get to stay here, that's great. I know my family loves the city of Charlotte and all of the Carolinas. But if it doesn't work, it doesn't. As of right now, though, I'm focused on this"
Panthers reach agreement with Terrell McClain
August 1
Charlotte Observer
 
"The Carolina Panthers have reached an agreement with third-round draft choice Terrell McClain of South Florida, the club announced this morning. McClain, expected to contribute along the defensive line, was the last remaining unsigned draftee for the Panthers. He said Saturday he was anxious to reach an agreement with the club knowing he was missing valuable time."
Panthers could use CB Samuel
July 31
Charlotte Observer
 
"Philadelphia has a surplus of shut-down, cover cornerbacks. The Panthers need one. And if the Eagles decide to make Asante Samuel available, the Panthers would be interested in the Pro Bowl corner, a league source said Saturday. But Samuel's big contract would be a stumbling block in a potential trade with the Panthers, who committed more than $272 million last week to five of their core players, rookie quarterback Cam Newton and a couple of new additions. The Panthers likely would need Samuel to restructure his contract, a scenario that probably would kill any chances at a deal. Samuel, 30, who has 42 career interceptions, appears to be the odd man out in Philly after the Eagles acquired"
Miami Dolphins to sign former Carolina QB Matt Moore
July 30
Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel
 
"As training camp begins, it's clear the Miami Dolphins need to work on their timing. As quarterback Chad Henne spoke to reporters after the first practice Friday, he mentioned that the team had reached a contract agreement with free-agent quarterback Matt Moore. The only problem: The Dolphins had not confirmed the deal, first reported by the Oregonian. A team executive winced as Henne spilled the beans about the addition of Moore and said he's ready for the competition to start. The deal likely takes the Dolphins out of the market for Denver quarterback Kyle Orton, who has been the subject of trade talks."
Steve Smith: Panther for life?
July 28
ESPN.com
 
"Throughout the offseason, speculation swirled about the future of Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith. Yet one day after meeting with general manager Marty Hurney and coach Ron Rivera, Smith repeated what he told his bosses: He plans to remain with Carolina this season and beyond. "For me I'm always going to be a Panther," Smith said Thursday from Charlotte. "They took a shot on me when I was coming from nowhere and now I'm going into my 11th year in the league. This will be where I retire, whether that's five years from now or one year from now." Smith did have lengthy discussions with his wife about what they wanted to do in the future and where they wanted to be. But in the end,"
Hard to believe, Panthers ready to cut ties with all-time leading scorer John Kasay
July 28
Gaston Gazette
 
"It's hard to imagine… the Carolina Panthers without John Kasay. But on Thursday that's exactly what'll happen. Sometime after the clock strikes 4 p.m., the Panthers will officially announce they've released the only player left from the original 1995 expansion team and one of the classiest men ever to step foot in Bank of America Stadium. Think about it. John Kasay no longer a Panther. Doesn't seem real, does it? The team agreed to terms on a four-year, $12 million contract with 38-year-old free agent Olindo Mare from the Seattle Seahawks on Wednesday paving the way for Kasay's release two seasons before his contract was set to expire. General manager Marty Hurney said the"
Panthers reach agreement with DeAngelo Williams
July 28
Charlotte Observer
 
"The Carolina Panthers showed Wednesday they were true to their word, agreeing to new contracts with three core players while sending a shock wave through the franchise and across the NFL by deciding to release 41-year-old kicker John Kasay after 16 seasons. What was expected to be a busy day turned into one of the most dramatic in team history as the team reached agreements with several players, including running back DeAngelo Williams and linebackers James Anderson and Thomas Davis, while making a deal with former Seattle Seahawks kicker Olindo Mare to replace Kasay, a 20-year league veteran and the last remaining original Panther on the roster. While there are still players to be signed"
Davis holds out hope for multiyear deal
July 28
Charlotte Observer
 
"While a couple of the Panthers' principal free agents met with general manager Marty Hurney on Tuesday, a player who hoped to be a free agent showed up at Bank of America Stadium on the first day players could report to team facilities after the lockout. Linebacker Thomas Davis has known since January he would not hit the open market, thanks to a little-known rule in the last collective bargaining agreement. Because Davis spent the final year of his contract on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, the contract rolled over to this season. Davis, a first-round pick in 2005, normally would have been a free agent after the 2009 season. But players needed six years to qualify as"
Olindo Mare agrees to terms with the Panthers
July 27
Pro Football Talk
 
"After spending plenty of cash on a couple of their own free agents, the Panthers have attracted someone from another team. Per a league source, veteran kicker Olindo Mare will sign with the Panthers."
Chiefs lose Edwards to Panthers, agree with McGraw
July 27
Kansas City Star
 
"The Chiefs lost their starting nose tackle today when Ron Edwards agreed to terms of a three-year contract with the Carolina Panthers. That leaves the Chiefs with veteran Shaun Smith and rookie Jerrell Powe at nose tackle. Smith is a free agent but the Chiefs were working to get him signed to a new contract."
DeAngelo Williams returning to Panthers
July 27
Charlotte Observer
 
"ESPN insider Adam Schefter and others are reporting that free agent running back DeAngelo Williams has agreed to return to the Carolina Panthers. Williams' deal is reportedly for five years and $43 million, with $21 million of that guaranteed."