Some Insight Into the Charles Johnson re-Signing

[X-Clown on 1]

Released earlier today, via Cat Scratch Reader:

http://www.derp/2016/4/14/11429886/charles-johnson-nearly-fired-agent-over-panthers-return

Couple tidbits that stuck out to me:

1)  "He was just shocked when I left that money on the table. Like I told you, I signed this one year deal to bet on myself... why wouldn't I want to sign with somebody that I feel comfortable with, that has done everything for me? Now I can go out, give it my all, don't have to worry about money, don't worry about nothing. Just go out and play ball without worrying about that extra stuff. They can't call me "big money" anymore."

I kind of read this a few ways.  I see Charles with a reason and motivation to take a lower deal, betting on himself and ready to earn a big deal.  But I also saw this as Charles recognizing (subconsciously at least) that he's not living up to the expectations of a big contract.  But, instead of raising his level to match the pay, he seems he's lowered his pay to match his level.  

2)  "Even when I was signing back, Mr. Gettleman said, you know, you might not have a chance to start. I never even thought about that, because I'm going to compete regardless."

I like this from DG, because as far as production goes, I'm not sure Charles is the best option for us.  He's been a team captain, a veteran model for the younger guys, and has all the chemistry the team needs both on the field and in the locker room.  But I'm curious, who do you see lining up as the "other" DE besides Ealy? Is it a draft prospect, another FA the added later, or possibly someone already on the roster?

 

[chknwing]

I see it as Gettlemen pushing CJ to compete. He wants him to understand that just because he is resigning here doesn't automatically make him a starter.

[LinvilleGorge]

Sounds like DE is definitely in play at #30 because I don't see anyone currently on the roster who will start over CJ.  

[Mr. Scot]

Telling him he might not be a starter is pretty interesting.

[The_Cannon]

7 minutes ago, Mr. Scot said:

Telling him he might not be a starter is pretty interesting.

I agree. When he signed to come back I assumed he would be a day one starter opposite Kony.  

[MHS831]

I see Ealy and Johnson playing LDE--so the comment was honesty.  I expect the other side to feature Addison and----if we don't draft anyone,  Delaire and Miley.   Cox, in my opinion, will compete for a job at LDE, but will probaby be on the PS for another year.

All this is ASSUMING they think they have something special on the farm.  If not, we HAVE to draft a RDE type---Dodd comes to mind.

[bleys]

3 hours ago, X-Clown on 1 said:

Released earlier today, via Cat Scratch Reader:

http://www.derp/2016/4/14/11429886/charles-johnson-nearly-fired-agent-over-panthers-return

Couple tidbits that stuck out to me:

1)  "He was just shocked when I left that money on the table. Like I told you, I signed this one year deal to bet on myself... why wouldn't I want to sign with somebody that I feel comfortable with, that has done everything for me? Now I can go out, give it my all, don't have to worry about money, don't worry about nothing. Just go out and play ball without worrying about that extra stuff. They can't call me "big money" anymore."

I kind of read this a few ways.  I see Charles with a reason and motivation to take a lower deal, betting on himself and ready to earn a big deal.  But I also saw this as Charles recognizing (subconsciously at least) that he's not living up to the expectations of a big contract.  But, instead of raising his level to match the pay, he seems he's lowered his pay to match his level.  

 

 

CJ mentioned this in his CharlotteVibe interview... 

I don't think people realize he's just a humble guy and doesn't want to be called big money.  

No need to over think it.   He's never liked the name. 

[arieslibra1]

4 hours ago, LinvilleGorge said:

Sounds like DE is definitely in play at #30 because I don't see anyone currently on the roster who will start over CJ.  

Right! 

[RelaxImaPro]

I think that was just Dave's way of telling him not to rest on his laurels just because he's back, and especially because he's back on a cheaper deal.  Of course CJ as of now is going to be the penciled in starter, but it doesn't mean it's just automatically his if someone ends up looking like a better option throughout camp and early season.

But really, as long as CJ is fully healthy and motivated... lol I seriously doubt he's going to be hurting for any playing time.

[thennek]

I think DG was level setting expectations for CJ before he signed.  I think he was letting him know that nothing is guaranteed and if wanted guarantees, he should go somewhere else.  CJ did not have a good 2015....it was average at best and if the Panthers get the 'average at best CJ' in 2016, I don't think he starts.  There is a lot of time before the seasons starts, and many more roster moves will occur.....

[Snake]

CJ has either been coasting these past few years or could truly not be a starter this year if he does not up his game. 

[mashburnfalcon]

From an outside look. I understand why y'all let him go. But the guy is good when healthy. Pretty much any team would love to have him. 

And he wants to be a panther. 

I take him any day to be on the falcons. 

[PandaPancake]

11 hours ago, Mr. Scot said:

Telling him he might not be a starter is pretty interesting.

To be fair he said the same to Cam and Luke when they signed extensions. 

[thefuzz]

16 hours ago, Mr. Scot said:

Telling him he might not be a starter is pretty interesting.

I actually love it.

Smarter vets know when they are getting lip service.  DG was being brutally honest with him, and CJ respected it, and signed.

He told Nicks that he would have been better to sign elsewhere a couple years ago, love it.