Jump to content
  • Welcome!

    Register and log in easily with Twitter or Google accounts!

    Or simply create a new Huddle account. 

    Members receive fewer ads , access our dark theme, and the ability to join the discussion!

     

Damione Lewis Cut!


Dpantherman

Recommended Posts

The Panthers made their first cut Thursday, and it was a bit of a surprise.

The team released DT Damione Lewis, taking the most dependable veteran out of a room full of young, unproven players. Lewis led all Panthers linemen in tackles last year, and was a steadying influence during an injury plagued year.

But as with most cuts, his came down to finances. Though his deal was billed as being through 2014, it was going to revert to his original terms when a $9.3 million bonus wasn’t paid. Then, he’d have been due a $4 million base salary this year, along with a $1 million roster bonus in April.

That proved to be more of a price than they were willing to pay. Lewis said Thursday night he had gone to the Panthers asking for an extension recently, and their answer was an omen.

“I kind of figured when they turned me down it might come to this,” Lewis said. “This is the business, and with everything going on with the CBA and a possible lockout next year, I guess I’m one of the victims.”

Lewis said the Panthers did not bring up the possibility of bringing him back at a reduced rate, so he’s planning to look for work elsewhere.

“I feel like I played well enough last year, that I should be able to find something,” he said.

With Lewis’ departure, none of the Panthers’ four most regular starters from 2009 are under contract for 2010. Defensive ends Julius Peppers and Tyler Brayton, plus defensive tackle Hollis Thomas are unrestricted free agents.

-- Darin Gantt

http://blogs.charlotte.com/panthers/2010/03/in-surprise-move-panthers-cut-dl-lewis.html

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.


  • PMH4OWPW7JD2TDGWZKTOYL2T3E.jpg

  • Topics

  • Posts

    • Give me Anthony Hill Jr or give me death
    • We need a Sam Off Ball Backer to pair with Lloyd. Lloyd is a strong Interior Will especially in Pass Coverage- but that is also Trevin Wallace’s archetype. Need a Rozeboom style run stopper. Rodriguez and Allen fit that
    • There aren’t that many ways to screw Day 2 up.  That’d be them making an obvious reach, or selecting at one of the few positions that we are pretty solid at. Because as excited as we are for the growth and improvement this team is showing, it’s still not an overly talented or deep roster. Honestly, there aren’t really many positions I’d feel bad about. Feelings about Bryce aside (because we are not going to select a QB), it’s really RB (bad positional value) and that’s it. I guess OT too since we grabbed Freeling in Round 1.    While not as high on my wish list as other spots, you can justify WR or TE.     Interior offensive lineman who would likely take over an interior spot either this year (at center) or guard (next for cap casualty of Hunt or Lewis)? Fine by me.   Dlineman? Yes, that’s a highly rotational position and we have zero quality depth.    ILB? Yep, could stand for an upgrade over Wallace.    EDGE? Absolutely wouldn’t hate another option to spell Phillips, Scourton, and Princely.    FS?  Would love to add better coverage skill set to the backend of the defense. Moehrig and Ransom are great in run support but not as good deep. Adding a more traditional FS would allow us to mix and match/run some 3 safety sub packages and or a big nickel type look with a SS down near the line for better run support in possible pass downs.    CB? Could stand to get better at nickel. 
×
×
  • Create New...