Joe Person: Panthers will let Cade Mays test the free agent market

[shaqattaq]

On 2/25/2026 at 3:43 PM, strato said:

I wonder why he really quit with 3.5 mil on the table to play one last year, and a family to look out for. 
 

He was ‘okay’ with Wilks and heavy run emphasis.

We ate a good bit of money releasing him.

I do wonder a little what he would have looked like with 150 mil worth of guards flanking him, compared to whoever we had (who were so good I don’t even really remember their names). Probably no worse than Corbett.

Ironically, per pro football reference, the starting guards in 2022 were Corbett and BC.

In 2023, they have Zavala and Nash Jensen (do not remember him) listed as starters.

[shaqattaq]

On 3/2/2026 at 10:19 AM, strato said:

I interpret that as saying they want to get Nijman in the fold and try to upgrade from him in the draft.

[shaqattaq]

On 3/2/2026 at 10:42 AM, bythenbrs said:

Drafting two future O-line starters on rookie contracts will do wonders for our distorted (obscene?) cap allocation to the O-line.  

Proctor (22)

Lew (54)

I don't know much about Lew, except that he tore his ACL last year, but Proctor would be a solid pick. I like the idea of getting young starters on the o-line, but if we ignore defense again we'd better hit home runs in FA at edge an ILB!

[strato]

Well, C is a choice they may have made (not settled yet).

LOT was just dropped on them and they have to address it. It ain’t fun or sexy but it kind of became priority 1.  IMO it is 1. 
 

I am concerned they will throw too much money at Lloyd who multiple teams will pursue. But the draft looks like it aligns with our defensive needs pretty well. 

PS, we are said to have some interest Buffalo’s C, McGovern. The Athletic says he is probably going for 3 years 13 per. Number two ranked FA C. Seen as an upgrade from Mayes.  
 

If they did that then you have LOT to draft. Maybe. 

Edited March 5 by strato

[shaqattaq]

On 3/2/2026 at 7:35 PM, strato said:

ps I would understand if they hesitate to jump in with both feet for LOT until they have a definitive take on if Icky can come back.

Ickey has gotten better the last 2 years but, IMO, he was only a mid-tier guy. I'm not sure I wanted to pay him $27M / year anyway.

[strato]

5 minutes ago, shaqattaq said:

Ickey has gotten better the last 2 years but, IMO, he was only a mid-tier guy. I'm not sure I wanted to pay him $27M / year anyway.

 

I hear that. They were committed to extending him though. The timing of this just sucks. It could suck worse but it isn’t good. 

Edited March 5 by strato