Did we do enough to woo Mario Williams?

[Matthias]

Imagine a front four on passing downs looking like this:

NT-Edwards

UT-CJ

DE's-Hardy/M.Williams

I think if we get Mario, he would be starting over Hardy. Unless Hardy wanted stay, I wouldn't feel right letting him be a back-up. I see us trading Hardy to a contender, where he can start.

[Gin and Juice]

We need as few wolfpeckers as possible on this team ;)

Just kidding I would love to have Mario opposite CJ. Not sure it will happen though.

As far as the money goes, there are going to be guys that are here right now that are not going to be here next season. There will be cuts and guys will be restructured. I am pretty sure Hurney is clever enough to make it work.

I don't see it happening though.

I don't either! Would be nice tho! I have a realistic FA and Draft wish list. The Mario Williams deal would definitely inspire me to spend a few extra dollars on the Panthers as a means of telling them "thank you." Lol, but I know thats money I will be holding onto tho.

[Gin and Juice]

I think if we get Mario, he would be starting over Hardy. Unless Hardy wanted stay, I wouldn't feel right letting him be a back-up. I see us trading Hardy to a contender, where he can start.

My scenerio would have them both, Hardy and Williams, on the field at the same time.....just saying. Williams would give us a major defensive joker packages. CJ could be lined up at DE, UT, or occasional OLB in our 3-4 looks. Williams is a DE or OLB. Enough ways there that we can get all of our talent on the field with unique looks

[Floppin]

Spending big money on Mario would be utterly stupid. This team has other needs where that money could be more wisely spent. I know he's a big name player, but wanting to sign big name players at the expense of actually making a marked improvement on your team is beyond folly.

[Gin and Juice]

Spending big money on Mario would be utterly stupid. This team has other needs where that money could be more wisely spent. I know he's a big name player, but wanting to sign big name players at the expense of actually making a marked improvement on your team is beyond folly.

Just for debate purposes here, are you really going to try to tell me Williams wouldn't be an upgrade to our defense? Man, I like Hardy just as much, but let's not lie, would can and have spent money in worse ways.

That reminds me, glad to see the offense punch it in yesterday instead of settling for a missed FG.

[PantherBrew]

Spending big money on Mario would be utterly stupid. This team has other needs where that money could be more wisely spent. I know he's a big name player, but wanting to sign big name players at the expense of actually making a marked improvement on your team is beyond folly.

Agreed, it might be different if he was a missing piece to a Super Bowl contender. I.e. Patriots needing a pass rush would be a good fit.

But we would just be competing for a playoff spot next season.

It just doesn't make a whole lot of sense.

Also, some teams with tons of cap space could offer waaaay more than us. Such as the Bucs.

[Floppin]

I don't doubt that Williams is, at this point in their respective careers anyhow, a better player than Hardy. It's just that the upgrade amount vs cost doesn't really make sense. Hardy is a solid, young player who has improved in huge amounts over his two years in the league. There are better places to spend the money, this move would probably be the dumbest attempt at improving the overall play of the defense that we could make.

[Gin and Juice]

I don't doubt that Williams is, at this point in their respective careers anyhow, a better player than Hardy. It's just that the upgrade amount vs cost doesn't really make sense. Hardy is a solid, young player who has improved in huge amounts over his two years in the league. There are better places to spend the money, this move would probably be the dumbest attempt at improving the overall play of the defense that we could make.

I see your point, I really do. I know we are not going to sign Williams, its just a nice thought. The only reason I entertain the thought is because I don't see anyone in the FA list that can really help our struggling defense other than Williams. DT's are blah and with the exception of Brent Grimes, the CB's available are blah. Safeties? Landry is an overrated "big name."

Do me a favor tho, recognize that we have made much dumber moves than trying to pursue an elite defensive player that plays up to his "big name"

[hepcat]

Panthers already paid Charles Johnson to do what he does....can't see them paying another dude big money to do the same.

[Floppin]

We have made stupid moves, but this move would have been like replacing Gamble in 2005 with Ken Lucas when we made that trade. Just not a smart move. It's better to spend your money elsewhere.

[Carolina_Champ]

Why sign a DE when we have Hardy playing so well and OLB is a much bigger need

[thefuzz]

Why sign a DE when we have Hardy playing so well and OLB is a much bigger need

:eek:

OLB a bigger need than a pass rush.......good god.

That said, I don't think that we can afford him, and DT is more important.

However, pass rush can never be overlooked, ask the 2007 Pats.

[Floppin]

Solidifying our DT corps is our biggest need. With solid DT play everything will look better, our outside pass rush will no longer have to deal with the QB being able to just step up to avoid them, blitzing linebackers will have clear lanes, etc. Outside of DT our second biggest need on defense is a solid number two corner.

[Lout]

As soon as I saw the thread title, I knew it was a Matthias thread...