Looking ahead: The Question of Dwan Edwards

[top dawg]

Say what you want, but Dwan Edwards has been an impact player since Rivera (yes, I said Rivera) brought him here. His contribution has been somewhat underrated and understated, especially here on the Huddle in my opinion. He brings that experienced veteran presence that frankly solidifies the line, and is the best insurance policy that the line is going to consistently do what it needs to do: get that push. I really appreciate what he's brought to the table.

 

All that being said, we have the young hog mollies in Short and Cole, and Edwards will be 33 next season provided that he wants to continue his career (which I assume that he does). I would think that he would especially want to continue to be a Panther, and should be comfortable with his role on the team. I just wonder whether or not he is going to want that much more money, and what the market is willing to bare for his services.  

 

In any event, his presence was sorely missed for a bit this year, and I suspect that he will be missed next year if his situation demands that he moves on.

 

Edit: Didn't know he signed a two-year deal.  I guess that answers it then. Now you can just show the man some appreciation.

[jtnc]

Edwards signed a two year contract last offseason.

[General_Purr]

I think hes great to hae on the team. But Short and Star are the future. I like his veteran presence and showing the youngens whats up. If he would like to come back next year sure sign him to a one year deal. Isnt he like 32?

[top dawg]

Edwards signed a two year contract last offseason.

 

Really? Guess that answers my question then. I wonder why the few reports that it was only for a season.

[jtnc]

Dwan Edwards still sidelined

Defensive tackle Dwan Edwards' quick start last season gave the Panthers' pass rush an early boost. But Edwards has been sidelined for three weeks this year with a hamstring injury that has hurt his quickness.

Edwards hasn't played since the Giants' game in Week 3 and looks like he'll be out again Sunday at Minnesota after missing the first two days of practice this week. The Panthers re-signed Edwards to a 2-year, $3.5 million deal after he recorded six sacks in 2012, the best total by a Panthers defensive tackle in 10 years.

http://blogs.charlotte.com/panthers/2013/10/dwan-edwards-still-sidelined.html

[OneBadCat]

I can definitely see Edwards being a cap casualty. He's a good player no doubt but I'd rather keep Cole over him. With Alexander, Horton, and Hardy we have a lot rush packages to choose from without him.

 

 

This why we drafted a guy like Kawann Short. DG will run this like a business and if they feel KK can step in and fill the void they will pinch pennies wherever we can. As long as it helps the cap as oppose to hurt it I could see Dwan leaving.

 

 

Hardy, Mitchell, and Ginn are more important than him at this point.

[jtnc]

This site also says he's on a two year deal.

http://www.spotrac.com/mobile-redirect/nfl/carolina-panthers/dwan-edwards/

[jtnc]

I can definitely see Edwards being a cap casualty. He's a good player no doubt but I'd rather keep Cole over him. With Alexander, Horton, and Hardy we have a lot rush packages to choose from without him.

Cole gets absolutely no push as a pass-rusher. Players like Cole are replaceable.

[TN05]

I hope Dwan Edwards wants to play for a few more years... even as a rotational guy he adds a lot to our defense, not just from a pass rushing perspective but a leadership perspective too. Having high-quality guys like him, Cole, Alexander, Horton, and Addison are what makes our line so great - there isn't a huge drop-off if someone needs a few plays out, and they won't just be dead weight out there.

[OneBadCat]

Cole gets absolutely no push as a pass-rusher. Players like Cole are replaceable.

 

Cole isn't here for pass rush. Cole is the only DT who can play Star's role and god forbid we see him go down. Cole is still very underrated in the league given his situation. It would be wise to hang onto him.  

[Ricky Spanish]

cole is a space eater like star and short is a pass rusher like dwan. I like them all. I'd prefer to keep them all. I think we will only get better. 

[Dex]

Cole is excellent at holding his point and taking up blockers.

[jtnc]

Cole isn't here for pass rush. Cole is the only DT who can play Star's role and god forbid we see him go down. Cole is still very underrated in the league given his situation. It would be wise to hang onto him.

I've seen Short make more plays in the run game than Cole.

[top dawg]

I want to keep every one of our guys on the D-line.

 

Addison, Horton, Edwards, Lotu, Short, Hardy, CJ, Alexander, and I hope I didnt miss anybody.

 

Our rotation keeping those guys fresh is how we dominate the line of scrimage. This is without a doubt the number one factor in why we have won 12 games this year. Yes Thonas Davis and Keek and the DBs are a part of it too, but in almost all of our big games this year that had playoff potential... the determining factor was the big boys up front. 

 

 

I do admit that some of the guys in more of a 'back-up role' in he rotation are going to be lured away by other teams, but I do hope we can keep as many as we reasonably can and still be able to keep it going. It is our bread and butter, we wouldnt be winning wthout them.

 

Yeah, me too. I love the way Addison, Horton and, of course, Alexander, come off the bench and make plays. They appear well-coached, stoked, and ready to ball every time their number is called.