cacksman":2f2oeow3 said:
ctrcat":2f2oeow3 said:
cacksman":2f2oeow3 said:
If not for the Ray Rice video, Hardy isn't even on the market
Not true. It may not be popular with Panther fans, but the decision to let him move on was made long ago and Exhibit A was drafting Kony Ealy.
The tag was placed as a one year rental and they were never signing Hardy beyond 2014. Not afraid of doing the unpopular by cutting the best player in franchise history practically in coldhearted fashion, GM Dave Gettleman appears hell-bent on trimming every ounce of fat from the previous GM, drafting well, and having money for Newton/Kuechly and others in the future. While Hardy's wild side (which he's always had) likely didn't help the cause, it has more to do with GM Dave Gettleman's belief he can get better value/risk/reward elsewhere (as opposed to the previous GM giving DE Charles Johnson 6 years, $76 million in 2011). His drafts have been homeruns but only time will if he's right about everything else. Again, Panther fans hate to see him go but the decision was made long before the incident.
I don't believe this one bit. Do you have anything to back this up besides drafting a pass rusher early, which you can never have enough of?
Having money for Kuechly and Newton is no excuse, Seattle has Wagner, Wilson(who should combine for about as much $$ as Cam and Luke).... and they also have Sherman, Thomas, Chancellor, Lynch, Bennett, Avril, shall I go on and on? All of whom are on their 2nd contracts, and are no longer playing for peanuts on their rookie/bargain free agent contracts.
You don't "move on" from one of the best defensive ends in the prime of his career unless you're the Lions and allow Suh's franchise # to balloon to $27M without a choice. That does not happen.
Most wouldn't move on from the best player in franchise history with no returning starters at WR either, but he did.
While Ealy is Exhibit A and Charles Johnson's $20 million cap hit in 2015 (think about that) would arguably be Exhibit B, the answer is complicated and has many layers. The best place to start would be this article written by Bill Barnwell at Grantland in 2012 if you're really interested in the nitty-gritty.
http://grantland.com/features/the-roste ... tent-best/ In other words, after the Hawks had their third consecutive amazing draft laying the foundation in 2012, the Panthers had just been forced to endure moving up in the draft for the likes of Everette Brown, Jimmy Clausen, and Armanti Edwards in recent years.
In other words, the mess inherited by Dave Gettleman in 2013 simply can't be put into words. Hardy himself was a mess, and his off the field issues were the only reason he lasted until the 6th round in 2010 coming out of Ole Miss. His escapades in local hotels and strip clubs in Charlotte spread through those in the know. While maybe not criminal, it may make some question giving a long term deal to him. Incidents like these even made news
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/20 ... out-speed/
His history of being a crazy man and Dave Gettleman's complete obsession (rightfully so perhaps?) to rid himself of the previous regime's fingerprints, as well as Hardy/Rosenhaus wanting what was in their best interest had Gettleman looking elsewhere long ago. It was the worst kept secret in the building, and the fact he wasn't signed long term before and was instead given the tag should be the next clue. Doesn't mean he's right, but it was his decision.
The top five salary cap hits in 2015 for each team may surprise you. Johnson $20 mil, Newton 14.6, Kalil 11.7, Davis 9.9, Stewart 8.3. Vs Sherman 12.2, Lynch 8.5, Graham 8.5, Bennett 8, Avril 8. The Hawks have simply done a masterful job in recent years and it's why you guys have been successful and the rest of the league has had to play catch up.
Believe what you wish, but it appears the plan is to have an estimated $70 million next year to not only prepare for Newton and Kuechly, but to perhaps splurge on others inside or outside of the organization. While it was under the radar, Olsen was already signed to a 3 year extension for $22, but the team also thinks very highly of Lotulelei, Short, Benjamin, Ealy, Benwikere, Turner, et al in the future. Many if not most wish Hardy was a part of the plans, but the GM has the final say, and so far he's done a great job steering the ship back to course, winning a couple division titles, and still looking way into the future.