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Williams is 6’3″, 309 pounds and a guard who is recovering from his second torn ACL in just two years. We all wish Williams the best of luck in his recovery, but his release from the Panthers was not surprising. It will be interesting to see how quickly he finds work, and that definitely hinges on his recovery speed from his second devastating injury. Once he has proven himself to be fully healthy, then Williams will latch on to somebody’s practice squad. The center/guard was a sixth-round pick by the Panthers in the 2011 NFL Draft and was promoted from the practice squad to replace center Thomas Austin in early November last year, but he was placed on the injured reserve with the devastating knee injury.

Last season, Thomas Keiser recorded four sacks and was a quality, young backup for the Panthers. His release from the team was a very quizzical decision made by the Panthers, and I don’t think Gettleman has done a perfect job. He’s been good and this release isn’t a huge deal in the long run, but the Panthers decision to release a 24-year-old defensive end who has done a solid job for little pay is one that I really don’t agree with.

I fully expect Keiser to find work somewhere else quickly, because he is a stand-up guy, a smart leader, and the Panthers lost some quality depth at a position that looks a bit uncertain now depth-wise. Keiser is a solid backup defensive end, and he played well before landing on the injured reserve in mid-November (man, so many Panthers players got injured last season and placed on the I.R.) with an elbow injury. This wasn’t a horrible move and there are probably legitimate reasons why the Panthers did this, but it’s a move that is a bit surprising overall.

You can follow Joe Soriano on Twitter for more NFL updates and analysis @SorianoJoe.

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While head coach Ron Rivera did not offer any more clues as to what Barner’s role will be in Charlotte, he did call Barner and fifth-round Iowa State Cyclones linebacker A.J. Klein “value picks”. From the Charlotte Observer, ““We really do feel that was a value pick. We feel our last two picks (Klein and former Oregon RB Kenjon Barner) were value guys.”

The interesting thing is that Rivera praised both Klein and Barner for their consistency in college, and he said that both will be “contributors”  but that they “may not be superstars”. That isn’t giving us much, but I feel like the Panthers are going to use Barner in different ways and alignments to throw off defenses; I think Barner is going to be used as the Panthers sparkplug in the backfield.

By the way, I would highly recommend reading the post above due to the quotes from A.J Klein, as he talks about the fact that he had a chip on his shoulder when he went to play for Iowa State.

Cam Newton, like most quarterbacks, is the biggest figure on the team, but that’s even more stated in Carolina due to the fact that this team’s success truly hinges on the polarizing, high upside QB. Rob Chudzinski’s departure to take on the head coaching position with the Cleveland Browns left former quarterback’s coach Mike Shula promoted to the OC gig, and it leaves Panthers fans with questions. Will Shula be able to work with Newton mentally? (Chud had a huge role working with Newton in that regard.) Will Shula be able to successfully lead this offense and further help Newton succeed?

The most important thing with Newton is likely how he approaches the game mentally, especially after some apparent lapses early on in 2012. Shula shed some light on that with some great info, ”Probably the biggest thing for him is maintaining that balance. Because everything around you during the football season is going to be up and down.”

The more you can continue to stay on an even plane and lead the group of guys around you, the more effective you are going to be as a quarterback,” said Shula.

Shula said he enjoys coaching Cam Newton, and I like the continuity there and apparently good connection that both coordinator and quarterback have going on. It sounds like Shula wants Newton to stay relaxed, be more consistent, focus on moving the chains, and also focus on being solid and not turning the ball over. It sounds like Shula wants to reign in Newton a little bit, and I think this is the next step for Newton in fulfilling his potential.

You can follow Joe Soriano on Twitter for more NFL updates and analysis @SorianoJoe.

Jan 14, 2012; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers kicker David Akers (center) is congratulated by New Orleans Saints kicker John Kasay (right) after the 2011 NFC divisional playoff game at Candlestick Park. San Francisco defeated New Orleans 36-32. Mandatory Credit: Jason O. Watson-USA TODAY Sports

With the 98th pick of the 4th round in the 1991 NFL Draft, the Seattle Seahawks select Kicker John Kasay out of the University of Georgia Bulldogs.

John Kasay has decided to hang up his cleats after 22 years spent in the National Football League, as a Carolina Panther.

An amazing 22 years in the National Football League, spent with just 3 teams. Of course, drafted by the Seattle Seahawks, he led the team in scoring all four years he was a part of that franchise. When he left the team, he had the highest field goal percentage in team history.

He became the first kicker for the Carolina Panthers franchise as they signed him as a free agent as they were a brand new team in the league. Where he pretty much became the face of that team, spending a majority of his career in Carolina. In 1996, he held the record for field goals in a single season (37), which was later broken by Olindo Mare (also played for the Seahawks and Panthers) when he kicked 39. That record didn’t last long as Neil Rackers and David Akers both broke them with 42 for Rackers (2005) and 44 for Akers (2011).

A long and successful career in the league, he was named to the Pro Bowl once in 1996 along with an All-Pro selection. He reached the Super Bowl with the Carolina Panthers in 2003, where they played and lost to the New England Patriots.

John Kasay lasted played in this league for the New Orleans Saints where he finished the 2011 season, re-signed and later released on August 31, 2012 after Garrett Hartley returned to the team.

He holds a few NFL records for a kicker in this league. Being 2nd all time for field goals made from 50+ yards with 42, which is only 8 behind Jason Hanson who also recently announced his retirement. Also the only kicker to successfully make 4 different field goals in 1 game that were 46+ yards.

An all time points leader for the Carolina Panthers, holds every kicking record for this team, considering he is the longest tenured player for this franchise.

The Carolina Panthers are signing him to a one day contract so he can announced his retirement for a team he has called home for 15 years.

Total stats for John Kasay are the following: 459 field goals made out of 561 attempted, 81.8 field goal percentage, longest field goal is 56 yards and scored 1,970 points where he ranks 8th on the leagues all time scoring list.

Oct 13, 2012; Shreveport, LA, USA; Louisiana Tech Bulldogs quarterback Colby Cameron (10) looks to throw during the game against the Texas A

Cameron was on fire at Louisiana Tech last season, and he and Quinton Patton created a dynamic QB-WR duo. It will be interesting to see how Cameron fits into Carolina’s plans as a backup, because he could earn himself a spot on the 53-man roster. The Panthers could also decide to place him on the practice squad, and it might come down to how they view their two current backups.

Cam Newton‘s backups are currently former second-round bust Jimmy Clausen and Derek Anderson, who was the one-year wonder in Cleveland hand-picked by former offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski to come to Carolina and be his primary backup QB. To me, Clausen is clearly the odd-man out, and I think he ends up on the chopping block if the Panthers like Cameron enough to put him on the roster. Cameron has excellent athleticism, but I have a feeling the Panthers will keep him stashed away on the practice squad and maintain the status quo with their two backups.

Reed also added in his tweet that the Panthers have signed 12 other undrafted free agents, so it will be interesting to see if any other notable names pop up.

You can follow Joe Soriano on Twitter for more NFL updates and analysis @SorianoJoe.

Nov 26, 2012; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Carolina Panthers helmets prior to the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. The Panthers defeated the Eagles 30-22. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

With the #14 pick in the NFL Draft, the Carolina Panthers have selected Star Lotulelei out of Utah.

A defensive tackle who has the strength to shed blockers, will improve Carolina’s rushing defense, just needs to improve on his pass rushing. A very limited pass rusher, should be able to free up the linebackers in the defense, allow them to drop back into coverage in passing situations. A weak point that should be a key focus for the defensive coaching personnel over in Carolina.

Other than that, a solid pick up by the Carolina Panthers.

The New Orleans Saints are now on the clock.

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I think there is a great chance we see Star Lotulelei taken in the top five of the draft, even if the Oakland Raiders view Sharrif Floyd as the better and “safer” prospect. The Philadelphia Eagles have significant interest in Lotulelei, and taking the Utah product would make quite a bit of sense for the Eagles. They could play Lotulelei in all spots on the defensive line in their 3-4 defense, as Lotulelei has the talent and versatility to play everywhere in a three-man front.

The Eagles also reportedly have high interest in Lotulelei, and there are rumblings that the Arizona Cardinals could take the blue-chip prospect with the seventh pick in the draft if the falls outside the top five.

I highly doubt the Panthers end up in a position to draft Star Lotulelei with the 14th pick, and it wouldn’t be prudent for the Panthers, who have many needs, to trade up in this draft to take Lotulelei. They are better off trading down or even just staying pat at taking a guy like Sheldon Richardson of the Missouri Tigers (easily the most popular selection for the Panthers in mock drafts). Although defensive tackle is likely the biggest need for the Panthers, they have so many needs that trading up and losing picks would be a poor decision- no matter how good Lotulelei is and how much of a fixture he would be for the Panthers at DT.

You can follow Joe Soriano on Twitter for more NFL updates and analysis @SorianoJoe.

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After starting the first 12 games of the season, the Panthers decided to bench the surprise rookie against the Kansas City Chiefs. Now according to new Panthers GM Dave Gettleman, Norman came back from that benching “a different kid”.

For Norman, the main thing is becoming more disciplined, gaining experience, and doing a better job of tracking defenders down through an increased Football IQ. The former fifth-round draft pick has been making strides, and he looks like a cornerback of the future for the Panthers. What he needs is experience, close coaching, and the experience will allow him to hold up better in man coverage and figure out routes better.

In college and as a rookie, Norman had a tendency to, as the Charlotte Observer put it in the piece above, to “freelance”. With Chris Gamble gone, the onus is on Norman to take more strides after showing some promise as a rookie. He had plenty of struggles, but there is enough for the Panthers and Gettleman to be justified in holding Norman in high regard.

You can follow Joe Soriano on Twitter for more NFL updates and analysis @SorianoJoe.

Nov 26, 2012; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Carolina Panthers helmets prior to the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. The Panthers defeated the Eagles 30-22. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

The Carolina Panthers are still looking to return to the playoffs. They got closer last season with a 7-9 season record. This season though, as the Saints won’t face the turmoil within their organization they dealt with last year. The first three weeks are tough facing the Giants and Seahawks. Fortunately they host bot games.

Outside of the obvious difficult match ups within their division they have a tough Monday night matchup against the Patriots. That is a home game but cames a week after travelling to San Francisco to take on 2012 NFC Champions.

• Sep. 8 Seattle Seahawks 1:00p
• Sep. 15 at Buffalo Bills 1:00p
• Sep. 22 New York Giants 1:00p
• Sep. 29 BYE
• Oct. 6 at Arizona Cardinals 4:05p
• Oct. 13 at Minnesota Vikings 1:00p
• Oct. 20 St. Louis Rams 1:00p
• Oct. 24 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Thurs) 8:25p 
• Nov. 3 Atlanta Falcons 1:00p
• Nov. 10 at San Francisco 49ers 4:05p
• Nov. 18 New England Patriots (Mon) 8:40p
• Nov. 24 at Miami Dolphins 1:00p
• Dec. 1 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 1:00p
• Dec. 8 at New Orleans Saints 1:00p
• Dec. 15 New York Jets 4:05p
• Dec. 22 New Orleans Saints 1:00p
• Dec. 29 at Atlanta Falcons 1:00p

Dec. 23, 2012; Glendale, AZ, USA: Chicago Bears wide receiver Brandon Marshall (15) is defended by Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson (21) at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Yes you read the headline correctly, the Chicago Bears and the Arizona Cardinals have reportedly shown interest in LSU star and former #1 pick JaMarcus Russell. Now we all know his story and what happened, but if you have forgotten, he was arrested in 2010 for possession of codeine syrup or purple drank, which is slang for this substance.

Now I know what you are thinking, the picture for this article doesn’t show JaMarcus Russell. You are right, because there were no pictures available for JaMarcus Russell from his days with the Oakland Raiders available for me to use, but these two teams are for some reason, interested in this man. I had no idea that he would be back, I never even really entertained the thought of seeing JaMarcus Russell back in the league, let alone the Chicago Bears having interest in him.

He had an awesome college career and rightfully so, was the #1 pick back in the 2007 draft for the Oakland Raiders. When he was playing ball at Louisiana State University, he beat out now Oakland Raiders quarterback Matt Flynn to become the Tigers starting quarterback once again in his junior season after he injured his shoulder the season before. After the injury his sophomore season, Flynn took over for the Peach Bowl and lead the Tigers to a steam roll victory over the University of Miami Hurricanes, defeating them 40-3.

Before getting arrested and missing action in the league for the trouble he got himself into, Russell was thought to be the franchise quarterback Oakland was looking for. Throwing 18 touchdowns along with 23 interceptions and 4,083 passing yards. When he left the league in 2009, he weighed around 260 pounds, which is somewhat big for a quarterback, but I am hearing that he now weighs around 310 pounds. What quarterback is going to even compete for a starting or back up role, weighing around 310 pounds? I mean if the guy learned his lesson and could still do it, more power too him. But being a Chicago Bears fan, I hope this is doesn’t actually happen and they sign him to any sort of deal. They allowed Brian Urlacher walk away, but bring in a 310 pound quarterback? A move like this wouldn’t make much sense.

I can’t really see how any team is interested in him with the shape he is in. Unless he is looking to change positions and contribute in another spot on the field, then maybe, yeah maybe, see what he has to offer then think about giving him a contract. I understand you should never give up on players, no matter what mistakes they have made, but I was for sure JaMarcus Russell was out of the National Football League for good. I am not taking anything away from him, I was a fan of the guy when he played for LSU and I respected him a lot, but I wouldn’t want to see him standing on the Chicago Bears sideline, eating away precious cap space that could have went to another position that needs to be filled. If it is for any other team, great, Arizona Cardinals should pursue him if they believe he could still play.

At that weight he is at right now, I just can’t see him coming back to the league as a quarterback. Maybe he could take a Tim Tebow role and get a few designed plays here and there, or even become a personal blocker for the Punter. Who knows, maybe the New York Jets would like to have Tim Tebow and JaMarcus Russell on the same roster, not saying one is better than the other, but this is the only possible way I see Russell coming back into this league. Since he has been out of the league, the competition with teams for the quarterback position have either been out of reach or way too competitive and have been decided last minute.

I’m just saying, not just a fan of the National Football League but the Chicago Bears, I do not want to see money that could be given to a player with possible value, than a guy who has spent a few years away from the league. I respect that he is looking to come back and it shows me that he hasn’t lost his passion for the game, most guys would have quit, but let him become someone else’s project. If Arizona decides to sign him, good, he could become the back up to whoever backs up former Oakland Raider’s quarterback Carson Palmer. Let him become the come back Tim Tebow for the Arizona Cardinals and see if they get any success out of this decision. Other teams like the Jacksonville Jaguars, Buffalo Bills, New York Jets, Tennessee Titans, Carolina Panthers, St. Louis Rams could make this guy a hands on project considering they aren’t really playoff contenders, no offence to the fans who read this.

But whoever decides to pick him up, needs to put him through an intense work out program to get him to drop weight, he may not reach that 260 mark again, maybe not as fast but it could be somewhat of a start. Just hope he can stay out of trouble, keep his head above water and continue his road back to the National Football League, no matter what team he is with. Even if it is with my Chicago Bears (cringe), everybody deserves a second chance, just hope it works out for the best.

12. Miami Dolphins – Bjorn Werner, DE, FSU – The Dolphins get Bjorn Werner who many thought would be a top 5 pick all the way down at pick #12. The Dolphins just signed a big CB in Brent Grimes in free agency, plus there should be some very high potential CB picks at the top of round 2 to fill in the #2 slot and eventually become #1.  The Dolphins hit a home-run here filling their greatest need with one of the best overall players available at pick #12.

13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Jarvis Jones, OLB, Georgia – Tampa Bay can’t let a linebacker like Jones fall any farther than 13^th overall.  They have a glaring need for an upgraded linebacker corps.  Not only that, but Jarvis Jones according to the body of work he’s put on film, is the best player available at this point in the draft.  They take him, wisely and become a force to be reckoned with next season in the NFC South which can be 2013’s best division in the NFL.

14. Carolina Panthers– Sheldon Richardson, DT, Missouri – The Panthers continue to build up their talent rich but hole-y defense with one of the top 4-3 defensive tackles in this class.  Richardson would join an up and coming defense anchored by Luke Kuechly at MLB and Charles Johnson at DE.  The Panthers also signed free agent DBs Drayton Florence (CB from Detroit) and Mike Mitchell (SS from Oakland) who will step in and make an immediate impact in the Carolina secondary.

15. Cleveland Browns (trade with New Orleans)– Barkevious Mingo, DE/OLB, LSU – The Browns get a few extra picks trading down with New Orleans here yet still fill their hole at pass rushing jack DE/OLB.  Without a 2^nd round pick this year the Browns needed to do something to get some slack.  The Saints don’t have a 2nd round to give but I’m sure Cleveland gets this years 3^rd and another pick from the Saints in 2014, yet still get one of this draft’s elite pass rushers

Feb 25, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Louisiana State Tigers defensive lineman Barkevious Mingo (33), and Bennie Logan (29), and Sam Montgomery (34) pose for a photo after finishing their workouts during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports