Tag: Greg Little

Panthers in tricky situation following Trai Turner trade reports

What they do with Turner will be a sign of where things are going this offseason.

To rebuild or to retool? That is the question for the Carolina Panthers here in early March. The latest news, according to ESPN reporter Jenna Laine, says the Panthers were shopping right guard Trai Turner around during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis this past weekend.

Your first instinct will likely tell you that this is a sign of a rebuild. Turner, a five-time Pro Bowler, is a core piece for Carolina, especially at just 26 years of age. If he—the most heralded piece of their offensive line—is up for grabs, then so is practically everyone on the roster.

On the other hand, maybe they’re just gauging the market. Even with those five consecutive Pro Bowl selections, which offensive linemen tend to earn off reputation anyway, Turner has produced some underwhelming results over the last few seasons.

So, is trading Turner at this point a wise move?

Well . . . it’s tricky.

If there’s one concept we can establish it’s that now is the time to try and flip Turner if ever. He is already a six-year veteran that’ll turn 27 in June with two years and a reasonable $20.5 million left on his contract. His trade value will never be higher than it is now.

What that trade value ultimately translates into, though, is difficult to say. That depends on which teams are willing to bite given their respective salary cap situations, draft capital and/or players that may pique the interest of general manager Marty Hurney and new coach Matt Rhule.

With the NFL being as open and creative as ever as far as trades go, the possibilities could be plentiful. So, what could a Turner deal bring in?

While the absolute best-case scenario would send a second-round pick back to Carolina, and that’s being extremely optimistic, let’s just be broad and safe for argument’s sake and assume Turner is swapped for a third-rounder.

The question is this: is a third-round draft pick worth the ensuing dominoes that would fall?

Dealing Turner, who is set to account for a $12.8 million cap hit in 20202, will result in the team eating nearly $9.6 million in dead cap money and it would save just $3.2 million.

What happens to the offensive line?

Most likely, we would see Dennis Daley take up starting right guard duties. Daley, despite displaying some useful versatility as a rookie, struggled through a largely up-and-down campaign in 2019.

Next, and you know this was coming, is the outlook for their starting quarterback this upcoming season, whoever that should be.

Would you be comfortable placing a recovering Cam Newton or a top prospect (perhaps Tua Tagovailoa?) behind Daley and Greg Van Roten at the guards, a left tackle in Greg Little who missed 12 games and a disappointing center in Matt Paradis?

We don’t even have to take into account that the group tied for a league-high 58 sacks allowed in 2019. That total is very much skewed by the learning curve of Kyle Allen, who couldn’t have navigated the pocket if he had a map, a compass and a GPS system.

In any case, unless that offensive line unit improves dramatically via an outside move or on their own merits, giving any quarterback that same front is a step towards chaos, not progress. Taking away Turner would make it even worse.

With all of that in mind, is Turner worth a third-round pick, $3.2 million in cap space and a depleted offensive line?

Although Turner has not been at the top of his game in recent years, he’s still far from a problem. Letting him play out the final two years of his deal and avoiding another addition to what’s already the highest total dead cap amount in football seems to outweigh the unknown of dealing him.

What they do with Turner will be a sign of where things are going this offseason. If they trade him, Carolina fans should prepare for a full-on fire sale and a bumpy, lengthy rebuilding process. If he stays put, their path back to contention won’t be so long or brutal.

Whether they blow it all up or rebuild on the fly, a decision needs to come soon.

[lawrence-related id=619085]

[vertical-gallery id=618329]

Panthers 2019 class ranked No. 31 in production by Pro Football Focus

It’s far too early to write anybody off just yet. That said, the early returns for the Panthers’ 2019 draft class have not been promising.

It’s far too early to write anybody off just yet. That said, the early returns for the Panthers’ 2019 draft class have not been promising.

In fact, according to Pro Football Focus, they were the second-least productive group of first-year players in the league. Only Cincinnati’s rookies were ranked lower. Here is what they had to say about Carolina’s quiet class of 2019.

“Outside of pass-rusher Brian Burns‘ promising start to the season, there isn’t a whole lot to get excited about with Carolina’s 2019 class. Offensive tackles Greg Little and Dennis Daley recorded overall grades under 60.0, and third-round pick Will Grier (zero touchdown passes, four interceptions) did not look like their long-term answer at quarterback.”

This is. . . not ideal. Then again, we have to remember the context.

Burns was the only rookie who saw consistent playing time and even he was kept off the field too often in favor of much older EDGE defenders like Mario Addison and Bruce Irvin. Ron Rivera infamously put Burns to work as a gunner on special teams but didn’t use him as a pass rusher nearly enough. According to PFF, he was ranked No. 55 out of 112 qualifiers among EDGE defenders. Not a great ranking. However, we saw Burns flash enough to still believe he will become one of the elites at his position. It will take time.

Second-round pick Greg Little was limited by concussion and ankle injuries and only played 230 offensive snaps, or 20.3% of the team’s total. It would be unfair to give him anything but an incomplete grade for his rookie year. Thanks to Little’s and other injuries up front, sixth-round pick Dennis Daley was called into action a lot more than expected. He was on the field for a total of 691 snaps (61.1%) split between left tackle and left guard but he never really settled into a rhythm.

With more time to develop, they could both become starters. A lot of that will depend on what incoming offensive line coach Pat Meyer can get out of them.

If there’s one legitimate concern here it’s the play of No. 100 overall pick Will Grier. While two games is hardly enough to go on, Grier did not look much better than he did during the preseason when he bombed. His processing speed and decision making simply aren’t at the level they need to be for him to compete at this level yet. General manager Marty Hurney looks like he might have whiffed on another third-round pick here.

The rest of the 2019 class hardly saw the field at all. Jordan Scarlett was stuck behind Christian McCaffrey and Reggie Bonnafon on the depth chart, Christian Miller was hurt and then languished on the bench, often being inactive on game days. Terry Godwin was cut before the season even started.

A lot of this falls on coach Rivera, who always preferred to play veterans at the expense of rookies and younger players. Perhaps Matt Rhule will take a different approach.

Either way, fans should not panic about this class. Yet.

[lawrence-related id=617611]

[vertical-gallery id=617432]

Analysis: How much change does the Panthers offensive line really need?

Fixing the unit will fall on Pat Meyer, who is expected to be named the team’s new offensive line coach according to Field Yates at ESPN.

The Panthers offensive line has been a sore point since at least Super Bowl 50, when Cam Newton got pummeled by the Broncos pass rush. The unit has been steadily in decline since and nothing the front office tries to improve it seems to work out.

Fixing the unit will fall on Pat Meyer, who is expected to be named the team’s new offensive line coach according to Field Yates at ESPN. Meyer has a tough task ahead of him, but the front line does not require the total rebuild some people are calling for.

Let’s break down the offensive line one spot at a time.

1. A new coach is the best way to improve

The best way this unit is going to get better in 2020 is benefiting from fresh leadership. The big challenge for Meyer will be how to break the group out of its bad habits while continuing to encourage what it does well. Mainly, he’ll want to keep the strong run blocking going while improving the pass protection across the board. If Meyer can do that, it will make a far bigger impact than any one (or two) new linemen can.

2. Matt Paradis isn’t going anywhere

A major key to turning things around is Paradis, who had as disappointing a season as any Carolina player. He signed a three-year, $27 million deal and we expected him to be an upgrade over Ryan Kalil. Instead, Paradis was a liability in pass protection and never seemed to settle in. Many fans want him cut, but that would be short-sighted and also come with a significant dead money penalty. Remember, Paradis was coming off a broken leg from 2018 and it may take another offseason to fully recover. If Paradis gets back to being the lineman he was in Denver early in his career, many of the unit’s issues (chiefly interior pass protection) will be solved.

3. Taylor Moton and Trai Turner are perfectly fine

The left side of the line is another story, but the right tackle and right guard spots are fine the way they are. Today, Turner will be playing in his fifth Pro Bowl and Moton has been the team’s most consistent lineman for a while. Moton should get a contract extension and Turner still has a few years left on his.

4. Left guard is easy to upgrade

If there’s one position the Panthers really do need to upgrade, it’s left guard. Greg Van Roten is a solid run blocker and teammate, but there’s a reason he has been a backup most of his career. Daryl Williams is not worth bringing back for this spot, either. If general manager Marty Hurney can find a solid young starting-quality guard in the draft or free agency, it will plug a huge hole and make Paradis’ job much easier.

5. The Panthers have 2 left tackles

Now we come to the great elephant in the room: what to do on the blindside? Since Jordan Gross’ retirement, this has been a problematic position. The good news is the Panthers have two promising options here. Greg Little and Dennis Daley are true left tackles who both flashed at times during their rookie year. Ideally, Little will stay healthy and wind up as the long-term starter. That would allow Daley to play one of the other spots (perhaps LG?). A lot of fans want a tackle in round one or two, but Carolina should give these guys at least another year to prove themselves. Patience is understandably tough given the way things have gone for this group in recent years. In this case, the solution (a true franchise left tackle) could already be on the roster.

The Panthers could definitely use more depth up front. Then again, that’s also true of practically every other NFL team. As bad as this unit looked last year, a couple tweaks and some better coaching could make a world of difference.

[lawrence-related id=617480]

[vertical-gallery id=617432]

Panthers place OT Greg Little on IR, activate WR Chris Hogan

It had been a couple of weeks since the Carolina Panthers had put anybody on injured reserve, so they were overdue.

It had been a couple of weeks since the Carolina Panthers had put anybody on injured reserve, so they were overdue. The streak ended with today’s announcement that rookie offensive tackle Greg Little has been placed on IR and wide receiver Chris Hogan has been activated to the 53-man roster.

Little was the team’s second-round draft pick this year and the Panthers had high hopes he would become their franchise left tackle. We’ll have to pencil him in for an ‘incomplete’ grade for his rookie year since he missed so much time due to injury. Little sat out a long portion of the season in the concussion protocol and it ends early due to an ankle injury.

In the meantime, the team will continue developing sixth-round pick Dennis Daley at left tackle. He has had some strong games but needs to show more consistency from week to week.

As for Hogan, he probably won’t make much of an impact on offense given the unit’s deep-rooted problems. He’s the No. 4 receiver on the depth chart and only caught three passes for 24 yards in his first four games of 2019. One area he could make a difference is on special teams. Hogan has experience as a punt returner and the Panthers are once again in need of another after waiving Greg Dortch for the second time this year.

[lawrence-related id=615628]

[vertical-gallery id=615133]

Panthers say safety Eric Reid is now questionable vs. Seahawks

According to the team, safety Eric Reid is now considered questionable for Sunday’s game due to an illness.

The Panthers may have to go without another key piece in tomorrow’s matchup with the Seahawks. According to the team, safety Eric Reid is now considered questionable for Sunday’s game due to an illness.

Reid has played every game for Carolina so far this season. He’s totaled a career high 106 combined tackles to go with six pass breakups.

While he’s done well defending the run, Reid has struggled in coverage at times. Heading into Week 15, Pro Football Focus has him graded out at 50.6, which is the lowest of any starter on defense.

The Panthers don’t have much safety depth to speak of, which is one of the reasons they should consider drafting one come April. If Reid can’t go, we may see special teams contributor Colin Jones stepping in to take a large portion of his snaps. Ross Cockrell can also fill in at safety.

In related news, Greg Olsen, Greg Little and Marquis Haynes have already been ruled out.

[lawrence-related id=615523,615600]

[vertical-gallery id=614802]

Panthers injury updates: Greg Olsen, 2 others ruled out vs. Seahawks

Panthers injury updates: Greg Olsen, 2 others ruled out vs. Seahawks

Panthers tight end Greg Olsen is still in the concussion protocol and will miss his second straight game on Sunday against the Seahawks. He’s one of three players who have been ruled out. The others are rookie offensive tackle Greg Little and defensive end Marquis Haynes.

Olsen took a bad shot to the head in the loss to Washington a couple weeks ago. He is making progress, though. After not practicing at all last week, Olsen was a limited participant, so there’s a chance we could see him back on the field Week 16. For now, the Panthers will continue rolling with Ian Thomas at tight end. Thomas had a breakout game against Atlanta, posting 57 yards and a touchdown.

Little is sitting out his third straight week with an ankle injury. He also missed five games earlier in the season due to a concussion. Sixth-round pick Dennis Daley has had his moments, but he’s also clearly still a work in progress. Expect Daley to keep playing the left tackle spot.

Haynes is dealing with a knee issue. With him ruled out, it’s possible we’ll get a chance to see more of fourth-round pick Christian Miller.

In related news, Mario Addison is listed as questionable with a chest injury, but he is expected to play. Offensive lineman Garrett McGhin in doubtful after being a late addition to the injury report on Friday. He was limited with an ankle problem.

[lawrence-related id=615593]

[vertical-gallery id=615334]

Panthers Week 15 injury report: 6 players miss Wednesday practice

The Panthers had six players sit out the first practice of the week as they prepare to face the Seahawks on Sunday.

The Panthers had six players sit out the first practice of the week as they prepare to face the Seahawks on Sunday.

Here’s your first look at this week’s injury report.

Player Injury Wed Thu Fri Status
TE Greg Olsen Concussion Limited
OT Greg Little Ankle DNP
DT Gerald McCoy Knee DNP
RB Christian McCaffrey Rest DNP
S Eric Reid Shoulder Full
OLB Marquis Haynes Knee DNP
G Trai Turner Rest DNP
OLB Mario Addison Chest DNP
LB Shaq Thompson Ankle Full

Ian Thomas did a fine job in Olsen’s place last week against the Falcons. If Olsen has to sit out again, Carolina should be alright at tight end. There’s certainly no reason to rush him back at this stage of the season and his career.

It’s not clear exactly what happened with Haynes’ knee. He left Atlanta on crutches, though. If he can’t play, hopefully the rookie Christian Miller will be able to get some valuable experience.

[lawrence-related id=615490]

[vertical-gallery id=615133]

Panthers injury updates: Greg Olsen, Greg little ruled out vs. Falcons

Panthers injury updates: Greg Olsen, Greg little ruled out vs. Falcons

The Panthers will be playing without two of their key offensive players for this week’s rematch with the Falcons. According to the team’s complete Week 14 injury report, tight end Greg Olsen and offensive tackle Greg Little have both been ruled out for Sunday’s game.

Olsen suffered a concussion in last week’s loss to the Redskins. He took an egregious head shot from linebacker Ryan Anderson, who was immediately ejected from the game. Olsen remains in the protocol, but he did do some jogging on the side today. Fans who are hoping this means more opportunities for Ian Thomas should probably temper their expectations. Interim head coach Perry Fewell told reporters yesterday it will be a tight end by committee situation.

As for Little, he’s still dealing with the ankle injury he suffered Week 12 in New Orleans. He’s also spent much of the season in the protocol. He does seem to be recovered from that, at least. Expect Dennis Daley to continue starting at left tackle for now.

In related news, offensive lineman Garrett McGhin (ankle) and outside linebacker Mario Addison (groin) were both limited at Friday’s practice and are listed as questionable.

[lawrence-related id=615223]

[vertical-gallery id=615133]

Panthers injury updates: 2 players sit out Thanksgiving day practice

The Carolina Panthers held a Thanksgiving practice today and two players sat out. 

Football does not rest for holidays. The Carolina Panthers held a Thanksgiving practice today and two players sat out.

Here’s a small side of injury updates to go with your main meal.

Rookie offensive tackle Greg Little missed the second day in a row of practice. He suffered ankle injury in Sunday’s loss to the Saints. If he participates on Friday, he might play but right now it looks like he won’t be in the lineup against Washington this week. If that’s the case, expect coach Ron Rivera to go back to Dennis Daley, who has done well at that spot.

The team’s fifth-round pick – running back Jordan Scarlett – also sat out. He’s dealing with a knee/ankle issue. Scarlett has not gotten many snaps this season. He’s a good candidate to get more playing time down the stretch in order to see what he can do and also to preserve Christian McCaffrey for the long run now that the playoffs are practically out of reach. After getting Wednesday off to rest, McCaffrey got a full load at today’s practice.

Linebacker Shaq Thompson and safety Eric Reid were both upgraded from DNPs to limited participants. Both should be good to go.

[lawrence-related id=614812]

[vertical-gallery id=614802]

Report: Greg Little expected to start for Panthers vs. Saints

Little has missed most of 2019 in the concussion protocol after he suffered a head injury in the preseason.

Panthers rookie offensive tackle Greg Little is listed as questionable for today’s game against the Saints, but he is expected to start according to Ian Rapoport at NFL Network.

Little has missed most of 2019 in the concussion protocol after he suffered a head injury in the preseason. He made his return to the lineup last week but had issues against Atlanta’s pass rush. However, Little had played well in his limited action before that game and is still the most likely candidate to be the long-term starter at left tackle.

The other contender is sixth-round pick Dennis Daley, who exceeded expectations when he was called up due to Little’s injury. Daley is also listed as questionable with a groin injury but he was a full participant on Friday so he likely will also play. It will be interesting to see where Ron Rivera plays him. Daley may be best-suited at left tackle, but he’s prepared at every position except center.

One other player is questionable: cornerback Ross Cockrell missed last week with a quad injury. Everyone else is healthy and expected to play.

[lawrence-related id=614490]

[vertical-gallery id=614498]