Sports blog information from USA TODAY.
With a new recipient likely on the way, let’s look back at the Panthers’ history with the franchise tag.
With no new deal seemingly in sight for two-time Pro Bowl pass rusher Brian Burns, the Carolina Panthers are destined to use the franchise tag for the eighth time in their history.
But how did the first seven play out?
Let’s take a look at Carolina’s history with the tag.
Let’s take a look back at every Pro Bowl selection in Panthers franchise history
It took a bit longer than it should’ve, but defensive tackle Derrick Brown rightfully became the latest Pro Bowler in Carolina Panthers history.
So, as we gear up for the rest of the festivities this weekend, let’s look back at Brown and every other Panther who has been selected as an all-star.
Three cheers for the black, white and process blue! Here are our picks for which Panthers would occupy the franchise’s Mount Rushmore.
Happy Fourth of July, folks! Now, let’s celebrate the red, white and blue with a little black, white and process blue.
Here—based on which players have put forth the most productive, successful and impactful careers in franchise history—is our Mount Rushmore for the Carolina Panthers.
Five Panthers greats were named as Modern-era finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s 2023 class.
Less than two months ago, we witnessed one of the greatest moments in Carolina Panthers franchise history—the Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinement of Sam Mills. So, will we be witnessing another next summer?
On Tuesday, 129 Modern-era nominees for Canton’s 2023 class were named, and among them are five Panthers greats.
Here they are:
According to a report by David Newton at ESPN, Carolina is pursuing the former Seattle offensive lineman.
The Seahawks have re-signed several of their own free agents over the last week. One of the notable names who hasn’t re-signed is veteran left tackle Duane Brown. Now 36 years old, Brown is clearly on the tail-end of his NFL career. However, he would still be a huge upgrade for a lot of teams looking for a left tackle. The Panthers might be one of them.
According to a report by David Newton at ESPN, Carolina is pursuing the former Seattle offensive lineman.
The Panthers are pursuing free agent left tackle Duane Brown, per league source. He is a five-time Pro Bowl selection. He has been with Seattle since 2017.
— David Newton (@DNewtonespn) March 20, 2022
It’s not hard to see why they’re interested. The Panthers haven’t had a reliable starter on the blindside since the retirement of All-Pro Jordan Gross eight years ago. In recent years they’ve tried Matt Kalil, Greg Little, Cam Erving, Brady Christensen and former Seahawks LT Russell Okung, all of whom didn’t stick for more than a season.
Whether they sign Brown or not, fans should expect to see more Seahawks going this direction. Carolina’s general manager is Scott Fitterer, who spent 20 years working on the scouting side for Seattle’s front office before taking the job.
Speaking of Fitterer’s former employer, the Seahawks, are in the market for a new offensive tackle in some form at least. Former Patriots lineman Trent Brown has been in Seattle this weekend and the team is reportedly making a strong push to sign him.
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Former Panthers LT Jordan Gross thinks current Panthers LT Cameron Erving has a distinct advantage coming into 2021 that he hasn’t had in years prior.
Carolina Panthers greats Jordan Gross and Jake Delhomme had both been apart of a few special teams in their day. So when they see something brewing, they might know what they’re talking about.
On this week’s episode of their podcast Jordan and Jake, the duo brings up a few intriguing positives they’ve both observed about the team. For Gross, he notes a tighter focus for left tackle Cameron Erving could do wonders for him and the rest of the offensive line.
“He very well said how excited he is that he’s getting, for the first time in his career and it’s his seventh season, the first time he’s getting to play one position,” Gross said of Erving’s talk with the media on Wednesday. “He’s being asked to play one position and how enjoyable it’s been to be able to work on the little details, just being a left tackle.”
Through his stops with the Cleveland Browns, Kansas City Chiefs and Dallas Cowboys, Erving had indeed been assigned multiple positions along the line. In fact, he’s played at every spot. But Gross, who shifted around a bit during his career before settling in on the blindside himself, knows how important this move can be.
“Being an offensive lineman and being asked to play center, guard and tackle, you never get really good, you never really have the opportunity to be excellent at any of ’em because every position is just a little bit different. So he’s so excited to be here.”
Fortunately for Erving, he’s been playing left tackle more exclusively in recent years between his time in Kansas City and Dallas. So, whether or not he ultimately pans out for Carolina, the focused transition already has some legs behind it.
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Gross thinks that his former team should take a left tackle at No. 8 and wouldn’t mind either Oregon’s Penei Sewell or Rashawn Slater from Northwestern.
Jordan Gross is by far the best left tackle in Panthers franchise history and since his retirement following the 2013 season it’s been a long, slow slide down at this critical position. Last year, Carolina started a platoon of different players on the blindside due to injuries and inconsistency. That’s pretty typical for the way things have gone since we last saw Gross suit up.
Heading into the 2021 NFL draft, the Panthers have a unique chance to land a special prospect, though. Gross thinks that his former team should take a left tackle at No. 8 and wouldn’t mind either Oregon’s Penei Sewell or Rashawn Slater from Northwestern. Here’s what he told the Charlotte Observer.
“OT all the way. Sewell or Slater. I don’t care who. I’d take either.”
While things have gotten much more interesting since the 49ers traded up to No. 3, it still seems unlikely Sewell will be available at that spot. If that’s the case, Slater should make for a solid consolation prize. Some analysts have suggested his size makes him better suited to play guard in the NFL, but he’s the No. 2 left tackle prospect in this class for a reason.
How it all shakes out will depend a great deal on what San Francisco does. The latest buzz is all about Mac Jones. If Kyle Shanahan really is sold on Jones, there’s a chance Justin Fields could drop to No. 8. If that happens, all bets are off.
If Fields is no longer on the board, we’re expecting a trade down, but it certainly wouldn’t come as a shock if LT is the pick. Carolina could also plan to move into the teens to target another tackle such as Virginia Tech’s Christian Darrisaw or Alijah Vera-Tucker from USC.
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The Montreal Canadians defeated the Anaheim Ducks, 3-2, in overtime Thursday, but Notre Dame hockey fans will remember this one for a different reason. Earlier in the day, the Habs recalled former Irish captain Jake Evans, who proceeded to play in …
The Montreal Canadians defeated the Anaheim Ducks, 3-2, in overtime Thursday, but Notre Dame hockey fans will remember this one for a different reason. Earlier in the day, the Habs recalled former Irish captain Jake Evans, who proceeded to play in his first NHL game. Evans, who played 158 games for the Irish from 2014 to 2018 and concluded his collegiate career in the national title game, has spent the past two seasons with the Laval Rocket of the AHL.
In 11 minutes, 19 seconds of ice time Thursday, Evans recorded two shots on goal, registered two hits, blocked two shots and had one takeaway. Per Daily Faceoff, Evans played right wing on Montreal’s third line alongside Ilya Kovalchuk and Max Domi.
Two of Evans’ teammates from college also have played their first NHL games this season. Andrew Peeke has played seven games for the Columbus Blue Jackets, and Jordan Gross has suited up twice for the Arizona Coyotes. Both have since been returned to their AHL teams.
