The Carolina Panthers solidified their commitment to their starting running backJonathan Stewart.
The Carolina Panthers have not really pulled off any major moves since the second day of free agency. Yes, they brought inGarrett Gilbertto be the emergency quarterback. They re-signed cornerbackTeddy Williamsto do all the special teams stuff that he does. They brought back utility offensive linemanChris Scottand defensive tackleKyle Love. These were not particularly revealing moves.
The Panthers did do something yesterday of significance. They extended the contract of running backJonathan Stewartfor another season, so that he will be with the team until 2018. In return, the Panthers freed up some tiny bit of cap room this season along with essentially assuring that they would not cut Stewart for cap reasons.
Dave Gettleman was very positive in his support of Stewart according to reports fromDavid Newton of ESPN.com. He mentioned that Stewart would not be banged up going into this off-season and was still in good shape at thirty, the normal deadline of NFL running backs. Although it is not mentioned as much now, there was a time that we believed that Stewart’s missed time earlier in his career could lead more production on the back end.
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This move does not reveal Gettleman’s intentions regarding the draft. He very much likes to have his ducks in a row before heading into the draft so he can be flexible. Having to go all in on a need like his first year or last year is not his preferred style. Therefore, if a running back is the best pick to make then Gettleman will do it despite whatever Stewart’s deal says.
Personally I think the Panthers do need to bring in a second running back that will eventually take over the reins from Stewart sometime in the future. I do not know if the eighth pick is the place to find that guy, butLeonard Fournette,Dalvin Cook, andChristian McCaffreywill floating around at that spot.
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