March 3rd
DT Colin Cole - Resigned (1 year / $1.05 million / $80,000 guaranteed)
The first significant resigning of the offseason, Cole is the backup run stuffer behind Star Lotulelei. He will turn 35 before the start of the season, and while he had a few years off before the Panthers brought him back into the NFL, it is safe to say that the Panthers should probably start looking for a replacement sooner rather than later.
March 5th
TE Greg Olsen - Extended (3 years / $22.5 million / $12.9 million guaranteed)
I am so thankful the Panthers extended Olsen before Charles Clay got his absurd offer. Olsen is now being paid fifth highest among tight ends, but two of the four contracts larger than his (Clay and Julius Thomas) were signed in free agency after his extension. Dave Gettleman and company did great to lock down the 2014 Pro Bowler at such an excellent rate.
March 6th
LT Michael Oher - Free Agent Signing [Tennessee Titans] (2 years / $7 million / $2.5 million guaranteed)
From the way the Panthers have been talking so far, Oher is going to be the starting left tackle for the Panthers next season. Perhaps his new (and former) offensive line coach John Matsko, who was with the Ravens when they drafted him, feels he can get the best out of Oher, allowing him to at the very least be an upgrade over Byron Bell from last season.
March 9th
WR Ted Ginn, Jr. - Free Agent Signing [Arizona Cardinals] (2 years / $4.2 million / $1.7 million guaranteed)
An elite punt returner, Ginn returned Carolina after being cut by the Cardinals on a low-cost two year deal. Ginn can also provide a deep threat out of the slot. Many Panthers fans complained when the Panthers let him walk away last offseason, now we can rejoice that he has returned, and we will not have to cringe when the defense forces a three-and-out.
QB Joe Webb - Resigned (1 year / $825,000 / $80,000 guaranteed)
Webb was one of four players (Cole, Webb, Dwan Edwards, and Ed Dickson) the Panthers brass declared as key targets for resigning entering the offseason. His versatility as a wide receiver, third quarterback, and special teams player is certainly very appealing, but his new contract suggests that the Panthers are not locked into having Webb on their 53 man roster for 2015.
March 10th
DT Dwan Edwards - Resigned (2 years / $4 million / $1 million guaranteed)
Edwards had an excellent season in 2014 as the primary backup in the defensive tackle rotation. A veteran presence akin to Colin Cole, Edwards primary contributions come on pass plays. Edwards will be 34 in less than two months, possibly making this his final contract.
TE Ed Dickson - Resigned (3 years / $6.1 million / $2 million guaranteed)
The final player the Panthers were focused on retaining, Dickson spent most of the regular season as a lead blocker due to Mike Toblert's early injury struggles before coming on as a pass-catcher late in the season and into the playoffs. It will be interesting to see how the Panthers deploy Dickson, who once caught 54 passes for 528 yards and 5 touchdowns with the Ravens, next season.
March 12th
CB Teddy Willimas - Free Agent Signing [Miami Dolphins] (2 years / $1.8 million / $220,000 guaranteed)
Williams was the beginning of a very concerted effort on the front office's behalf to upgrade one of the worst special teams units in the NFL. Williams has a lot of speed and should help improve both punt and kickoff coverage.
March 16th
S Kurt Coleman - Free Agent Signing [Kansas City Chiefs] (2 years / $2.8 million / $600,000 guaranteed)
Another special teams standout, Coleman had 171 tackles and 6 interceptions over 29 starts in 2011 and 2012 for the Philadelphia Eagles. Defensive coordinator Sean McDermott was with the Eagle when they selected him in 2010. Coleman has said he expects to come in and compete for a starting safety spot.
March 29th
OT Jonathan Martin - Waiver Claim [San Francisco 49ers] (1 year / $1.042 million / $0 guaranteed)
Martin has started 32 games in three years in the NFL. The 42nd selection in the 2012 draft is now on his third team during his rookie contract. Martin should provide solid depth at both tackle positions, and, if things happen to click for him in Carolina, he may even be able to seize a starting spot.
WR Jarrett Boykin - Free Agent Signing [Green Bay Packers] (1 year / $700,000 / $20,000 guaranteed)
Boykin is probably not the local high school product at wide receiver that many Panthers fans were hoping for (*cough* Hakeem Nicks *cough*), but the Panthers are very high on Boykin. Maybe he recaptures his 2013 form and becomes a solid option on the outside opposite of Kelvin Benjamin. He will likely compete with Stephen Hill and Jerricho Cotchery (and maybe a drafted wide receiver?) for time as the second wide receiver.
March 30th
RB Jordan Todman - Free Agent Signing [Jacksonville Jaguars] (1 year / $765,000 / $20,000 guaranteed)
Todman has been a top kickoff returner the last two seasons in Jacksonville and should supplant Fozzy Whittaker as Ted Ginn's kickoff return partner., while also providing depth at running back.
March 31st
LB Jason Trusnik - Free Agent Signing [Miami Dolphins] (1 year / ? / ?)
The latest addition to bolster the special teams, Trusnik was the special teams captain for the Dolphins last season. Expect him to bring a fire and competitiveness to each phase of special teams play that was lacking last season.
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How do you think the Panthers have done so far? Anyone left they should try to sign?
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