Rivera: Newton Had Ankle Injury Since College

Last week, Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton underwent surgery to fix an ankle problem that he'd had since towards the end of last season.

It turns out the injury has been with him much longer than that.

According to coach Ron Rivera, Newton has had this issue with his ankle since his days at Auburn, back in 2011.

"Every year rest, treatment was part of the rehab program," Rivera said. "This year they went through the program, and when he started working out it just wasn't feeling right, so he went and saw the doctor."

"All we know is that every year he's done this, he's rested it, he's treated it and he's gotten better. This time it didn't get better fast enough, so they went ahead and looked at it."

Newton "nicked" his ankle against the New Orleans Saints on Dec. 22. It was obvious for the rest of the season that his ankle aggravated him.

Newton will be out until late July recovering from the surgery. However, Rivera said that Newton could start throwing earlier than that.

Panthers Add Joe Webb

In a move that left many fans puzzled, the Carolina Panthers signed former Minnesota Vikings QB Joe Webb to a one-year deal.

Webb, who is 27, was drafted by the Vikings in the 6th round of the 2010 draft.

Webb played wide receiver as well as quarterback in college and was drafted as a wide receiver prospect. However, former Vikings coach Brad Childress moved him to quarterback. Webb has also returned a few kickoffs.

The reason for this signing wasn't clear to many fans, but it actually seems like a pretty good signing. With Cam Newton out for 4 months, he'll miss a lot of team practices. Webb is a QB who can run pretty well. It'll give the offense experience playing with a running QB. Webb could also play wide receiver and return kicks. He's very fast and a pretty good athlete.

Who knows? Webb could also line up for the offense if offensive coordinator Mike Shula decides to run some trick plays. Don't doubt his effectiveness.

Panthers Sign Underwood, Cason

It seems general manager Dave Gettleman is approaching this offseason the same way he did last year: wait a few days before becoming active in free agency, and only sign guys to one or two-year cheap deals.

Today, the Carolina Panthers signed former Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Tiquan Underwood to a two-year deal and former San Diego Chargers cornerback Antoine Cason to a one-year deal.

Underwood was drafted in the 7th round of the 2009 draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars. Last season, he caught 24 passes for 440 yards with the Bucs, both career highs. He'll likely become the third receiving option and return kicks and punts as well.

Cason was a 1st-round pick by the Chargers in 2008. Arguably the best cornerback that was still available in free agency, he'll likely take the starting cornerback job for Carolina. He worked with coach Ron Rivera before, when Rivera was San Diego's defensive coordinator.

Panthers Agree to Deal with Jerricho Cotchery

The Carolina Panthers have finally picked up a wide receiver.

Today, they agreed to terms with former Pittsburgh Steelers wideout Jerricho Cotchery.

Cotchery, who will be 32 in June, was reportedly deciding between the Steelers and Panthers. In the end, he chose Carolina.

Last season, Cotchery had 76 receptions, 602 receiving yards, and 10 receiving touchdowns.

He played with the New York Jets from 2004-2010, afterwards joining the Steelers for three seasons.

Cotchery has been a backup for most of his career, but as of right now, he'll probably be the Panthers' number one receiver.

Cam Newton to Have Ankle Surgery

Carolina Panthers' quarterback Cam Newton will undergo surgery on his ankle on Wednesday.

The surgery is to fix a soreness that Newton has had in his ankle since towards the end of last season.

The recovery time for this surgery is about four months, which means Newton will miss team mini-camps in May and June. He will return in mid-July, in time for training camp.

In the meantime, backup QB Derek Anderson will run the first-team offense in team practices. The only other QB on the Panthers' roster is Matt Blanchard, who spent last season on the practice squad.

The Panthers' offseason has been less than great, to say the least. Losing Jordan Gross and Steve Smith among many others, and now losing arguably their best player for a few months. This could affect the chemistry Newton needs to develop with the new wide receivers Carolina will have to use.

If you're a fan, don't overreact. Cam will be fine.

Panthers Sign Roman Harper

The Carolina Panthers have finally made a move in free agency, signing former New Orleans Saints safety Roman Harper to a two-year deal.

Harper is a two-time Pro Bowler who is sure to improve Carolina's secondary, which has lost starting cornerback Captain Munnerlyn and safety Mike Mitchell.

Harper, 31, was drafted in the second round of the 2006 draft by the Saints, and has been healthy most of his career, excluding last season when he injured his knee.

He'll likely play strong safety, as that was his position in New Orleans. Charles Godfrey moved to free safety last year, but injured his Achilles and was out for the season. However, when Godfrey returns, the tandem of him and Harper at the safety positions should bode well for Carolina.

Quick News

Here's some quick news on what's been happening with the Carolina Panthers over the last few days:

- A video of a little boy crying over Steve Smith being released was uploaded to YouTube. The boy's father told him and his sister about Smith being released by Carolina. The boy proceeded to start crying (just like many of us Panthers fans did). Smith, using social media, was able to locate the boy, and apparently is planning something for him. (If you want to see the video, here's a link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cNjtepBuOlM)

- Former Green Bay Packers wide receiver James Jones announced he would like to play for Carolina, but once again, general manager Dave Gettleman waited too long, as Jones signed with the Oakland Raiders. Jones would've been a good addition to an offense that is looking as though it will be the worst in the NFL.

- Former Pittsburgh Steeler wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery is visiting with the Panthers. Cotchery caught 10 touchdown passes last season with the Steelers. Hopefully he and Carolina can get a deal done.

- The Panthers re-signed two players: cornerback James Dockery and linebacker Jason Williams.

- The Panthers now have just under $14M in dead money, the majority of it ($8M) coming from former linebacker Jon Beason, who is now with the New York Giants. This makes them 3rd in the NFL for most dead money. Gettleman still has his work cut out for him.

That's it for now. Hopefully, we'll soon be hearing that the Panthers have signed some wide receivers or offensive linemen.

Don't Lose Faith in Gettleman Just Yet

I'll be honest, I was one of the first people bashing the Panthers' general manager, Dave Gettleman.

But looking on this situation right now, I feel bad for doing so.

Yes, I'm still upset about Steve Smith. And I will be upset for some time. But if Jerry Rice and Joe Montana can both eventually be traded, so can Smitty. No player stays with one team for his entire life, and Smith is no exception.

Here's a comment I posted on Facebook in response to some fellow fans criticizing Gettleman:

"Last season, Gettleman waited a few days before becoming active in free agency. He picked up a bunch of guys that people didn't think would have much of an impact. Nobody thought going into last season the Panthers would become contenders, and it is thanks to Gettleman last season that we did so. It's because of our last GM, Marty Hurney, that the team is in a bad spot financially. But Gettleman is doing all he can to build a Super Bowl team despite not having much money. Am I upset about Steve Smith? Absolutely. Could the situation have been handled better? Definitely. But to give up on our GM and our team... You aren't a true fan if you do that. Gettleman will build this team up, not for short term success but for long term. If it makes us mad, oh well. When we're holding the Lombardi Trophy in a few years, we'll be looking back and realizing Gettleman knows what he's doing."

Even right now, as I just discover that Hakeem Nicks has signed with the Indianapolis Colts, I defend Gettleman.

Gettleman knows what he is doing, so to my fellow fans: please don't lose faith just yet. The Super Bowl is not won in March.

Panthers Free Agency News

The Panthers re-signed backup quarterback Derek Anderson.

They've also signed tight end Mike Mcneill.

Steve Smith has signed with the Baltimore Ravens.

The Panthers are reportedly talking with safety Ryan Clark about a deal, along with Hakeem Nicks. They should be interested in wide receiver James Jones, too.

That's all the news on the Panthers in free agency today.

Steve Smith promised there would be "blood and guts everywhere" if he faced his former team. By signing with Baltimore, he may have just given fans one of the most exciting games for this upcoming season. Carolina will play Baltimore this upcoming season, though the schedule has not been released yet.

Panthers Offseason Woes Continue

The question that is on every Carolina Panthers fan's mind: who is Cam Newton going to be throwing the ball to next year?

Not only have the Panthers cut ties with Steve Smith, but they've also made a big mistake in letting Ted Ginn go. It was announced earlier that he signed a deal with the Arizona Cardinals.

To add to the recent turn of bad luck, Domenik Hixon has signed with the Chicago Bears.

This means the only wide receiver on the Panthers' roster that has some experience is Brandon LaFell.

I don't think I need to explain how much of a problem that is.

The other receivers Carolina has on the roster right now are: Marvin McNutt, Tavarres King, RJ Webb, Kealoha Pilares, Toney Clemons and Brenton Bersin.

Again, no explanation needed for how bad Carolina's offense is looking right now.

What all this means is that Brandon LaFell, who has yet to sign with another team (but has been talking with others, nonetheless) has now become a priority for the Panthers. They NEED to re-sign him.

If the Panthers don't wind up signing Hakeem Nicks, I can't say I'll be surprised, seeing as how the offseason has been for them so far.

I keep hoping this is all a bad dream that I'll soon wake up from.

EDIT: Just read that cornerback Captain Munnerlyn has signed with the Minnesota Vikings. The painful offseason continues.

Where Could Steve Smith Land?

It's gonna take some time for me to get over the fact that Steve Smith is no longer a Carolina Panther.

But while I attempt to cope, let's name off some teams that Smith could sign with.

Baltimore Ravens - The Ravens have emerged as the favorite to land Smith. He'd fit in with their offense well and be a great asset to Joe Flacco. Don't be surprised to see him sign with them.

New England Patriots - I'm praying this doesn't happen. But Brady needs a good receiver and Smith could be that guy. Belichick may decide to go after him. Who knows? Smith could possibly end up a Patriot.

Any other NFC South team - All of them need receivers. Smith may decide he wants revenge on the Panthers. I'm sure they'd all be willing to take him.

That's 5 teams. I'm sure others such as the Redskins will inquire about him too. Smith's journey isn't over yet, and I'll support him wherever he goes... even if it is New England.

Panthers to Release Smith Today

It's about time.

The Panthers announced that they will finally release wide receiver Steve Smith today, ending what has been weeks of speculation about Smith's future with the team.

Earlier this week, general manager Dave Gettleman said that the team would try to trade the 34-year old, but (not surprisingly) no deals for a trade were made.

Yesterday, it was reported by Joe Person of the Charlotte Observer that Gettleman made the decision not only to save some money, but to hand the leadership of the team over to quarterback Cam Newton and linebacker Luke Kuechly.

It's evident that Smith and Gettleman had some problems. Gettleman viewed Smith as a distraction in the locker room, even though it's also been evident that Smith has been a leader to this team for years.

The move will leave the Panthers without many receiving options. Receivers Brandon LaFell and Ted Ginn have already met with other teams, while Domenik Hixon has received other teams' interest.

There's sure to be plenty more news today, so stay tuned.

Steve Smith's Agent Says Smith Won't Return

We all knew it was coming, but we didn't want to accept it. If Steve Smith's agent, Derrick Fox, didn't rip your heart out with his statement, then you are not a true Carolina Panthers fan.

Earlier today, Fox told the media this: "He is not going to play for the Panthers next year, I know that. I just don't know when the transaction is going to take place."

I just read on Twitter from Joe Person (he writes for the Charlotte Observer) that this situation is not about money. General manager Dave Gettleman is wanting to turn the leadership of the team over to Cam Newton and Luke Kuechly.

This one hurts. Bad.

Free Agency Frenzy

It's a crazy day in the NFL. Especially for the Carolina Panthers.

There are multiple storylines to follow, whether it be who Carolina may pick up once free agency begins, or the Steve Smith situation.

The Panthers' offseason is looking worse and worse, unfortunately. Not only did offensive lineman Jordan Gross retire, but now Geoff Hangartner and Jeff Byers, two more offensive linemen, are retiring as well.

Cam Newton can't be too happy. He's lost his best OL, he's about to lose his best WR, and now he's lost two more linemen.

Not to mention the fact that Travelle Wharton is considering retirement too.

There are so many things happening at once, so I have one eye on the Panthers and the other on the rest of the league.

3:34 p.m. - Nothing yet on the Panthers, but many teams are re-signing key players. Denver, Tampa Bay, Indianapolis, Detroit, San Francisco, Washington, New York Giants, Atlanta, and Cincinnati have all re-signed key players.

3:42 p.m. - Still nothing. Not only am I watching ESPN, but constantly checking Twitter as well. A lot of people seem to think Smith could end up with Baltimore. It's a good possibility, although if a deal for a trade winds up happening, I'll be genuinely surprised.

3:50 p.m. - Ten minutes to go. Kind of nervous now. I need to see that Mike Mitchell re-signed with Carolina. He was one of the bright spots in the secondary. Don't be surprised to see the Panthers finish 3rd in the NFC South. With all the players they're losing, it's looking more and more like it will happen.

3:53 p.m. - Not the Panthers, but big news: according to Adam Schefter of ESPN, DeMarcus Ware of the Dallas Cowboys will be a free agent. If there's one thing we Panthers fans can say right now positively, it's this: we're not Cowboys fans.

4:00 p.m. - Let the frenzy begin.

4:03 p.m. - Among the free agents I see: Kevin Kolb, Josh McCown, Michael Vick. QBs are always quick to get snatched up.

4:04 p.m. - Former Arizona Cardinals LB Karlos Dansby joins the Cleveland Browns. So does former Niners safety Donte Whitner. But former Indy safety Antoine Bethea joins the Niners.

4:06 p.m. - Former Oakland Raiders DE Lamarr Houston joins the Chicago Bears. Former Kansas City Chiefs OT Brandon Albert joins the Miami Dolphins.

4:11 p.m. - So many teams cutting players, signing players, looking at players. It's hard to keep up with.

4:13 p.m. - Bucs and Raiders both very active right now. Former Chiefs WR/KR Dexter McCluster joins the Tennessee Titans.

4:15 p.m. - 15 minutes in and my head is spinning from all the deals, but no news out of Carolina.

4:18 p.m. - Bears are also pretty active. Many of the offensive linemen have been snatched up. Bad news for the Panthers.

4:22 p.m. - Just saw on Twitter that Steve Smith isn't being released today. Glimmer of hope? Unfortunately, probably not one.

4:23 p.m. - Niners secondary is weakening, as they just released CB Carlos Rogers. Steelers released LB LaMarr Woodley.

4:27 p.m. - Seen plenty of news out of Miami and Arizona.

4: 30 p.m. - 30 minutes in. One story out of Carolina.

Alright, so it seems the Panthers will wait to make any noise in free agency, if they make any at all. Check out grandstandu.com for more on the NFL Free Agency!

Smith on Trade Block

Well, my fellow Carolina Panthers fans, it looks like the end is near.

According to multiple reports, it seems that the Panthers are attempting to trade veteran wide receiver Steve Smith. If no trade happens, they'll likely release him.

I think I speak for all of us when I say that my heart is breaking a little.

A move like this makes sense from a business standpoint, which is what general manager Dave Gettleman is all about: business.

Emotionally, it's draining and painful.

Smitty has been arguably the best player to ever put on a Panthers uniform. No player of his caliber would have wasted his prime with the likes of Jake Delhomme throwing him the ball.

So when absolutely no loyalty or emotion is being shown in such a drastic decision, it has to be painful for every true Carolina fan.

Hopefully something happens to keep Smitty in Carolina.

Hakeem Nicks as a Carolina Panther?

One of the top things the Carolina Panthers need is a go-to wide receiver. Luckily for them, both the upcoming draft and free agency are full of receivers that could make a serious impact.

Also lucky for them is the fact that one of the top free agent receivers, Hakeem Nicks, could likely end up in a Panthers uniform.

When asked about where he thinks he'll go, Nicks said he could "see himself catching passes from Cam Newton." He also mentioned Andrew Luck and Philip Rivers. Nicks seems to be fond of the color blue.

Nicks could be a good or bad addition. He's said he wants a long-term deal, which may be something Carolina can't afford. He's proven that he can be a great asset to the passing game, but he's also proven that he is injury-prone and sometimes drops easy catches.

With Steve Smith, soon to be 35, being the only threat in the passing game outside of tight end Greg Olsen, and Brandon LaFell and Ted Ginn set to be free agents (hopefully Ginn will be re-signed), Nicks is a possibility for the Panthers, but he's also a huge question mark.

What's your opinion on Nicks?

A Quick Update

Hey everyone, first off I just wanna thank anyone who reads my blogs. You guys are why I do this.

Second, I wanna apologize for not being very active on here, especially as of late. Between school, writing for grandstandu.com (go check them out!) and family, along with there not being too much stuff to discuss about the Panthers that I haven't already discussed, it's tough to write on here on a consistent basis.

From now on, my goal is at the very least, one story per week. Hopefully I'll be able to do two. Come football season, this blog will be much more active!

I now have a Facebook and Twitter account. My twitter name is @FirstandGlenn. Go friend and follow me if you want.

Thank you all again. I appreciate the support that I've received.

Keep pounding!

Panthers Resign Gano, Franchise Tag Hardy

With only nine days left before free agency, it's about time the Carolina Panthers began making some moves.

With 21 players set to become free agents, the Panthers need to resign quite a few if they hope to build on the success of last season. They took a step in the right direction this week by resigning kicker Graham Gano to a four-year deal and placing the franchise tag on defensive end Greg Hardy, A.K.A. "The Kraken."

Gano and Hardy were two players that highly contributed to Carolina's shocking 12-4 season. Gano became one of the top kickers in the game, having the highest touchback rate (77.8) since 1994 and making all six of his field goals attempted from 50 plus yards.

Hardy earned the nickname "The Kraken" this season after having a standout year, leading the team in sacks with 15. His 15 sacks also ranked third in the league behind the Colts' Robert Mathis and the Rams' Robert Quinn.

Gano's deal is worth $12.4 million, while the franchise tag on Hardy will cost the team around the same price. The only difference is the franchise tag only keeps Hardy around for one more season, so while Gano's money will be split by year, Hardy will get all that money this upcoming year season.

What do you think about Carolina's decision to place the franchise tag on Greg Hardy?