Fourteen Panthers set to become free agents
Max Henson Staff Writer
Charlotte, NC March 7, 2013 – Below is a rundown of the Panthers set to hit free agency on March 12.
Unrestricted — Unrestricted free agents have completed four or more accrued seasons (six or more regular-season games on a club’s active/inactive, reserved/injured or reserve/physically unable to perform lists). They are free to sign with any team with no draft choice compensation owed to his old team.
Anderson has backed up quarterback Cam Newton for the past two seasons. He’s played in four games over that two-year span. He was 4-for-4 on pass attempts in 2012. He didn’t attempt a pass in 2011. Anderson started nine games for the Arizona Cardinals in 2010 after spending the previous four seasons with the Cleveland Browns. His stint in Cleveland was highlighted by a Pro Bowl campaign in 2007, when he threw for 3,787 yards and 29 touchdowns.
After recording two sacks in 12 games played in 2011 – his first season in Carolina – Applewhite was hamstrung by injury in 2012. A right hamstring injury limited him to just five games played with three starts. He tallied six tackles and one sack.
A fifth round pick by the Panthers in 2008, Barnidge played sparingly in his first three years before spending the entire 2011 season on injured reserve due to a fractured left fibula and dislocated left ankle. He returned to action in 2012 and recorded six catches for 78 yards and one touchdown – the first touchdown of his career.
DT Dwan Edwards
After Edwards was released by the Buffalo Bills during their final roster cutdown, the defensive tackle became a valuable contributor on the Panthers defensive line. He started 14 games in 2012 and ranked third among NFL defensive tackles with a career-high six sacks, giving him 11.5 for his career.
TE Ben Hartsock
Hartsock – a nine-year pro – served as a blocking tight end for the past two seasons in Carolina. He’s played in 30 games with seven starts over that span. Hartsock recorded two catches for 30 yards in 2012.
A second round pick by the Panthers in 2009, Martin was the team’s starting free safety from 2010-11. He was not a starter in 2012, but recorded 23 tackles and three passes defensed in 12 appearances. His season ended when he suffered a torn right anterior cruciate ligament and medial collateral ligament at Kansas City in Week 13.
Munnerlyn drew praise for his work in the slot as a nickel corner in his fourth season. He recorded two interceptions and returned both for touchdowns. Munnerlyn – who played in all 16 games with 11 starts – also tallied a career-high 61 tackles in 2012.
WR Louis Murphy
After spending his first three seasons in Oakland, Murphy came to Carolina via trade prior to the 2012 season. He was often used a vertical threat and played in all 16 games, recording 25 receptions for 336 yards and one touchdown.
Phillips has provided depth at the linebacker position and was the Panthers’ leading special teams tackler in 2012 with 16 stops. He also made the first two starts of his career when James Anderson was out due to injury.
After four years with the Indianapolis Colts, Pollak signed with the Panthers prior to the 2012 season but he only managed to play in the season opener. Pollack landed on injured reserve with a right shoulder injury.
LB Jordan Senn
Senn announced via twitter on Wednesday that he’s agreed to rejoin the Panthers for the 2013 season. He served as the Panthers’ special teams captain in 2012 – his fourth season in Carolina. He played in all 16 games for the second year in a row and ranked second on the team with 15 special teams stops.
Restricted – Players with three accrued seasons become restricted free agents when their contracts expire.
Signed as an undrafted free agent in 2010, Neblett has been in the defensive tackle rotation for the past three seasons. After serving a four-game suspension for violating the league policy for performance enhancing substances at the start of the 2012 season, Neblett went on to play in 11 games with two starts.
CB Nate Ness
Ness spent the entire 2012 season on injured reserve with a concussion. He’s played in eight games in his career.
Exclusive rights – A player with an expiring contract who has less than three accrued seasons. The club can make a tender offer of a one-year contract at that player’s appropriate league minimum in order to retain the rights to the player for the upcoming league year. The exclusive right player cannot negotiate or sign with another team.
TE/FB Richie Brockel
Brockel has played fullback, tight end and special teams in his two years with the Panthers. He’s played in 27 career games with two starts.
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