Panthers closing in on Baltimore defensive tackle Kemoetu By Darin Gantt The Herald (Published March 11? 2006) CHARLOTTE -- One of the Carolina Panthers own free agents is now on the verge of a huge deal. The Panthers could be on the verge of signing a huge player with the savings. With linebacker Will Witherspoon's bags packed for a string of free agent visits and a rich payday elsewhere, the Panthers were left to fill other holes as free agency started earlier this morning. According to sources with knowledge of the situation, Panthers general manager Marty Hurney was on the phone with the agent for Ma'ake Kemoeatu shortly after today's 12:01 a.m. start to free agency, in an effort to land the massive Baltimore defensive tackle. The 27-year-old Kemoeatu would fit a job description the Panthers have been looking to fill for years. At 6-foot-5, 350 pounds, he's the kind of mammoth inside player that would make them better against the run while at the same time providing cover for the uncertain status of Kris Jenkins. Their other huge defensive tackle has missed most of the last two seasons with knee and shoulder injuries, and their defense struggled to replace him. While since-released Brentson Buckner and Jordan Carstens filled in well at times, they were pushed around (particularly Carstens) in late season games against Dallas and Seattle. Signing Kemoeatu won't be cheap or easy, as he's expected to command a long-term deal worth around $4 million per season, with at least $5 million up front. Also, a number of teams have him on their list, including cap-rich Cleveland and just-plain-rich Washington. Some around the league have him pigeonholed as a 3-4 nose tackle, but he played well for the Ravens in four-man fronts last year. It will take him a few days to get here for any potential visits, since he was spending the weekend at his home on the island of Oahu. The native of Tonga played with Panthers right tackle Jordan Gross at Utah, and his former teammate will likely join the recruiting effort today. Kemoeatu wasn't drafted, and it took him three years to crack the Ravens' starting lineup. But once he did last year, he produced immediately, with 70 tackles, a sack and a forced fumble despite playing in a system that used him mostly as a space-eater. Witherspoon said this week he expected to take four or five trips once he made it to the market. The Panthers made him an offer, slightly less than what they gave Dan Morgan last summer, but Witherspoon's expected to eclipse that elsewhere. New Orleans was geared up to make a major run at him, but the Saints were hardly the only ones. Jacksonville, Minnesota and San Francisco were also mentioned among his pursuers. Safety Marlon McCree's also sorting through several quick offers, though there was late word from the Panthers that they might try to retain him. Same goes with punter Jason Baker, though he isn't expected to make any visits until next week, since he's on a family vacation.
The players that can help us the most are getting signed by others. I know that want to get cheap deals but you have to pay someone something.
But the NT is the glue to the 3-4, Ted would be nice but I just wanted a NT that would be here for more than 2 years
I don't see what the fuss is about getting Mount Washington. If we draft an NT in round 3 or 4 this year Ted could really teach the draftee and a guy like Pouha alot. Ted has experience in the system Mangini would like to use.
If thats the case than DRobs tenure here might be over. He either plays the nose or he dosent play at all IMO. Thats his only position in a 3-4. I dont think hes built to play end...his physical attributes directly contradict those of a 3-4 end, and he has no experience there either.
Actually, he is a great fit at end on a 3-4 D. He has the ability to rush the passer and the ability with his size....6-3 315lb to tie up defenders so the LB's can make the play. He is either suited to play the 3 technique in our old D, which he is only effectieve with a guy like Teddy or Fergy next to him, or an end on a 3-4. he is not geared to play NT in either a 3-4 or a 4-3.. 3 tequinque or end!! but he is a perfect fit for both
Just because you think the FO should sign a player does not mean they think the same way. Maybe they did not like Kemoetu, Washington, Bentley, or Shaffer. It could be they are looking at a player in the draft or another FA. Or they tried to sign one, but another team outbid them and the FO did not want to shell out the money. They have been planning for the offseason for months, and have seen all the scouting reports. They have had meetings and know the type of team they are putting together. Everyone just has to be patient, and look at the off-season as a whole after the draft. Then we have to see how it translate to the regular season. It is only the first day of the offseason people.
Hes about 6'2, 320. Good ends are about 6'5, 300ish. Good NTs are about his size, see Vince Wilfork, or Casey Hampton. His compact frame is good for getting under the pads of an opposing linemen, essential for the nose. You cant just put a 4-3 DT at 3-4 end....see Warren Sapp. By your logic he shouldve been the ideal 3-4 end, but obviously, he ended up sucking big time.
This is a good move for the Panthers. Knew we werent going to get him anyway. Hopefully they will bring on Fat Teddy. Surprised that the Panthers kind of came out of no-where to sign him.
Rucker/Kemo/Jenkins/Peppers = best DL in football. they are going to wreak so much havoc, it's scary. cheers
