([i7fee9db]Boston - AP Newswire[/i7fee9db]) - GM flere-imsaho and the Panthers brass were on hand to introduce 6 newly-signed rookies from this year's draft. Noticeably absent, however, was first round pick Claude McCullough, with whom the Panthers have been unable to come to terms.
"We're still working with McCullough and his agent, and I'm sure we can come to terms" said GM imsaho, before moving on to introductions. "I don't see this as a big issue at the moment" said McCullough's agent, Anthony D'Arcy. "The two sides aren't far from an agreement, and I'm sure we can get this wrapped up by training camp."
Before the season there was speculation that the Panthers would need to move some big contracts in order to free up cap space for McCullough. Instead, it looks like GM imsaho has been working hard, renegotiating the contracts of [b7fee9db]RB Jason Robinson, FB Otis Austin, DE Willie Meyers, DT Lawrence Hiatt, ILB Brad Jefferson[/b7fee9db] and [b7fee9db]OLB David Mattos[/b7fee9db] to clear up the necessary space. Furthermore, long-time defensive leader [b7fee9db]DT Terrence Musgrave[/b7fee9db] and [b7fee9db]LB Joseph Boring[/b7fee9db] were cut.
Signing their rookie contracts were:
[b7fee9db]ILB Monty Pinkney[/b7fee9db] - 3 yr/$1.17M
[b7fee9db]K Victor Hoke[/b7fee9db] - 3 yr/$1.25M
[b7fee9db]P Dixon Grabovez[/b7fee9db] - 3 yr/$1.28M
[b7fee9db]RB Kennedy Irwin[/b7fee9db] - 4 yr/$2.15M
[b7fee9db]CB B.J. Baker[/b7fee9db] - 4 yr/$2.59M
[b7fee9db]TE Grady Greene[/b7fee9db] - 4 yr/$4.61M
[b7fee9db]Pinkney, Irwin, Baker[/b7fee9db] and [b7fee9db]Greene [/b7fee9db]all fill areas of need for the Panthers, while [b7fee9db]Hoke [/b7fee9db]and [b7fee9db]Grabovez [/b7fee9db]will enter training camp doing battle with established veterans for a job. Rumor from the Boston organization indicates that [b7fee9db]Irwin [/b7fee9db]may fight [b7fee9db]Jason Robinson[/b7fee9db] for a spot, which, depending on the status of star [b7fee9db]William Sheehan[/b7fee9db], may be a starting one.
"We've got a lot more work to do before training camp, and I expect the complexion of the team to change a fair amount, so hold on to your seats" said GM flere-imsaho at the end of the press conference.
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