Adi

Kunalic

A 2007 fifth-round pick by the Chiefs, Medlock drilled 49-of-55 field goal attempts as an All-Star in the CFL last season. The cap-strapped Panthers are now carrying Medlock and Adi Kunalic behind high-dollar starter Olindo Mare, who came under fire for critical misses last season.

Kunalic was brought in during the last few weeks of the season to compete with struggling K Olindo Mare after impressing in training camp. The Panthers chose to give K Justin Medlock a look over the former undrafted Nebraska Cornhusker.

Undrafted out of Nebraska, Kunalic impressed Carolina’s coaching staff with a strong leg in training camp. Olindo Mare remains on the 53-man roster, though Kunalic will push him in practices this week. “We just think it’s a good time to bring in and let him compete,” explained GM Marty Hurney.

Mare didn’t attempt any field goals in Week 15, but did make all four of his extra points. He’s still on thin ice due to his 76.0 conversion rate on field goals this season.

The Panthers added Kunalic three weeks ago to compete with a struggling Olindo Mare, but they’re yet to go to Kunalic in a game. There are no surprises on the inactive list: QB Jimmy Clausen, C Jeff Byers, DT Andre Neblett, DE Charles Johnson, LB Omar Gaither and S Jordan Pugh. As previously reported, Brandon LaFell is starting in place of Legedu Naanee (injured reserve, foot).

“I think bringing Adi back has maybe helped him to refocus,” explained Rivera. The Panthers plan to keep Kunalic around throughout the offseason and training camp, so Mare can’t afford to stumble next summer. His 2011 performance should have GM Marty Hurney thinking twice about handing out $4 million guaranteed to a kicker.