Jordan

Gross

Gross will remain the Panthers’ starter on the right side. He missed the first minicamp but should be ready for training camp.

Gross struggled to keep DE John Abraham away from QB Jake Delhomme Sunday. “One thing that’s very encouraging is that I don’t think we’ll have a problem with Jordan Gross,” Delhomme said. “Don’t get me wrong, it’s hard during the middle of a game to ask someone to make that switch. But he’s going to get a week’s worth of practice and, if that’s the case, he’ll be up for the challenge and I think we’ll be fine.”

One of the league’s premier blindside protectors, Gross missed practice all week with an ankle injury. Travelle Wharton will kick outside to left tackle with Mackenzy Bernadeau filling in at left guard. Cam Newton is a top-five fantasy play regardless.

Gross has two years left on a six-year deal, and he’s currently due an $8.7 million base salary. Over the cap at the moment, Carolina could clear $6.7 million by cutting Gross. That doesn’t appear to be an option, though, as he’s a key cog on the Panthers’ offensive line. An extension is another way Carolina could make Gross’ contract more salary-cap friendly.

The report indicates Carolina wants Gross to take a pay cut, as opposed to converting salary into a bonus. Gross’ 2013 cap number is $11.7 million, and the Panthers are currently $4 million under the cap. “The Panthers and I are trying to work out the best solution to help this team move forward,” Gross said Saturday.

Coach Ron Rivera called it a successful clean-out. Gross started all 16 games in 2012, and he’s missed just one game over the last three seasons. Pro Football Focus graded him out as a top-20 tackle in 2012. Gross should be ready for training camp.

Gross was scheduled to make $8.7M this season, an untenable number for the cap-strapped Panthers. He’ll now earn $5.5M, and will be able to void his 2014 contract on Feb. 7 of next year. Gross, now entering his age-33 season, was ProFootballFocus’ No. 14 left tackle last season.

Gross’ injury occurred in Week 10 last season, so he’s had plenty of time to recover. The 30-year-old was credited with six sacks allowed in ten 2009 starts. He’ll need to be more effective for Carolina’s passing game to improve.

Gross, 33, restructured his contract in March, essentially voiding the final three years of his deal. He’ll be a free agent on the fifth day of the 2014 league year. “A year later is another year less appealing to go somewhere else,” Gross said. “I’m not worried about the team having leverage on me if I say I’m only playing here. I’m only going to play here.” He was Pro Football Focus’ No. 14 left tackle last season, and he’s entering his 11th year with Carolina.

Gross, 33, spent his entire career with the Panthers after being the eighth overall pick in the 2003 draft. He made it to the Super Bowl as a rookie and made three Pro Bowls. Gross missed just nine starts in his career. He’s leaving the game on top, as Pro Football Focus graded Gross as its No. 3 left tackle in 2013. It’s a big blow for the Panthers. Gross was set to become a free agent in two weeks but had stated he’d only consider playing for Carolina. He clearly didn’t feel he had enough left in the tank to make it through another grueling training camp and 16-game schedule. The Panthers are now in the market for two starting tackles. RT Byron Bell has been a major liability and is a restricted free agent.