CHARLOTTE, NC - JANUARY 03: Head coach John Fox of the Carolina Panthers smiles as he walks around before the start of their game against the New Orleans Saints at Bank of America Stadium on January 3, 2010 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** John Fox
Streeter Lecka
Panthers coach John Fox isn’t one to reveal too much to the media, so his reasoning to the recent trade of safety Chris Harris for linebacker Jamar Williams was telling.
“We’ve got a budget,” Fox said. “And that had something to do with it.”
That’s been obvious in Carolina all offseason. The Panthers have been slashing payroll, saying goodbye to Jake Delhomme, Julius Peppers, Brad Hoover, Damione Lewis, Maake Kemoeatu, Na’il Diggs, and Keydrick Vincent.
Every team has a budget, but the Panthers appear to be preparing for a possible lockout more than most. And it’s probably not an easy step for Fox, who usually relies on veterans.
According to Steve Reed of the Gaston Gazette, only 17 players on Carolina’s 86-man roster are 26 years old or older.
Fox actually sounds enthused over the roster and perhaps motivated to show he can win with a no-name group. We’re not sure the fans will be quite as excited.