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Wharton

Wharton, who was released by the Bengals on Monday, has met with the Panthers and was scheduled to visit the Broncos. It’s unlikely the Raiders will be able to offer competitive money despite their need for offensive line depth. Unless that changes, Wharton is not expected to work out in Oakland.

Wharton left in the second quarter and did not return, as Carolina shuffled their offensive line in a futile attempt to keep Falcons defenders off QB Jake Delhomme.

Don’t underestimate this loss. Wharton has grown into a solid starter at the most important position on the offensive line. Carolina has no obvious replacement. RT Jordan Gross has tried it before with poor results, and LG Mike Wahle isn’t athletic enough.

Carolina will move right tackle Jordan Gross to the left side in the meantime. The Panthers’ offense was a mess in the first half of 2004 because of offensive line injuries. Wharton is under contract for cheap through 2007 but will need to show he’s healthy to return as a starter.

The Rams have a hole at guard, and could almost certainly offer the long-time Panther a starting job. He has no other known visits lined up.

Wharton is a prime candidate for a restructure or release, as the Panthers are a reported $9.6 million over the cap with exclusive rights and restricted free agents yet to sign. Tackle Byron Bell, who filled in for Jeff Otah last season, would be a candidate to move inside should the Panthers part ways with Wharton.

The move clears over $4 million in salary cap space, which the Panthers need after spending foolishly during the 2011 offseason and setting themselves up to be over the 2012 cap. Wharton, 31 in May, started 99 games across eight years with Carolina. In 2011, Wharton graded out as Pro Football Focus’ No. 38 guard among 77. Wharton shouldn’t struggle to find another shot.

Wharton had also been drawing interest from the Rams. He’s the tight-fisted Bengals’ first signing of free agency and will likely be the team’s starting left guard. Wharton graded out slightly below average in Pro Football Focus’ rankings last season before his $7.6 million cap number earned him his walking papers. He could be a slight upgrade on Nate Livings.

“Jogging off (the field) it locked up on me as I’m leaving the field,” Wharton said. “I tried to get it loosened up. It never would.” Wharton has started all 12 games this season, and 95 for the Panthers since 2004. Graded out as one of the worst left guards in football by Pro Football Focus, Wharton should be considered day-to-day.

Wharton was carted off, but got onto the cart under his own power. There weren’t any obvious signs his injury was severe, but he’ll certainly undergo a battery of tests. Released by the Panthers on the eve of free agency, Wharton signed a three-year deal with the Bengals three days later. He’s backed up by Clint Boling.