When the Carolina Panthers gave center Justin Hartwig a 5-year, $17 million deal two years ago, the team figured he would anchor the Panthers' rushing attack. It didn't quite turn out that way. Groin injuries ruined him for 2006, which prompted the Panthers to draft Ryan Kalil. After Hartwig suffered more knocks in 2007, the coaching staff penciled Kalil to start at center in 2008, with Hartwig shifting to guard.One problem -- Hartwig still wants to be a center. So he asked the team for a trade to a team that would play him there.
Alas, the Panthers were unable to find a taker, so Hartwig was released yesterday. The move didn't save Carolina any salary cap space, but it does continue a necessary overhaul of the Panthers' offensive line -- one that involves players staying healthier than Hartwig did.
Kalil is expected to start at center with Geoff Hangartner backing him up, while Keydrick Vincent, Jeremy Bridges and Hangartner will compete for the right guard spot. Travelle Wharton is expected to move to left guard, and Jordan Gross will start at one tackle spot. The Panthers are expected to pick either Boise State's Ryan Clady or Pittsburgh's Jeff Otah in the draft to be the other starting tackle. Which of those two would you prefer, Panthers fans?
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