Ryan Kalil Receives Franchise Tag From Panthers in Sound Fiscal Decision

The numbers compiled by NFL.com last week on what franchise tag players at each position would receive should have been revealing enough as to what the Carolina Panthers were going to do with their one franchise tag. They were choosing between three players: center Ryan Kalil, defensive end Charles Johnson and running back DeAngelo Williams.

Johnson, if tagged, would have gotten a whopping $13 million after just one stellar season of sacks and terrific play.

Williams would have collected $9 million, which seems reasonable for a feature running back except he is 28 years old and has some wear.

The choice was Kalil, who was tagged as the franchise player and will make $10 million in a one-year deal, which is the average of the five top paid centers in the NFL. The Panthers do not want any of the three to get out on the open market, but Kalil was the one that made the most sense.

It is not often you see a center get a franchise tag, but the Panthers need superb offensive line play right now. They have a developing quarterback, Jimmy Clausen, and until he gets more traction, the run game is going to be critical.

Kalil is going to be an anchor on an offensive line that struggled with consistency early in the season without tackle Jeff Otah, who was expected to miss a few weeks with an injury, not the entire season. The line became more consistent blocking with the run as the season progressed, but there was not much it could do to prop up the passing game with so many young players.

The risk now is that a tailback-hungry team like the Saints might make a push for Williams. In addition, teams covet players who can rush the passer and Johnson is sure to get some attention

The Panthers have other significant free agents to deal with which include linebackers Thomas Davis and James Anderson, cornerback Richard Marshall, quarterback Matt Moore, defensive tackle Derek Landri and tight ends Jeff King and Dante Rosario.
Kalil told The Charlotte Observer he doesn't think owner Jerry Richardson's alleged spitting match in NFL negotiations with players is going to keep free agents from signing with the Panthers.

"He's definitely somebody that the guys here do like and respect," Kalil said. "I know we went through a rebuilding phase here last year, and it might not look good. But the decisions he and Marty made have inspired some guys, and they want to stay here and make it right."