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Carolina Panthers News and Coverage for the Digital Age

Alan Ball Playing Hardball?

Carolina Panthers fans hoping for free agency intrigue likely didn’t have this in mind. Cornerback Alan Ball, a name unfamiliar to many before this week, has gone from done deal to leaving town without one.The two sides had the parameters of an agreement in place Thursday morning, but according to a league source, Ball continued to weigh his options. After meeting with Panthers officials Thursday night, Ball left Charlotte on Friday, still unsigned.The latest twist doesn’t mean the eight-year veteran won’t eventually end up with the Panthers, who are looking to check cornerback off their pre-draft shopping list. But waiting for the bouncing Ball to come to a stop provides at least a little bit of drama in what has been a relatively quiet two weeks.

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  • Keoni Pleasants

    I really hope not, guy hasn’t done enough to do so unless another team is that desperate. The CBA already has rules in place to give a player a raise if he outperforms his current deal (I’m pretty sure there may be stipulations), look at Josh Norman.

  • Keoni Pleasants

    I really hope not, guy hasn’t done enough to do so unless another team is that desperate. The CBA already has rules in place to give a player a raise if he outperforms his current deal (I’m pretty sure there may be stipulations), look at Josh Norman.

  • Panthers/Truth

    It’s fine with me if Ball never signs, they were paying him twice what he’s worth anyway.

    So, take half that money and sign Bengals FA S/OLB Taylor Mays (6’3 1/8″, 230, 34″ arms, 10 1/8″ hands, an “official” 4.42-40, with “unofficial” 40 times of 4.24, 4.31, and 4.34, a 1.45-10, and a 41″ vertical), who’s a 27 year old, 5 year veteran, whit great speed, and low mileage, who’s looking for more playing time. He could be the combo OLB/S (nickle DB) that’s so hard to find you can count them on 1 hand, with fingers left over, and could replace both Klien at OLB, and the nickle DB, as an all in one starter. Mays also plays special teams.

    Then take the other half of the money and sign FA CB/S Tommie Campbell (6’2 7/8″, 200, 4.31-40), who lost a close battle for the Titans 2nd starting CB job in 2012 and 2013, to last years big FA signing, CB Alterraun Verner.

  • Panthers/Truth

    It’s fine with me if Ball never signs, they were paying him twice what he’s worth anyway.

    So, take half that money and sign Bengals FA S/OLB Taylor Mays (6’3 1/8″, 230, 34″ arms, 10 1/8″ hands, an “official” 4.42-40, with “unofficial” 40 times of 4.24, 4.31, and 4.34, a 1.45-10, and a 41″ vertical), who’s a 27 year old, 5 year veteran, whit great speed, and low mileage, who’s looking for more playing time. He could be the combo OLB/S (nickle DB) that’s so hard to find you can count them on 1 hand, with fingers left over, and could replace both Klien at OLB, and the nickle DB, as an all in one starter. Mays also plays special teams.

    Then take the other half of the money and sign FA CB/S Tommie Campbell (6’2 7/8″, 200, 4.31-40), who lost a close battle for the Titans 2nd starting CB job in 2012 and 2013, to last years big FA signing, CB Alterraun Verner.

  • john D

    I think the issue with signing Ball may be the Panthers are trying to low ball him on a contract being he is coming off injury and has yet to really show his ability for all but 2 seasons (2010 with Dallas and 2013 with Jacksonville) and Ball may feel he knows he can and his bicep injury will not hamper him in 2015. Let’s face it, this is probably Balls last NFL contract and he might be looking for a four year deal.
    I like the Norman, White, Benewikere trio, but none of them have been able to start all 16 games or play very consistently. I’d like to see Ball signed by the Panthers, even if he doesn’t make the starting roster he sure has the ability to challenge Norman, White, and Benewikere. Competition at the position will make everyone better.

  • john D

    I think the issue with signing Ball may be the Panthers are trying to low ball him on a contract being he is coming off injury and has yet to really show his ability for all but 2 seasons (2010 with Dallas and 2013 with Jacksonville) and Ball may feel he knows he can and his bicep injury will not hamper him in 2015. Let’s face it, this is probably Balls last NFL contract and he might be looking for a four year deal.
    I like the Norman, White, Benewikere trio, but none of them have been able to start all 16 games or play very consistently. I’d like to see Ball signed by the Panthers, even if he doesn’t make the starting roster he sure has the ability to challenge Norman, White, and Benewikere. Competition at the position will make everyone better.

  • koda57

    Ball has an incentive to play here hence we have the best defense in the league ( I hope, LOL )..
    He may be afraid he won’t get to play here. Norman & Bene done great with Jones at nickle. I’m sure he could give Norman & Bene a run for their positions but he’d have to be pretty good IMO.
    I’m well satisfied with our secondary but Ball could add more depth and really solidify the backfield.
    I wanna see a LT, WR & RB in the draft and not necessarily in that order. Signing Ball could help put more emphasizes on those positions.

  • koda57

    Ball has an incentive to play here hence we have the best defense in the league ( I hope, LOL )..
    He may be afraid he won’t get to play here. Norman & Bene done great with Jones at nickle. I’m sure he could give Norman & Bene a run for their positions but he’d have to be pretty good IMO.
    I’m well satisfied with our secondary but Ball could add more depth and really solidify the backfield.
    I wanna see a LT, WR & RB in the draft and not necessarily in that order. Signing Ball could help put more emphasizes on those positions.