Here’s the latest from Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com:
- In a recent interview, Panthers GM Dave Gettleman discussed the Josh Norman situation and had some bold words for player agents. “I’d like to think agents have figured out they can’t scare me; they can’t squeeze me. I’m not going to panic. It’s a waste of time,” he said. More than one player rep found that quote to be off-putting, La Canfora writes, especially since the team – with a couple of exceptions – has yet to really make good on the talk of reallocating the money that would have gone to Norman. While Ryan Kalil and Michael Oher both have new deals, the Kawann Short situation looms large in Charlotte and people in the football world are now paying extra close attention to how it plays out. Ultimately, La Canfora feels that many of Gettleman’s words would have been better left unsaid. I’m inclined to agree, though I have a hard time imagining a scenario in which players and agents become unwilling to sign with the Panthers as a result.
- There are a lot of people in the NFL world who are breathing a sigh of relief now that the Saints ownership battle appears to be over. Last week, owner Tom Benson reached an accord with his estranged heirs that will keep Benson in power and put the legal turmoil behind him. The settlement still requires the approval of the league’s owners, but La Canfora believes that Benson is unlikely not to get the OK of 24 of his peers. Still, even if the team winds up in the hands of wife Gayle Benson, some owners will be concerned about her ability to manage the organization long-term.
- La Canfora doesn’t see the Jets coming up with solutions to truly placate disgruntled stars Ryan Fitzpatrick and Muhammad Wilkerson. Recently, Wilkerson lashed out at the Jets and opined that the team doesn’t truly want him back. Meanwhile, things remain at a stalemate between the Jets and Fitzpatrick.