On Monday, the Panthers launched their offseason workout program.
Darin Gantt of the Charlotte Observer reports that cornerback Richard Marshall wasn’t there.
But that’s no surprise. Marshall, a restricted free agent, hasn’t signed his one-year tender offer. And with other teams still having 30 days to decide whether to sign restricted free agents to offer sheets, there’s no reason for Marshall to lift weights, throw the medicine ball, run on a treadmill, and/or engage in other non-football exercises with guys who might never be his teammates again.
The only leverage a player ever possesses is the ability to withhold services. Marshall is under no obligation to do anything until he signs a contract, and as he hopes for either an acceptable long-term deal from the Panthers or an offer sheet from another team, he can exercise on his own.
That said, at least one other Panthers RFA has opted to show up, even though he hasn’t signed his tender. Per Gantt, tight end Jeff King signed an injury protection letter, and he is participating in the offseason program.
Of course, the difference between King’s $1.759 million salary for 2010 and the top of the tight end market isn’t nearly as dramatic as the gap between Marshall’s $1.759 million pay and the money he could have made if he were on the open market — as he would have been if there had been a salary cap.
Can’t blame Marshall here. CB’s are one of the positions that are really getting screwed by this process. C’mon, look at the money DB’s like Chris Carr got last year! He doesn’t even start.
man these workouts are VOLUNTARY, why don’t u put that in the article
Whats with all the marshalls refusing to play in the nfl
Voluntary workouts doesn’t mean optional. It is a term in the contract. He can be benched or traded at any time. He can’t be fined.
They screwed him with the 2nd round tender (relatively speaking), but I think while Carolina is desperate for picks there is no way they don’t match an offer for Marshall
The Browns should trade Delhomme for Marshall straight up…makes sense for both teams, right?
The word around here (Cleveland) is that they are going to offer Marshall a contract. The Browns need DB/S help badly and they have been kicking the tires on Marshall…they also have plenty of picks to give up to get a restricted guy…
OK, Marshall for Cribbs or Marshall for Steptoe and Masaqoi (sp?) Sounds good to me.
Panthers need this dude, bad mistake if they dont sign him.