We speculated on Thursday that there were three possibilities for Carolina’s franchise tag, and Florio even asked Ron Rivera about the decision. (Rivera only confirmed they will use the tag.)
Well, it looks like we can eliminate one candidate: DeAngelo Williams.
Jason La Canfora of NFL Network reports the Panthers will likely choose between center Ryan Kalil and defensive end Charles Johnson for their tag. They are seen as tougher players to replace than Williams.
La Canfora’s source says money is not a factor here; just which player they want to protect most against the open market. While Johnson had a quietly effective season, Kalil looks like the pick to us. He would make a killing as an unrestricted free agent.
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Let the man take out his trash!!!
Why would they tag him with all the depth they have at RB? Seems like a “Duh” decision to me.
I’m okay with Kalil getting the franchise tag if Johnson has already agreed to a future contract to stay with the Panthers.
I’ll miss you DeAngelo Williams.
You can re-sign too if you want. 
I have a feeling John Fox might come calling to Williams though. Damn you John Fox!
This guy should be all over Miami’s radar! Explosive, big play RB which that team desperately needs. Forget Mark Ingram, reminds me allot of Ronnie Brown in terms of explosiveness. Williams is a game changer, go get him!
This is a no-brainer, why would you waste money tagging a RB when you can replace him with a 6th or 7th round pick? He is good, but no AP.
I am sure the Indianapolis Mannings have their eye on this situation. Time to get Manning an every down back. If Williams can stay healthy he is one of the top backs in the league.
@ medialovesthecowboys
I laughed out loud on that one…. it was exactly what I was thinking
I can see him landing in Miami.
Forget Williams I want to see Ryan Kalil as a free agent and see Ross though the bank at him.
We could use someone up in Detroit to fill in for Jahvid Best on 1st & 2nd down…
welcome to Denver DeAngelo!
…or maybe they won’t use the tag on him because they already know we will re-sign with us? I know that’s hard for all the NFC East fans to fathom, but guys actually like playing for Carolina, we treat people right.
Truth is, with Stewart and Goodson, DeAngelo is the most expendable of the 3 main tag candidates.
I hope the Panthers find a way to keep him. Having a triple threat in the backfield is a blessing and would allow the staff to concentrate fully on other areas during the offseason.
But Kalil must be tagged, it’s a given.