As Panthers cornerback Captain Munnerlyn heads toward free agency for a second straight year, he’s heard nothing from the team about a new contract. And he’s surprised.
Well, more than surprised.
“It’s been real quiet, which is shocking,” Munnerlyn told Joseph Person of the Charlotte Observer. “I don’t know what’s going on. I’m just waiting. I guess they’re going to let everyone hit free agency. I don’t think they’ve talked to anybody, yet -- not even Greg Hardy. That’s a shocker to me. I guess they’re going to see what the market value of people is and go from there.”
The Panthers still have three weeks before the agents for the team’s free agents officially can talk to other teams. (Unofficially, the process starts this week, at the Scouting Combine.) Last time, Munnerlyn rejected a three-year deal from the Panthers before looking around and eventually signing a one-year deal.
“I think I had one of my best years,” Munnerlyn said. “And I think my market value will be a little bit better than last year. I want to stay with the Carolina Panthers because that’s the team that drafted me. I love the organization, and I feel that’s the best team that fits me personality-wise. I love the coaching staff. I want to stay there.”
Three other key defensive backs also are due to hit free agency -- safety Mike Mitchell, safety Quintin Mikell, and cornerback Drayton Florence. With only so many dollars to go around, the Panthers will have some difficult decisions to make.
Still, the lack of communication shouldn’t trouble anyone yet. Especially not Hardy, since it’s possible no communication will happen until after the Panthers apply the franchise tag.