Keyshawn wants to be a Panther
http://www.charlotte.com/mld/charlotte/14105935.htm
PAT YASINSKAS
pyasinskas@charlotteobserver.com
Free agent wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson said twice Wednesday afternoon he'd like to play for the Carolina Panthers.
The bigger question might be if the Panthers are interested in Johnson.
The team has a long-standing policy of not commenting on free-agent interest.
Johnson told the Fort Worth Star Telegram he had spoken with the Panthers. On Sirius NFL Radio an hour later, Johnson said he had not talked to any teams yet. But he went on to list several teams he thought might be good fits and the Panthers were on the list. Johnson also singled out quarterback Jake Delhomme and receiver Steve Smith as players he'd like to play with.
In the radio interview, Johnson also said there was a good chance he would re-sign with the Dallas Cowboys, who released him Tuesday in a salary cap move.
The flamboyant Johnson might not seem like the type of player the image-conscious Panthers normally would pursue. But Carolina offensive coordinator Dan Henning had a good relationship when they worked together with the Jets and he could be Johnson's biggest advocate. Johnson frequently has said Henning is the best coordinator he ever played for.
The Panthers are looking for help at wide receiver and, at least, want someone to challenge Keary Colbert for the starting job opposite Smith.
Colbert's production was mediocre last season and the Panthers would like to have offensive weapons other than Smith.
Pairing Johnson with Smith could be a good fit because the Panthers would be able to capitalize on Smith's speed and Johnson's size. At 6-foot-4 and 211 pounds, Johnson is a strong possession receiver. He had 71 catches for 839 yards and six touchdowns for the Dallas Cowboys last year.
Although Johnson may seem like a fit on the field, the Panthers likely would want assurances Johnson would fit in the locker room. Johnson had a well-publicized feud with Tampa Bay coach John Gruden that led to his departure from the Bucs after the 2003 season. While with the Jets early in his career, Johnson often was outspoken when he didn't feel enough passes were being thrown his way.
Johnson's age, 34, and asking price also could keep the Panthers from making a strong move. Johnson said he turned down an offer of $2.5 million for this year to stay with the Cowboys.
PAT YASINSKAS
pyasinskas@charlotteobserver.com
Free agent wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson said twice Wednesday afternoon he'd like to play for the Carolina Panthers.
The bigger question might be if the Panthers are interested in Johnson.
The team has a long-standing policy of not commenting on free-agent interest.
Johnson told the Fort Worth Star Telegram he had spoken with the Panthers. On Sirius NFL Radio an hour later, Johnson said he had not talked to any teams yet. But he went on to list several teams he thought might be good fits and the Panthers were on the list. Johnson also singled out quarterback Jake Delhomme and receiver Steve Smith as players he'd like to play with.
In the radio interview, Johnson also said there was a good chance he would re-sign with the Dallas Cowboys, who released him Tuesday in a salary cap move.
The flamboyant Johnson might not seem like the type of player the image-conscious Panthers normally would pursue. But Carolina offensive coordinator Dan Henning had a good relationship when they worked together with the Jets and he could be Johnson's biggest advocate. Johnson frequently has said Henning is the best coordinator he ever played for.
The Panthers are looking for help at wide receiver and, at least, want someone to challenge Keary Colbert for the starting job opposite Smith.
Colbert's production was mediocre last season and the Panthers would like to have offensive weapons other than Smith.
Pairing Johnson with Smith could be a good fit because the Panthers would be able to capitalize on Smith's speed and Johnson's size. At 6-foot-4 and 211 pounds, Johnson is a strong possession receiver. He had 71 catches for 839 yards and six touchdowns for the Dallas Cowboys last year.
Although Johnson may seem like a fit on the field, the Panthers likely would want assurances Johnson would fit in the locker room. Johnson had a well-publicized feud with Tampa Bay coach John Gruden that led to his departure from the Bucs after the 2003 season. While with the Jets early in his career, Johnson often was outspoken when he didn't feel enough passes were being thrown his way.
Johnson's age, 34, and asking price also could keep the Panthers from making a strong move. Johnson said he turned down an offer of $2.5 million for this year to stay with the Cowboys.
posted by The Gryphon at 10:45 PM
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