Free agent signee becomes latest in line of great Carolina LBs
By "Bucky Katz"

Off-Season 2113 (Charlotte) - The Carolina Panthers announced the signing of former Buffalo Bills LB Wortham Stargell last night to a six year deal averaging $17 million per season.

Stargell becomes the latest in a long line of great Carolina Panthers LBs under the watch of GM 'Trader' Lee Remley. Fast, strong, and quick out of the box is a description of all the great Carolina backers of the past.

'Stargell puts us back in the hunt,' Remley commented at the new conference announcing the signing. 'There's not a big difference in this division between 5-9 and 9-5 the way we beat each other and the rest of the league up. One solid move can make a big difference.'

Tackle Bruce Parrish, the other free agent the Panthers went after, decided to go back to the New York football Giants, which was a disappointment to the GM.

'We have been disappointed with the quality of offensive linemen the last few drafts,' Remley said. 'It seems like the best way to acquire talent there the last several years is in free agency.'

Stargell's first task in Carolina is to work with linebackers coach Chris Taylor to get familiar with the new 4-6 defense that the Panthers are installing this season. Also known as the 'Bear' defense (despite the fact the Bears didn't use it last season), it takes advantage of the skills of Wortham and holdover Ron Goeas.

The Panthers also switched to a Pro Set offense as well, after using the West Coast offense for their entire history in Carolina. They hope to take advantage of the strong running game with HB Robert Hickman and FB Gerald Thomas now that their WR corps isn't as deep as it has been the last few years.

Also it has been said by many a fan that QB Rhett Pankey is no Kevin Jones. On the other hand, there aren't many like the retired Carolina signal caller who has recently signed on as the Panthers QB coach.

Will the changes mean a return to prominence in Carolina, even for a season or two? We'll find out.