Panthers ink offensive lineman to 85 million dollar deal
By "Bucky Katz"

Off-Season 2154 (Charlotte) - The Carolina Panthers today announced today they have signed former Philadelphia Eagles free agent offensive lineman Taylor Roland to a five year, $17 million per year contract.

Carolina Panthers spokesperson Kaori Sato made the announcement late last night in a hastily arranged press conference.

'The Carolina Panthers have signed Mr. Taylor Roland to a $85 million dollar deal,' Ms. Sato announced to the three or four media types who made the midnight call. 'We expect that he will protect our quarterback quite well with that kind of contract or else.'

'Or else?' Roland said from behind her.

'Yes. Or else.'

It is expected that Roland will be a key component in pass protection and helping to plow the road for former MVP Jim Mason, but that is just conjecture until Roland makes it to Carolina's training camp.

Rumors persist that there are other big deals looming involving this team, but no announcements have been made officially as of yet.

Team watchers are also anxious to see their first round pick, ex-Ohio State QB Joe Brady, whose selection was ballyhooed by other USAFL GMs on draft day, work at camp also and learn the ropes from veteran Travis Zimmerman over the next few seasons. But their third round pick, ex-USC QB Courtney McLemore, may have his own say in the battle for the backup QB as the Panthers picked up the top two signal callers in the draft.

The team's other two draft picks, Stanford FB Chuck Fairchild in the second round, who may make the switch to halfback, and Alabama HB Otto Blake in the fourth round, bolster an aging backfield with some much needed youth.

So there are changes aplenty in Carolina. It remains to be seen if these will get them over the hump and back fighting for a Sundby Cup once again.