Eric Davis wants to be a Panther again

This is from the print version of the Rock Hill Herald so there is no link as of this moment. They usually update their site later in the day.

Ex-Panther Davis attempting return after exile in Denver

Darin Gantt
The Rock Hill Herald

At some point this offseason the Carolina Panthers could look to their past to fill one of their present holes. Former Panther CB Eric Davis, who spent last year with the Denver Broncos, said Wednesday that he's talked to the Panthers and would be very interested in playing here again.

"Charlotte's home now", Davis said. "I've been talking to those guys and we'll see what happens."

Davis said that the Panthers were one of three teams he's considering playing for next year. He didn't want to name the other two, and also said that there were other teams making offers.

The Panthers could certainly use him. The only CB on the roster with any playing experience is former first round pick Rashard Anderson, who struggled last year and was replaced in the lineup by Jimmy Hitchcock midway through the season. However, Hitchcock and fellow starter Doug Evans were released February 22. The only other CBs on the roster are untested Reggie Harper and Deveron Harper and young journeyman Cordell Taylor, who recently signed from the Edmonton Eskimos of the CFL.

Davis, 34, spent five seasons with the Panthers (1996-2000) marked by productivity and consistency. A Pro Bowler in 1996 he intercepted 5 passes in each of his five seasons here, tying an NFL record.

Prior to last season, he was released and signed with the Denver Broncos. Instead of starting as he expected, he found himself backing up young CBs such as Deltha O'Neal and playing special teams, something he hadn't done since his earliest years in the league with SF.

"I'll never do that again," Davis said of the extended seperation. "I found out in a hurry that I don't function well without my family."

But the time there wasn't without benefit. Davis said he wasn't seeing much time at CB --- where he had always played --- he spent time studying the safety postitions and feels like he could play there as well. Other corners, such as Baltimore's Rod Woodson, have made the same switch later in their careers.

"Basically I was a coach out there last year, so I kept myself occupiedlearning other things.", Davis said. "Would I mind playing safety? No. My whole career I've been out at the left corner, which is the hot corner. I've been in the heat before and that experience would allow me to do it."

"Besides," he added with a laugh, "I feel great because I didn't do too much last year."

Last year he played for little more that $500,000 with the Broncos. This year, the Panthers could take advantage of a new loophole in the CBA that would have him count less than that toward this year's cap.

The Panthers could sign Davis for one year at the base salary of a 10 year vet minimum of $750,000. But so long as the signing bonus isn't more than $25,000 or the deal isn't full of incentives, it would count just $450,000 against the cap.

Though Davis said he'd like to get something settled soon, the Panthers aren't in a rush to sign players this offseason as in the past.

They've spoken to other CBs including another former Panther -- Emmanuel McDaniel of the NY Giants. McDaniel was here in 1996 and recorded 6 INTs as the Giants nickelback in 2000. They have also inquired about Chicago CB Walt Harris.

 

Bring him. Perfect spot for him.

 

Read the same thing in the Observer. I like it. He'll help the young guys, thinks he can play safety. Will come fairly cheap. All of it sounds good to me.

 

Oh yes! Davis comeback!

 

Thumbs up for me.

 

One one hand, I'd like to see him retire a Panther. On the other, I'd like to forget the past and move on with youth.
I am indifferent?

 

Eric Davis wants to be a Panther again?

Then so be it. Bring him on as a starter if need be or a nickel if it comes to it. Preferrably a starter for one yr.

 

Why bring him back he's used up. Why sign someone who can at least keep up to a reciever without holding.

 

Why? well IMO I think he still has enough skill to start in this league and on this team. Look at Otis Smith of the Patriots.... 36 yrs old and still starting and playing at a high level... yes mainly because of a decent pass-ruch up there but he still started over younger faster guys..... and IMHO he isn't as good as Davis then or now.

It's called veteran savy and Davis has that. Give him a pass-rush and he won't need to stay with WR's 30yds downfield. I think Fox will manufacture a pass-rush or draft us one.

 

League Minimum with bonus incentives


Hopefully the new Sheriff will change this, but right now, the Panthers are attractive to any guy wanting to wind down his career and get paid a bunch of money to do it... (or not)