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Panthers Ink DE Tyler Brayton

By Brinson | March 5, 2008

If it seems like we’re building a hefty collection of mid-level talent along the lines, well, it’s because we are. We’re trying to make sure we don’t get caught with our pants down like we have the past few years when injuries strike and we end up with not enough push on either the offensive or defensive line to actually compete.

With that in mind, the Cats signed former first round pick Tyler Brayton who didn’t do much of anything (six career sacks) with the Raiders since they took him at 32 overall back in ‘03.

“He’s really, really excited about coming to Carolina,” said his agent, Tom Mills.

I’m sure he is, Tom. (We’ll find out just how excited when we hear how much he’s getting paid.) People are going to freak out about our level of interest so far in the free agent market but remember, this is the same economical system that just gave Keary Colbert a $2.5 million signing bonus.

It is interesting to note too, that Brayton rejected an offer from the Colts to come to Charlotte, feeling that “he’ll have a chance to get more reps in Carolina.” That’s fairly spicy as well, given that Robert Mathis and Dwight Freeney, while probably more talented/valuable overall than Peppers and Rucker, are about equally as entrenched.

It’s classic Foxy — taking a shot at a former first rounder, who might have been miscoached, for cheap value — although sometimes (see: this blog) it doesn’t work.