Gross

It does not look likely that offensive tackle Jordan Gross is going to get his long-term deal from the Panther according to Rock Hill Herald.  The paper points out that Gross is almost for sure going to play out the one-year franchise tender at $7.45 million, then it will be up to the team to either let Gross become a free agent next season, or again slap the franchise tag on him in 09.  The tag in 09 would be worth about $8.94 million, so it would make more sense to get him signed long-term.

Gross has started all 80 games in his pro career, and will only be 28 years old next week, meaning he’s got a lot of years left.  He signed the franchise tender back in March, giving the team and player plenty of time to work out a deal, but yet here with hours left before they cannot negoiate anymore, Gross remains stuck with just a deal that pays him through this season.