NFL Rumors: 3 Contracts Cost-Cutting Panthers Must Rework

The Carolina Panthers used to be called cheap.

However, after extending seven core players last season, the Panthers find themselves in cost-cutting mode for once.

They are $9.7 million over the salary cap, according to the Charlotte Observer.

This means they must either cut and re-sign players or restructure their deals by March 13.

Here's a look at three players whose contracts must be reworked or otherwise must be cut for the Panthers to be under the cap when the new league year starts. 

3. Jimmy Clausen, QB

After the Panthers drafted Cam Newton last year and signed Derek Anderson as his backup, Jimmy Clausen became an afterthought.

The Panthers owe Clausen a $923,000 roster bonus in March. He's played in 13 games since he was drafted in the second round in 2010. In these games, he's averaged just 119 passing yards per game, while completing 52 percent of his passes and throwing three touchdowns to nine interceptions.

I'd be surprised if the Panthers didn't cut Clausen by the deadline.

2. Travelle Wharton, G

Travelle Wharton is due $7.6 million come March 13.

He has played his entire career with the Panthers and has two years left on his contract, but he turns 31 years old in May and the Panthers have plenty of younger, cheaper linemen to replace him.

This includes Byron Bell, who could slide from right tackle if Jeff Otah is healthy.

I expect the Panthers to rework Wharton's contract.

1. Thomas Davis, LB

Thomas Davis is due an $8 million roster bonus in March.

The Panthers extended Davis last season, but in Week 2, he tore the ACL in his right knee for the third time in a 22-month span.

Davis said he's confident the Panthers will work something out with him. I expect them to cut him and then re-sign him for much less. He can't expect too much after being out for 14 games last season.

Read more here: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2012/02/21/3034074/panthers-in-serious-cost-cutting.html#disqus_thread#storylink=cpy