Potential 2011 Free Agent Class for Carolina Panthers Once Free Agency Begins

The 2011 free agency period is going to be fast, fun and rapid; the Carolina Panthers aren't usually busy during the free agency period, but this year could be different.

If the players vote yes to the new labor agreement, teams will have three days to re-sign their players until free agency begins.

Carolina has a lot of key players they will need to seriously consider re-signing, while also figuring out whether to keep receiver Steve Smith.

This is my opinion of who Carolina should bring in for their 2011 free agent class. 

Thomas Davis, Outside Linebacker

Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

CHARLOTTE, NC - OCTOBER 26: Jerheme Urban #85 of the Arizona Cardinals tries to run away from Thomas Davis #58 of the Carolina Panthers during their game on October 26, 2008 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Le

It's not often I feel sorry for a professional athlete, but I honestly do feel very sorry for Carolina linebacker Thomas Davis.

Davis was drafted as a Safety, played one season at the position, then made the transition to linebacker, putting on a lot of weight and muscle.

It took a couple of years, but Davis was playing as well as any linebacker in the NFL before he went down with a season-ending injury in 2010. 

After months of recovery, he went down with the same injury last season during training camp.

Although its doubtful he can return to how he played in 2010, there is still potential for Davis, who is only 28.

Of all the potential big-name free agents Carolina has, Davis is the most likely, and cheapest option to re-sign with the team.

Charles Johnson, Defensive End

Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images

SEATTLE - DECEMBER 05: Running back Marshawn Lynch #24 of the Seattle Seahawks rushes against Charles Johnson #95 of the Carolina Panthers at Qwest Field on December 5, 2010 in Seattle, Washington. The Seahawks won, 31-14. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty

Raise your hand if coming into the 2011 season, you predicted Julius Peppers' replacement to end the season with 11.5 sacks.

Put your hand down, liar.

Johnson seemingly came out of nowhere to help Panther fans forget all about defensive end Julius Peppers, who ran from Carolina to sign with the Chicago Bears.

Carolina must keep Johnson, who is their only strength at defensive line.

DeAngelo Williams, Running Back

Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

CHARLOTTE, NC - SEPTEMBER 19: DeAngelo Williams #34 of the Carolina Panthers during their game at Bank of America Stadium on September 19, 2010 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

Carolina's "smash and dash" two-headed monster of DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart did not have the same success last season as it did in 2011, but that doesn't mean Carolina should give up on Williams and let him walk.

John Fox was hired in Denver, which lacks in the running game, so there is potential for Williams to sign there, with interest gaining in Miami as well. 

Jake Delhomme, Quarterback

Rick Stewart/Getty Images

ORCHARD PARK, NY - DECEMBER 12: Jake Delhomme #17 and Alex Mack #55 of the Cleveland Browns call signals against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium on December 12, 2010 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)

Before you completely disagree with every opinion that ever comes out of my mouth again, hear me out.

I'm not saying that I expect Carolina to bring back Delhomme, start at quarterback, and save the franchise again like he did in 2003.

God forbid if the Panthers ever gave Jake Delhomme the starting quarterback position again.

However, Carolina is in desperate need of a veteran, mentor quarterback, and I can't think of anyone better then Delhomme, who is expected to be released by Cleveland.

For starters, Carolina would probably be the only team in the league with any interest at all in Delhomme. Also, he would be pretty cheap to bring in.

At one time, Jake Delhomme was the most loved man in North Carolina. He was a hero for all Carolina fans around; bringing him back would give Carolina a sense of hope in returning to the level this team once played at.

Jake Delhomme is done playing in the NFL. The fans, the coaches and Delhomme himself has accepted that. But there is no one better for a mentor role than Delhomme.

Gerard Warren, Defensive Tackle

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 12: Jay Cutler #6 of the Chicago Bears is sacked by Gerard Warren #92 of the New England Patriots at Soldier Field on December 12, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Patriots defeated the Bears 36-7. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Ima

Carolina drafted defensive tackles Terrell McClain and Sione Fua in the third round of the 2011 NFL Draft, but that might not be enough to improve one of the worst defensive lines in the league.

Bringing in a defensive tackle like Warren is exactly what Carolina needs. A cheap, big-bodied veteran who can both mentor and make an impact on the line.

Conerbacks Roderick Hood and Fabian Washington

A couple years back, Carolina made a move and brought in defensive tackles Ma'ake Kemoeatu and Damione Lewis; two average defensive tackles, who together, made an impact.

This year, Carolina should do the same with their cornerback position. 

While signing Jonathan Joseph or another big-name free agent cornerback is always an option, I believe Carolina should do the cheaper option, and sign two average cornerbacks, who together, will make an impact. 

Kevin Burnett, Linebacker

Robert Laberge/Getty Images

SAN DIEGO - JANUARY 17: Linebacker Kevin Burnett #99 of the San Diego Chargers celebrates a play against the New York Jets during the AFC Divisional Playoff Game at Qualcomm Stadium on January 17, 2010 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Robert Laberge/

While Carolina has one of the best linebacker corps in the NFL, they may have to let either James Anderson or Thomas Davis walk. 

If they do choose to let one, or even both, walk, Kevin Burnett could be a good option for Carolina.

While he has played in the middle most of his career, he could slide to the outside, which would allow Jon Beason to play at middle again, where he plays best.

Andre Carter, Defensive End

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

CHICAGO - OCTOBER 24: Andre Carter #99 of the Washington Redskins rushes against Brandon Manumaleuna #86 of the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on October 24, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Redskins defeated the Bears 17-14. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty

The defensive end-turned-linebacker struggled last season in the 3-4 defense and was cut by Washington before the lockout began.

At age 32, Carter still has a lot of gas left in the tank, after recording 11 sacks just two years ago at defensive end.

Carter has the ability to come right in and start, helping improve this defensive line that struggled last season.

Mike Sims-Walker, Wide Receiver

Al Bello/Getty Images

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - NOVEMBER 28: Mike Sims Walker #11 of the Jacksonville Jaguars misses the ball as Terrell Thomas #24 of the New York Giants defends during their game on November 28, 2010 at The New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Mike Sims-Walker came out of nowhere two seasons ago and became the go-to-guy on the Jaguars offense.

Last season, however, Sims-Walker took a dip in his production that led to his release pre-lockout.

The status of longtime Panthers' receiver Steve Smith is up in the air, but regardless of if he stays, Carolina should sign Sims-Walker to be their No. 2 guy.

Tommie Harris, Defensive Tackle

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 16: Tommie Harris #91 of the Chicago Bears reacts after a sack of quarterback Matt Hasselbeck #8 of the Seattle Seahawks in the 2011 NFC divisional playoff game at Soldier Field on January 16, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by J

Tommie Harris has been one of the most inconsistent players in recent years; playing at a Pro Bowl level one season, then dropping out of the starting lineup the next.

However, with the right motivation, Harris is one of the top defensive tackles in the league. New head coach Ron Rivera was the defensive coordinator of the Chicago Bears during Harris' best seasons. 

Robert Gallery, Offensive Line

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

KANSAS CITY, MO - JANUARY 02: Robert Gallery #76 of the Oakland Raiders walks onto the field during the game against the Kansas City Chiefs on January 2, 2011 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Carolina needs help along the offensive line, and I believe Robert Gallery fits perfectly in Carolina.

Why?

Although he's not the best offensive linemen around, he's got that dirty look and streak that the Panthers need along their offensive line.