CHARLOTTE – Free agency isn't really open quite yet, but for all practical purposes, it is.
The NFL's two-day negotiating window for unrestricted free agents opened at noon Monday, and players have 52 hours to talk to teams — but they can't sign new contracts.
Players can't be officially signed until the start of the new league year at 4 p.m. ET Wednesday, but the agents can "legally" talk to teams now, and many will have a really good idea about their destinations before then. That's why you'll see plenty of "reports" about deals, but not see teams officially announce them until the new league year opens.
In the past, there were plenty of casual conversations between agents and teams at the Scouting Combine, which helped set the parameters for potential deals. But with no Combine this year, there's more of an unknown quality to what's happening early this week.
The Panthers have already done their biggest bit of business, retaining right tackle Taylor Moton with the franchise tag (he has subsequently signed it, guaranteeing his $13.75 million salary for one season). They have until July 15 to negotiate a long-term contract with Moton, or he'll play out the year on that deal.
Here's a look at the Panthers players who will enter the market. (Long snapper JJ Jansen hasn't officially signed, but head coach Matt Rhule said last week he'd be back).
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (16)
FB Alex Armah
WR Pharoh Cooper
RB Mike Davis
CB Rasul Douglas
CB Corn Elder
LS JJ Jansen
C Tyler Larsen
TE Chris Manhertz
RG John Miller
LT Russell Okung
LG Chris Reed
WR Curtis Samuel
OL Michael Schofield
LB Julian Stanford
LB Adarius Taylor
LB Tahir Whitehead
