Dollars for Algernon

Seattle and Carolina are both teams that would be interested in adding a veteran TE and another receiving threat. Seattle lost to the Green Bay Packers in the divisional round of the playoffs this past season. Marcus Pollard had some big drops in that game and both Will Heller and Ben Joppru are unproven at the TE position. Since Jerramy Stevens departure from Seattle after the 2005 season, the Seahawks have yet to find an adequate replacement. While Stevens currently plays for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he should be behind bars due to rape accusations, assault charges, and a slew of DUIs (http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2004147460_rbstevens270.html). Seattle had $9.55 million in cap room before the Wahle signing, but still have enough room to make a push for Crumpler. In 7 years, Crumpler has 316 receptions for 4212 yards, a 13.3 average and 35 touchdowns - all this while playing for one of the worst teams in the NFL, even being the favorite target of the reliably inaccurate Vick. DJ Hackett had a breakout year in Seattle and deserves to be resigned, Engram is a solid veteran contributor, and with Branch healthy, Crumpler would be a perfect addition to an already impressive aerial attack in the NFC.

The Panthers have very little weapons on offense. DeShaun Foster is past his prime and is on his way out in Carolina. The only 2 playmakers they have are WR Steve Smith and HB DeAngelo Williams. After cutting OG Mike Wahle and MLB Dan Morgan, the Panthers have about $12 million in cap room to work with. Matt Moore should compete with Jake Delhomme for the starting QB spot in the Panther's 2008 campaign. He played well in the final 3 games of the season, winning 2 of them. Dwayne Jarrett was a non-factor in his rookie season and Crumpler could spark some life into the Panther's offense as well as drawing some attention away from Smith. However, the Panthers have more needs than just TE, with holes in their OL, DL, and S and the Panthers may want to address those needs in free agency instead.