After much speculation of a possible franchise tag, as well as interest from other teams, the Panthers announced today that they were able to avoid placing their franchise tag on Kicker Graham Gano after working out a four-year deal worth $17M ($4.25M/year) with $9M in guaranteed money just hours before the deadline. Sources reported just before 2 PM EST that the 30-year old kicker, who was among the league’s best in 2017, will stay with his team of the last six seasons through 2021.
Gano made the first Pro Bowl of his career in 2017, missing just one field goal in 30 attempts and making 34 of 37 extra point tries while also taking home the Kick Tac Toe trophy in this year’s Pro Bowl Skills Competition.
Going into the 2018 season, the move saves the Panthers the more expensive price of the franchise tag ($690K), the tag itself, and also leaves them with approximately $20 Million in cap space to spend.
Twitter: @KeepPounDENN