Lucas Remains in Carolina, Though Perhaps Temporarily

Cornerback Ken Lucas remained in Carolina last night despite a last-minute offer with the Detroit Lions that would have assured the aging player more than $11 million over the next two seasons. Directly preceding the free agency that started this morning, the Panthers agreed to trade Lucas to the Lions in a deal that would give Carolina more than $2.37 million in salary cap relief, also bringing the prospect of a draft pick or two for the team in return for Lucas. Before the deal could be made, however, Lucas struck it down, (understandably) not wanting to play for a team that went 0-16 in its last season.

Lucas’ rejection of joining the Lions means the cornerback is still a Panther, but it certainly doesn’t mean he will remain with Carolina into next season. The trading period started today, so there’s still plenty of time for the Panthers and Lucas to come up with a deal that will either keep, trade or release him. While much of the NFL is abuzz today with free agent deals, the Panthers are expected to lay low, still overwhelmed with salary cap issues and surely not being able to afford players like former Tennessee Titan Albert Haynesworth, who just went to the Redskins in a $100 million deal.

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