Interesting comments from SI’s Peter King on the signing of QB David Carr:

Carr could have gone elsewhere to play earlier, but it isn’t always about playing early. It’s more important to go to the right place, and even if the Panthers are awful this year and they consider changing coaching staffs, this is a better decision than to sign with a more transient organization like Oakland.

In other words, some other football watcher out there besides me thinks there is the chance the Panthers stink on toast in 2007. I’m certain that the Panthers need to pull multiple contributors, starters even, out of the upcoming NFL draft. That’s a tall order for any team.

Plus, the entire NFC South has improved in the off-season — at least they seem to have. So? Where stand the Panthers?

I absolutely believe that John Fox needs a 1,200 yard rusher for his style to work. Maybe Carolina can get that kind of ground game from Foster or Williams — or a combination of both.

But there is also the chance — the chance — they do not get that, the defense gives up major points, and Steve Smith is locked with triple coverage by teams playing with big leads.

In other words, the Panthers would be awful.