Carolina Panthers sign Rasheed Walker

The Panthers' decision to hand Rasheed Walker a jaw-dropping $40M for one season earns a C- CVI, representing one of the most puzzling resource allocations in recent memory. While Walker has shown flashes of competence as a tackle, this astronomical figure—equivalent to elite left tackle money—vastly exceeds his proven production level as what most would consider a solid starter at best. The deal creates immediate cap complications for Carolina, essentially forcing them to mortgage significant future flexibility for a player who hasn't demonstrated franchise-caliber impact at the position. The contract structure amplifies the risk with minimal guaranteed money relative to the total value, suggesting either a massive bet on untapped potential or a front office miscalculation on market value. For Walker, this represents a career-defining windfall that he'll need to justify with Pro Bowl-level play, while the Panthers have essentially painted themselves into a corner where anything short of elite tackle performance makes this deal look like a significant overpay. This CVI grade reflects a transaction that defies conventional positional value logic, making it a head-scratcher for a franchise still building toward competitiveness.