By the letter of the law, Carolina Panthers linebacker Thomas Davis could be tied to the team next year by a little-known clause in the collective bargaining agreement. But Davis expressed optimism that he'd get to gauge his market value, adding a layer of confusion to an already confusing process. The old CBA said that players who aren't activated from the physically unable to perform (PUP) list in the final season of their contracts would see those contracts carry over until next season. But multiple league sources - including agents and management side - admitted there's some mystery over the process, given the current labor situation, that could set Davis free. Either way, the Panthers hope to retain the 28-year-old linebacker, and they don't seem compelled to hold him to the one-year, $3.268million deal the old labor deal would provide for. "I will be allowed to test the free agent market," Davis said in a text message after a story last week about the loophole that could bind him to the team. "But my desire is to remain a Panther for the rest of my career." Source: Rock Hill Herald
