CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Marty Hurney said 18 months ago when he began his second go-round as the Carolina Panthers' general manager that he needed to make sure the "analytical part of my brain takes over the emotional" part when making personnel decisions.
This offseason will put that statement to the test.
Among Carolina's 19 unrestricted free agents, there will be a few -- none more than outside linebacker Thomas Davis -- who will tug at Hurney's heartstrings.
Hurney actually put his new philosophy to the test last year when he released running back Jonathan Stewart, the team's leading career rusher, and defensive end Charles Johnson, second on the team's career sack list.