As the theory in league circles went after coach Bobby Petrino dumped the Falcons in December, Panthers coach John Fox instantly had acquired job security for 2008.  The fear in Charlotte was, some league insiders believed, that a decision to fire Fox would result in Fox being hired by the Panthers’ rivals in Atlanta.

And now with Pro Bowl tight end Alge Crumpler on the outs in Atlanta, the Panthers are interested.

The Charlotte Observer reports that the Panthers intend to pursue Crumpler.

But the Observer report is a bit confusing, because the author of the article has misinterpreted the league’s waiver rules.  Per the Observer, Crumpler must clear waivers before he becomes a free agent.  And, with all due respect, that’s not correct.

Vested veterans (i.e., players with at least four seasons of credited service) aren’t required to pass through waivers, and thus immediately become free agents.  (The only exception applies during an NFL season; vested veterans must clear waivers if released after the trading deadline.)

The Observer reports that the Seahawks also are expected to have interest in Crumpler.

The issue is his health.  He was limited last season due to a knee injury, and teams will want to check him out thoroughly before making the kind of financial investment that he likely will be seeking.

Crumpley became a star in Atlanta due in large part to the unique skills of quarterback Michael Vick.  Unable to see down the field while in the pocket due to the fact that he is shorter than most folks realize, Vick would routinely abandon the pocket, roll out, and either run the ball or throw it to Crumpler.