Here are my news and notes about the Carolina Panthers for the first week of January 2012. I will mention any team news I have found about the Panthers and offer my opinion on it.

The Carolina Panthers have signed four players to “Future” contracts. That means they become part of the roster in March of 2012. The new Carolina Panthers are guard Roger Allen, linebacker Phillip Dillard, tight end Greg Smith and cornerback Reggie Sullivan. All of these players spent at least some time on the Carolina Panthers practice squad in 2011.

I enjoyed finding out that former Carolina Panther running back Tyrell Sutton has signed with the Seattle Seahawks. Sutton was a Carolina Panther during 2009 and 2010 before being released right before the 2011 season. Sutton is a class act and very friendly on Twitter. I feel strongly that Sutton should have been kept in Carolina as the third back on the roster.

I have to say I am surprised at the success of former Carolina Panther coach John Fox this early. I am pleased by it as well since I also cover the Denver Broncos for Sportsblog.com. Former Carolina Panther and current Denver Broncos offensive coordinator Mike McCoy is being considered for some NFL head coaching jobs. As much as John Fox dislikes media attention he must have really loved all the Tim Tebow talk this year.

Jeremy Shockey has been on my mind this week. I really hope the Carolina Panthers bring him back next season but I think it’s doubtful. Shockey was productive but has been injury plagued. Gary Barnidge has potential to be a really good tight end in this offense and Shockey may not be resigned to make room for Barnidge. Gary Barnidge was on injured reserve this season for the Carolina Panthers.

So far so good on Coach “Chud” remaining with the Carolina Panthers for 2012. I believe the coaches jobs will begin to be filled after the playoffs and or after Jeff Fisher picks between the Rams and Dolphins. I expect Fisher to become the coach of the Rams because they have Sam Bradford AND a high draft pick in 2012.

Speaking of the 2012 NFL draft, I am working on a Carolina Panthers mock draft. My Panthers mock draft should be posted here this week so please check back for that. I also expect to post an interview with one of the guys from WFNZ in Charlotte, very soon.