The Facts: We know Muhammad is available. We know he likes it [in Carolina]. We know he's willing to sign with the Panthers. He sure seems eager to do so. What we don't know is whether the feeling's mutual, or to what degree. There was the mention yesterday on Profootballtalk.com that a deal was "close," with the Panthers (see previous). That's at least premature. ...

Diehards Line:Gantt went on to remind readers that Muhammad is about to turn 35, caught 40 balls last year, and he knows his value's highest here. So there's plenty of reason for him and his representatives to try to push the issue along. But that doesn't mean the Panthers share his feelings. According to Gantt, a deal could still happen this week but the Panthers won't rush because there's no real competition for Muhammad's services.