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The Herald | heraldonline.com

Jenkins still available for the right price
By Darin Gantt · The Herald - Updated 04/22/07 - 1:03 AM
CHARLOTTE -- While many believe the clock's ticking on defensive tackle Kris Jenkins' time with the Carolina Panthers, the team's keeping up a stiff upper lip in the face of all the recent trade speculation.
The team has offered him in trade, but hasn't been overwhelmed by an offer yet. Thus, they've indicated to others they're willing to hang on to him if no one meets their price. However, they haven't talked to Jenkins about what's going on, and he's left town to go to his Maryland home until the situation is resolved.

Panthers general manager Marty Hurney has refused to comment on the possibility of a trade, but when he was asked last week if he or coach John Fox had spoken to Jenkins, Hurney replied: "We'll see him when he comes back for minicamp."

That's the company stance, but few outside their building believe the three-time Pro Bowler will still be here a week from now.

St. Louis desperately needs help at his position, and Rams coach Scott Linehan responded directly to a question about trading for Jenkins in a pre-draft press conference last week.

"I can acknowledge that we'd be interested in making our team better in that area -- with him or anybody," Linehan told reporters there.

Other moves might have narrowed the field a bit. Kansas City has re-signed starters Ron Edwards and James Reed. Jenkins would be an obvious upgrade talent-wise, but it's unclear if the Chiefs are interested in coughing up more than the third-round pick the Panthers have reportedly turned down.

Denver remains in the mix, and they're perilously thin at the position. Starter Michael Myers left the Broncos last week for Cincinnati, and their lone free agent pick-up was former Panthers reserve Alvin McKinley, a backup at best. They need the help and have been willing in the past to take on players who had worn out welcomes elsewhere. The also brought punter Todd Sauerbrun back last week.

Several league sources said they anticipate a deal to come during the draft. There are two first-round prospects at the position, and once Louisville's Amobi Okoye and Michigan's Alan Branch go, a team might become more motivated to obtain Jenkins.