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Haruki Nakamura | Defensive Back

Team: Carolina Panthers
Age / DOB:  (27) / 4/18/1986
Ht / Wt:  5'10' / 200
College: Cincinnati
Contract: view contract details
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The Panthers reworked S Haruki Nakamura's contract so that he's now only signed through 2013.
The sides ripped up Nakamura's old three-year, $4.8 million deal, and he essentially now has a brand-new one-year, $815,000 contract with $300,000 more available in incentives. He got a $65,000 signing bonus. Nakamura isn't assured of a roster spot, but he now has the contract of a strict special teamer. Mar 2 - 9:03 AM
Source: ESPN.com

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Date:
Haruki Nakamura - DB - Panthers

The Panthers could free up nearly $1 million in cap room by cutting S Haruki Nakamura.

Nakamura wasn't terrible in 2012, but his play left a lot to be desired. He was the main culprit in the team's Week 4 last-second loss to the Falcons. Nakamura gave up an early 49-yard touchdown and then a final-minute 59-yard completion when the Falcons were backed up at their own one-yard line, both to Roddy White. Nakamura finished the 2012 season on injured reserve with a groin injury.
Source: Charlotte Observer
Feb 10 - 10:11 AM
Haruki Nakamura - DB - Panthers

Panthers S Haruki Nakamura is out for the season after aggravating his groin injury in Week 14.

He was placed on injured reserve Tuesday. With Sherrod Martin's (knee) season over and Charles Godfrey battling a back injury, the Panthers finished last week's game with D.J. Campbell and Colin Jones at safety. They will have to sign a street free agent for depth. Nakamura was exposed as a subpar starter in his first year with the Panthers. Look for the team to upgrade the position in 2013.
Related: Colin Jones, D.J. Campbell
Source: Joe Person on Twitter
Tue, Dec 11, 2012 03:00:00 PM
Haruki Nakamura - DB - Panthers

Panthers S Haruki Nakamura was on crutches after Sunday's Week 14 win over Atlanta and admits he felt something "pop" in his groin.

Thrust back into the starting lineup after an early-season benching Sunday, Nakamura suffered what has the appearance of a year-ending injury. He'll likely go for a Monday MRI to make sure, but practice-squad type D.J. Campbell seems likely to finish out the season as the Panthers' starting free safety.
Source: Joe Person on Twitter
Sun, Dec 9, 2012 05:59:00 PM
Haruki Nakamura - DB - Panthers

The Panthers are not benching FS Haruki Nakamura.

Nakamura was the scapegoat for Sunday's loss after getting burned for two touchdowns by Roddy White, but the Panthers' lack of a viable alternative has saved him for at least one more week. A similarly ineffective Sherrod Martin is waiting in the wings if Nakamura falters again in Week 5.
Source: Charlotte Observer
Wed, Oct 3, 2012 07:23:00 PM
Haruki Nakamura - DB - Panthers

Panthers coach Ron Rivera indicated Monday that the team is considering benching FS Haruki Nakamura.

Nakamura has been toasted relentlessly since "beating out" Sherrod Martin in camp. Rivera said Martin would see increased first-team reps in practice this week. Martin played poorly both in coverage and against the run as a starter last season. The Panthers aren't going to fix their mess with either player.
Related: Sherrod Martin
Source: ESPN.com
Mon, Oct 1, 2012 05:54:00 PM
Haruki Nakamura - DB - Panthers

Panthers FS Haruki Nakamura is expected to start over Sherrod Martin in the season opener.

The Panthers threw the position open to competition and Ed Reed's former backup won out. The coaching staff cites Nakamura's play-making ability, communication and postseason pedigree as his greatest assets. Martin was a liability as a 2011 starter, missing too many tackles.
Related: Sherrod Martin
Source: Charlotte Observer
Thu, Sep 6, 2012 09:54:00 PM
Haruki Nakamura - DB - Panthers

Panthers FS Haruki Nakamura started over incumbent Sherrod Martin in Saturday's preseason opener.

The two rotated series and the competition figures to run well into the preseason. Nakamura was signed to a three-year deal in March after spending a majority of the last four seasons as a special teamer in Baltimore.
Related: Sherrod Martin
Source: Charlotte Observer
Sun, Aug 12, 2012 12:23:00 PM
Haruki Nakamura - DB - Panthers

The Charlotte Observer confirms FS Haruki Nakamura will compete for a starting job this season.

The Panthers believe Nakamura can push incumbent starter Sherrod Martin, who's coming off a disappointing 2011 campaign. Primarily a special teamer, Nakamura played behind safeties Ed Reed and Bernard Pollard in Baltimore. He managed just 39 defensive snaps last season.
Related: Sherrod Martin
Source: Charlotte Observer
Sat, Mar 31, 2012 10:45:00 PM
Haruki Nakamura - DB - Panthers

Haruki Nakamura's three-year deal with the Panthers is reportedly worth $4.8 million, with $1.3 million guaranteed.

According to the Charlotte Observer's Joe Person, escalators can increase the contract's total value to $5.5 million. Nakamura, 25, is expected to compete for a starting job with the Panthers after playing just 39 defensive snaps with Baltimore last season.
Source: Joe Person on Twitter
Fri, Mar 16, 2012 08:15:00 PM
Haruki Nakamura - DB - Panthers

Panthers agreed to terms with S Haruki Nakamura on a three-year contract.

Nakamura has been a premier special teamer since entering the league as a sixth-round pick in 2008. He played just 39 defensive snaps last year, according to Pro Football Focus, but Nakamura has the skills to merit a bigger role. Coming off a disappointing season, FS Sherrod Martin could be on the hot seat.
Related: Sherrod Martin, Ravens, Titans
Source: Aaron Wilson on Twitter
Fri, Mar 16, 2012 10:29:00 AM
Haruki Nakamura - DB - Panthers

Free agent S Haruki Nakamura will visit the Panthers Thursday.

Nakamura, who played behind Ed Reed and Bernard Pollard last season, is in search of more playing time than the Ravens are able to offer. The Panthers used Charles Godfrey and Sherrod Martin at safety a year ago.
Related: Panthers
Source: Jason La Canfora on Twitter
Wed, Mar 14, 2012 08:28:00 PM
Haruki Nakamura - DB - Panthers

Free agent S Haruki Nakamura has hinted he's unlikely to re-sign with the Ravens.

"I would love to be back with the Ravens, but I also want the opportunity to compete for more playing time," Nakamura said. With Bernard Pollard and Ed Reed entrenched at safety, Nakamura played just 34 defensive snaps last season. The Baltimore Sun expects the Colts and Bengals to be among the teams to give Nakamura a look on the open market.
Source: Carroll County Times
Sun, Mar 11, 2012 11:29:00 AM
Haruki Nakamura - DB - Panthers

The Baltimore Sun doesn't expect the Ravens to re-sign free agent safeties Haruki Nakamura and Tom Zbikowski.

Beat writer Jeff Zrebiec believes both players will be able to find "decent contracts" and more playing time on the open market. Nakamura made just 12 tackles in a reserve role last season, while Zbikowski was benched in favor of Bernard Pollard and missed two games with a concussion. Zrebiec reports the Colts, Titans and Bengals could all have interest in Nakamura.
Related: Tom Zbikowski
Source: Baltimore Sun
Tue, Feb 28, 2012 12:39:00 PM
Haruki Nakamura - DB - Panthers

Free agent S Haruki Nakamura isn't sure whether he'll be back with the Ravens next season.

Nakamura is primarily a special teamer and backup safety. "It will be interesting to see how it works out," Nakamura said. "It would be great to be back here, but it’s a business and we’ve got to figure out what’s going on."
Source: BaltimoreRavens.com
Sun, Jan 29, 2012 01:45:00 PM

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K1Graham Gano
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