I was not expecting them to bring back Prime Signatures as a pre-premiere product, mainly because the previous versions of the product basically tanked at release. I actually thought that as a gambler’s product, a cheap box with a relatively simple design wasnt bad, especially when on card autos were used for the main rookies. This year, all of the cards are stickers, and the on card autos have been replaced with a manufactured patch auto that looks so fucking terrible, it is sad. Yes, we have reached the point of pity. I actually pity Panini for being dumb enough to flood the market with ANOTHER college product that doesnt have on card autos.

Here are some of the early hits already up:

2016 Prime Signatures Carson Wentz Manupatch Auto /49

2016 Prime Signatures Josh Doctson Manupatch Auto /199

2016 Prime Signatures Tyler Lockett Patch Auto /49

2016 Prime Signatures Donald Driver / Bubba Franks Dual Auto /49

2016 Prime Signatures Emmanuel Sanders Auto /10

In fact, Panini has had players sign everything BUT the card in recent years. I mean, when you look at last year’s product calendar, they didnt have a product with predominantly hard signed autographs until Immaculate was released! You are probably thinking that I am not telling the truth, but go look! Stickers, stickers, acetate, stickers, stickers, stickers, stickers. Its nuts. They must be fucking allergic to quality hard signed content.

Just for fun, here is a list of things that they have had players sign instead of the card:

• Sticker
• Acetate Scrap
• Black Construction Paper Scrap
• Manufactured relic
• Manufactured Letter
• Manufactured embroidered patch
• Regular paper
• Scrap Of Faux White Leather
• Black sheet metal

Most of these asinine gimmicks are sticker replacements, used in place of hard signed autographs. The reason being is that they can take a stack of them to the premiere or a workout, and get them signed without the card being done. We know that on card is available because Leaf and Topps have both offered 100% hard signed sets leading up to the premiere in late May. To think that with some planning and effort, Panini could actually do that. Of course with no competition, what is the incentive?

I havent even started discussing the product, mainly because its so boring it is borderline sleep inducing. It also looks like its an enormous run, with rookies numbered quite high. On top of that, when they do try to jazz it up late 1990s style,the cards just look overly busy and the patterns hurt your eyes. This whole product is a snooze-fest, and it has no reason to be on the calendar other than to contribute a small amount to the massive check Panini will have to write to the NFL for their exclusive. I say a small amount, because this product will be below 50% of where it is now come a few months from now. If the run is even close to what I think it is, it could take a tumble VERY fast.

This shit has black friday packs written all over it. I hope the shops enjoy selling it, because they are going to get stuck with a multitude of cases when the promotions roll around. No other way Panini is going to be able to move this garbage.