Once again, the Panthers are starting over. After a disastrous 2-15 season, the team has revamped its power structure, with newly promoted general manager Dan Morgan and newly hired head coach Dave Canales leading the way. Executive vice president of football operations Brandt Tilis will also play a major role in roster and salary cap management strategies. However, before they can upgrade the roster, the leadership trio must first assess the group they have inherited. With plenty of room for improvement, the Panthers are projected to have roughly $28.6 million in cap space heading into the new NFL year. Tilis can open up additional cap space by moving on from some aging, overpaid veteran players, but the team must weigh their options carefully.
Canales was hired, in part, due to his effectiveness with quarterbacks, and the internal hope is that he can turn around the developmental outlook of quarterback P.J. Young, whom the Panthers have invested heavily in. Dalton, a strong veteran locker room presence, may be replaced by someone younger and cheaper like John Wolford, who worked with Canales last year. The Panthers will likely add one or two arms to the mix this offseason.
As for the running back position, Hubbard was a nice surprise as a much-improved playmaker last season, eventually surpassing struggling, high-salaried starter Sanders. Both running backs are likely to return, with Hubbard having a shot at the top job. The unit will have a new position coach in Bernie Parmalee, who may be able to get more out of Sanders. Raheem Blackshear is likely to be back, whether on a new one-year deal or a restricted tender. Tarik Cohen, Mike Boone, and Spencer Brown will all compete in camp.
The Carolina Panthers have a strong wide receiver in Thielen, who showed leadership abilities during his 100-catch, 1,000-yard campaign. Mingo, a second-round pick, has room for improvement after an underwhelming rookie season. The rest of the group needs reworking, with potential departures for Marshall and Shenault. Hurst, who suffered a head injury, may not retire, but his first-half production was mediocre. Tremble and Sullivan are promising contributors, but the team can save cap space by moving on from Thomas. The offensive line needs change, especially at guard, where injuries and inconsistent play plagued the unit. Moton is the most consistent member, but his release would open up cap space. Brown is the Panthers’ best player on defense and should be signed to an extension. The team needs to add pieces to the defense through free agency and the draft.
The Panthers’ top trio of edge rushers are set to become free agents. Burns is expected to receive the franchise tag after unsuccessful contract negotiations last season. However, if negotiations prove difficult this offseason, he may be traded for a premium draft pick or two, as the Panthers lack a first-round pick. Despite this, the Panthers should try to retain Burns, a homegrown, two-time Pro Bowl pass rusher. Haynes and Gross-Matos are solid rotational players, with Haynes potentially returning on a 1-year prove-it deal after an injury-ridden season. Gross-Matos, although not a natural fit for the 3-4 system, has shone as a movable chess piece and should also be considered for a return. Johnson, a third-round pick, should be given another season to prove himself. The Panthers need to upgrade this group in free agency and the draft, with a second-round pick potentially being used to complement or replace Burns.
The Panthers also lack depth at inside linebacker, with Wooten and Cherelus primarily used on special teams. Luvu’s free agency outlook is intriguing, as he is among the best blitzing linebackers in the league but has a unique playing style. The Panthers should try to retain Luvu on a long-term deal, but his return will depend on price. Grugier-Hill would also make sense as a returnee due to his experience and special teams abilities. Regardless, Morgan will likely look to upgrade this group.
Horn has a crucial offseason ahead of him, with his fifth-year contract option looming. Although he has the potential to be a Top 10 corner, his injury history has been frustrating for the Panthers. Jackson’s inconsistency and injury-proneness also pose a problem, but the Panthers may want to invest in continuity with Hill and Henderson hitting free agency. Hill is more likely to return than Henderson, as he performed well as a nickel corner last season. With the uncertainty surrounding the group, the Panthers are likely to add multiple cornerbacks this offseason.
Xavier Woods, Vonn Bell, Jammie Robinson, and Alex Cook are under contract or reserve/future signings. Woods and Bell performed well together in their debut season as a duo, and Cook had his moments on defense and special teams. The safety position is arguably the most secure unit on the depth chart.
