Free agency continues and the NFL Draft awaits but what is the current state of the Carolina Panthers roster…
Carolina Panthers general manager Marty Hurney took the reigns to a team suddenly in the middle of a major roster reconstruction. Veteran heavy at numerous positions the Panthers made some key releases in order to free up cap room in an effort to fill holes elsewhere.
All was seemingly going to plan, if you were counting on Carolina losing both offensive guard Andrew Norwell and defensive tackle Star Lotulelei, but after trading away cornerback Daryl Worley for wide receiver Torrey Smith and then not getting Bashaud Breeland, it left a hole in the defense.
On offense, things aren’t going much better with the loss of Norwell although the answer could very well be already on the roster but listed under another position. The problem there is it still leaves quarterback Cam Newton one down in the protection category up front.
With the free agent signing period continuing and the NFL Draft one month away, following is a review of the Panthers roster in its present state and what to expect as the offseason progresses.
Quarterback
Cam Newton, Garrett Gilbert
A position that once was filled yearly with at least three viable candidates to make the final roster now has just two members. Obviously, Newton is the franchise quarterback and leader of the offense but Hurney has to make at least one addition at this position.
Newton needs not only a viable backup that can produce right now, if needed, but also a potential future starter who can begin learning the new system with offensive coordinator Norv Turner. Gilbert impressed last year in limited live opportunities but was good enough to earn a position on the active roster for fear of another team taking him off the practice squad a la kicker Harrison Butker.
Expect at least two additions before the preseason and the Panthers to carry two active players when the regular season begins. The question remains who will accompany Newton on the final roster in September.
Running Back
Christian McCaffrey, Cameron Artis-Payne, Fozzy Whittaker, Alex Armah
The current stable of running backs looks familiar minus veteran Jonathan Stewart. His absence could lead to increased carries for Artis-Payne but the Panthers have rarely offered the fourth-year running back many opportunities with just 18 carries last season.
Whittaker is a reliable backup and McCaffrey has proven plenty capable of starting but it remains doubtful that Turner or Hurney expect him to carry the workload of an every down back this season. For this reason, expect the Panthers to draft another running back who can make an immediate impact sharing carries with McCaffrey and keeping both Artis-Payne and Whittaker in their reserve roles.
Turner doesn’t rely heavily on a true fullback although he will employ the formation occasionally and when called expect last year’s sixth-round pick, Alex Armah, to fill the role.
Wide Receiver
Devin Funchess, Torrey Smith, Curtis Samuel, Russell Shepard, Damiere Byrd, Jarius Wright, Austin Duke, Mose Frazier, Rasheed Bailey, Jamaal Jones, Fred Ross
Newton needed weapons and the Panthers have made efforts to provide him some options on the outside. Offseason moves to acquire Smith and Wright should benefit the offense and with many of the current options under three years experience, expect Hurney to allow some development before adding another rookie.
Due to injuries, the capabilities of Samuel and Byrd are relatively unknown if given the opportunity to play on a consistent basis. Expect Funchess and Smith to start with a plethora of receivers given chances at the slot position but no new additions moving forward.
Tight End
Greg Olsen, Chris Manhertz, Evan Baylis, Kent Taylor
Veteran tight end Greg Olsen has already announced his intentions to interview for the vacated Monday Night Football analyst position although he maintains it is for experience only. However, should Olsen be offered the job it would make for an interesting decision and one that could leave the offense in serious jeopardy.
Backup Ed Dickson is no longer with the Panthers and while Manhertz has shown flashes of productivity, he has never been relied on to be the full-time starter. Even with a relatively shallow pool of candidates in this year’s draft, Carolina needs a tight end who can learn under Olsen, if he stays, or potentially start if needed.
A free agent pickup also remains a possibility and given the need for more reliable depth, would likely be a safer and potentially more productive addition.
Offensive Line
C: Ryan Kalil, Tyler Larsen, Greg Van Roten – G: Trai Turner, Dorian Johnson – T: Matt Kalil, Daryl Williams, Taylor Moton, Blaine Clausell, Zach Banner
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There are currently two guards listed on the Panthers roster and while options remain available to fill the hole left by Norwell’s departure, neither is a proven candidate. Both Tyler Larsen and Taylor Moton could potentially see reps at the position but Larsen has been relied on heavily in the past at center with Kalil’s recent injury history and Moton has seen only limited snaps.
Already, captain and the anchor Ryan Kalil has announced his plans for retirement following the season so Hurney must not only find a starting guard but someone who can fill his shoes as well. While Larsen has proven capable in the past, whether he is the long-term solution could be decided this season.
The addition of Zach Banner on the outside hints at a Moton move to the inside but regardless, protecting Newton should be given first priority this offseason. There also exists a viable argument for making a guard or center the first-round selection, even over the multiple gaps currently on defense.
Next: NFL Draft - 5 Wide Receiver Targets
There is no question Hurney has his hands full and with a month remaining before the NFL Draft a lot can and should still change. With needs currently at quarterback, running back, tight end and offensive line expect the Panthers to be busy over the next few weeks.