Following are 10 current Carolina Panthers who may not return after this season.
The Carolina Panthers own one of the league’s oldest rosters with two players announcing plans for retirement prior to the season. Although Thomas Davis has indicated having second thoughts following a suspension to start the year, it appears center Ryan Kalil will hang up his cleats.
There are others who also may not be back in 2019 for varying reasons. Some are dealing with injuries, a few may not have their contract renewed or they may elect to test the waters of free agency and decide if playing for another franchise better suits their future.
The NFL is jokingly referred to as “Not For Long” but Carolina has enjoyed an enormous amount of production at key positions from a number of veterans, many Panthers draft choices. Others arrived via trade or free agency but have cemented their legacy in the black and blue.
Players come and go, but for those who have been invested in the Panthers since the beginning, parting ways will not come easy. Following is a look at 10 current roster members who may not be back next year and the probability of a potential return.
Ryan Kalil, C
Ryan Kalil was drafted by the Panthers in the second round of the 2007 NFL Draft. After playing his way into the starting lineup across the offensive line, Kalil settled in at center and became an anchor for the unit every year since 2008.
He’s battled a few injuries but those have become more prevalent in recent years. Before the 2018 season, Kalil announced his plans for retirement and it appears this is likely still the case. At 33 years old, the Panthers center has performed well in his role with five Pro Bowl nominations and three All-Pro selections.
Barring injuries, Kalil is the only center quarterback Cam Newton has played with since his rookie season and depending on who the Panthers tab to replace him, there may be a learning curve for both the center and quarterback next season.
Probability of a return, 1%
Greg Olsen, TE
Tight end Greg Olsen is an interesting consideration because he still has two years remaining on his current contract. However, an injury to his foot has taken a significant portion of time from each of the past two seasons for him.
In 2017, Olsen played in only seven games and nine this season but he already has been planning for life after football. The Panthers tight end has dabbled in commentary, working a game during the Panthers bye week last season and serving as an analyst at the NFL Combine.
He has a bright future but the status of his foot may end his career sooner than expected. A lot will play into his decision but Carolina is already making plans for life without Olsen, having drafted tight end Ian Thomas last year.
Probability of a return, 65%
Devin Funchess, WR
The Panthers No. 1 wide receiver, Devin Funchess earned his role after general manager Marty Hurney parted ways with Kelvin Benjamin in 2017. The former second-round pick, his rookie contract expires following this season and he may earn a big pay day from another needy team.
For Carolina, Funchess has shown flashes of promise but back and fatigue issues have also plagued his development. The inability of Newton to throw the football accurately down the field may have also hindered him this past season but Funchess doesn’t seem to have what it takes as a legitimate first-option in the league.
He is likely going to make more money elsewhere as Hurney and offensive coordinator Norv Turner continue to revamp the Panthers offense, especially at receiver.
Probability of a return, 25%
Torrey Smith, WR
Veteran wide receiver Torrey Smith joined Carolina prior to the season via trade from the Philadelphia Eagles. He earned a starting position but was sidelined with a knee injury just as he was beginning to produce for the Panthers.
Smith will be 30 years old when the 2019 season arrives and has another year on his deal with Carolina but after seeing the development of younger receivers D.J. Moore and Curtis Samuel, he could opt for retirement.
However, if the Panthers part ways with Funchess, it may open the door for a return. Smith could continue helping mentor the younger group of receivers while still being productive and offering a veteran presence for Newton to work with on the field.
Probability of a return, 85%
Chris Clark, OT
Injuries forced Hurney to sign an offensive lineman and Chris Clark was his choice early in the year. Clark went from the street to starting left tackle and never looked back for the Panthers. He’s had a few bumps but for the most part has played his way into long-term consideration.
The problem is Carolina has a $55 million contract on an injured Matt Kalil, who hasn’t played a down during the regular season. The Panthers have a contractual out after next season and Kalil needs to prove his worth if he wants to continue playing in the league any longer.
Hurney faces some difficult decisions and Clark, 33, isn’t getting any younger. The move for the future may be to use a high draft pick on a tackle and thank Clark for his service this season.
Probability of a return, 21%
Daryl Williams, OT
A former fourth round selection by the Panthers, Daryl Williams was developing into a premier tackle until this season. Injuries derailed his year early but Carolina may now benefit financially in the future.
Had Williams enjoyed a full, healthy season, it is likely the team could not afford to re-sign him and that he would demand a significantly higher salary elsewhere in the league. This may still be the case but not having any recent film, following the injury, could lead to a lower priced option for the only team he has known during his career.
The play of second-year lineman Taylor Moton will also factor into Williams decision. He’s earned an opportunity and if neither can convert to left tackle, then the Panthers may not offer Williams what he feels is a fair price.
Probability of a return, 40%
Thomas Davis, LB
Thomas Davis is Carolina Panthers football. For 14 years he has been with the franchise and whenever he wasn’t dealing with a knee injury, his production on the field has been stellar. Davis returned from three ACL surgeries and continues to play at a high level.
In fact, his production actually increased over the latter portion of his career but the past two seasons his numbers have started to decline. Before the season, Davis (35) had every intention of hanging it up but didn’t want to leave on bad terms after being suspended for the first four games of 2018.
A losing streak to end his career likely isn’t the way Davis wants to go out but he’ll need a new contract to return. If he wants to come back, then a reduction in salary to help the team wouldn’t be a bad idea – if he doesn’t agree then Davis may be playing his final games with the Panthers.
Probability of a return, 50%
Mike Adams, S
Veteran safety Mike Adams joined the Panthers prior to last season to strengthen a young secondary. His contract expires at the end of 2018 and he’ll be 38 years old next year, returning to a unit that has recently shown positive signs of development after being a liability early.
The Panthers could benefit from an infusion of youth on the back end of their defense and Adams, if he returned, only provides a short-term solution. A contributor on five different teams throughout his career, if he isn’t ready to retire then someone else may take a chance.
However, it appears Adams time in Carolina is finished after 2018.
Probability of a return, 3%
Eric Reid, S
Needing help in the secondary, Hurney and the Panthers signed Eric Reid midway through the year. Believed to be unemployed due to his stance on social injustice issues and aligning himself with quarterback Colin Kaepernick, Carolina made a football decision and Reid has played well.
Continuing his protest, Reid’s future is not guaranteed although other teams may be willing to take a chance now that he has his foot back in the door. However, Reid is maintaining his grievance against the NFL and it may make other owners hesitant to get on board.
A similar salary and contract length would be good for the Panthers pocketbook and secondary next season.
Probability of a return, 80%
Julius Peppers, DE
Defensive end Julius Peppers began his NFL career with the Panthers after being picked No. 2 overall in the 2002 NFL Draft. A North Carolina native, Peppers played collegiate football and basketball for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and after failing to reach a contract agreement moved on from the franchise after the 2009 season.
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Stops in Chicago and Green Bay only bolstered his legendary status and statistics for an ageless defensive end who returned home before last year. Peppers signed two, one-year deals and has racked up 15 more sacks to this point.
A definite future Hall of Fame member, Peppers turns 39 years old in January and has to be nearing the end of his career but chasing a Super Bowl seems to keep him going. Having reached the playoffs eight times (four with Carolina), his only chance at a ring came with the Panthers in just his second year.
Weighing his options, if Peppers feels Carolina can contend again in 2019 then he would likely give it one more go but a potential coaching change could sway his decision.
Probability of a return, 30%