Carolina Panthers need to address these positions this offseason

Following are a few positions where the Carolina Panthers need to improve this offseason.

Carolina Panthers general manager Marty Hurney has vowed not to make the same mistakes in dealing with team personnel this time around. Given a rare opportunity in any profession, but especially the NFL, Hurney returned to the general manager role he once held in Carolina for a decade before being fired and then re-hired five years later.

Hurney inherited some contractual issues and allowed Andrew Norwell and Star Lotulelei to leave via free agency, knowing Carolina could not match what they would bring in the open market. Entering the offseason, the Panthers have a number of aging veterans and how Hurney handles the delicate situation with linebacker Thomas Davis, tight end Greg Olsen and others, will be critical to his success.

Center Ryan Kalil has retired, defensive end Julius Peppers may not be far behind and others on the current roster – Mike Adams, Chris Clark aren’t getting any younger. In addition to these areas there are talent concerns up front on defense, meaning Hurney and coach Ron Rivera are in for a busy few months.

The team should attempt to address certain areas via free agency depending on availability. Doing so would then allow everyone to target a specific position and individual for the No. 16 overall pick in the first-round of the NFL Draft in April.

Following are the positional areas of need for the Carolina Panthers this offseason.