Carolina Panthers: Super Bowl free agents to watch

SANTA CLARA, CA - FEBRUARY 07: The Vince Lombardi Trophy is seen after the Denver Broncos defeated the Carolina Panthers during Super Bowl 50 at Levi's Stadium on February 7, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - FEBRUARY 07: The Vince Lombardi Trophy is seen after the Denver Broncos defeated the Carolina Panthers during Super Bowl 50 at Levi's Stadium on February 7, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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SANTA CLARA, CA – FEBRUARY 07: The Vince Lombardi Trophy is seen after the Denver Broncos defeated the Carolina Panthers during Super Bowl 50 at Levi’s Stadium on February 7, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – FEBRUARY 07: The Vince Lombardi Trophy is seen after the Denver Broncos defeated the Carolina Panthers during Super Bowl 50 at Levi’s Stadium on February 7, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

The Carolina Panthers should keep an eye on these upcoming free agents during the big game.

After an inspiring start to the season, winning six of their first eight games, the Carolina Panthers appeared poised to be battling with their NFC counterparts for a playoff position and potential return to the Super Bowl. However, a dismal second half ended the Panthers season early and any trophy hoisting aspirations after Carolina lost seven of their final eight.

An aggravated shoulder injury to quarterback Cam Newton received much of the blame but the truth is general manager Marty Hurney and coach Ron Rivera have other areas on the roster to be concerned about.

As the team transitions from a veteran heavy roster, the free agent market offers a few intriguing candidates for the Panthers. While there isn’t a ton of cap room to work with, Hurney knows that the team could use some help at a few key positions, especially on defense.

There is still one game left to play before the calendar officially turns to the 2019 NFL season after both the Los Angeles Rams and New England Patriots advanced to the Super Bowl with overtime wins. As with any NFL team, a few of those playing will be free agents once the season concludes and the Panthers should keep a watchful eye on these soon to be available prospects.