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Carolina Panthers: 3 Offseason storylines to watch for 2019

By Danny Jaillet

SANTA CLARA, CA - FEBRUARY 07: Head coach Ron Rivera of the Carolina Panthers speaks with members of the media following their 24-10 loss to the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl 50 at Levi's Stadium on February 7, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - FEBRUARY 07: Head coach Ron Rivera of the Carolina Panthers speaks with members of the media following their 24-10 loss to the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl 50 at Levi's Stadium on February 7, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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Help from the AAF

Following its disbandment, the Carolina Panthers signed six players from the Alliance of American Football league. One of them, tight end Thomas Duarte, has been released already. One of my biggest offseason storylines to watch for 2019 is how many of these players will actually survive preseason cuts.

There are a lot of intriguing names within this group. Wide receiver Rashad Ross, offensive lineman Parker Collins, and defensive tackle T. J. Barnes are  the names I will be watching for especially. I want to see how Ross fits into the roster equation. He was signed before Chris Hogan agreed to a deal and Terry Godwin was drafted. Now, the Panthers have a ton of depth at the position.

Barnes is third on the depth chart at right defensive tackle. Although it may seem like the odds are against him, if he has a strong training camp, he could make the roster. Preseason games are crucial for players like Barnes who are on the brink of staying on the roster. He will have to have a strong showing during camp in order to warrant him staying there. If there is one thing Barnes does have it is experience. Going undrafted in 2013, he has played for six different teams. Barnes is certainly hoping this could be his final stop.

Collins played at Appalachian State University. Graduating in 2017, he could add additional help to an offensive  line that could certainly use it. He was signed by the Steelers in April 2018, but he was waived in August. This was due to an injury designation. I’ll be interested to see what Collins can do as hopefully he can translate his success from Appalachian State over to the National Football League. It may seem a little bit odd to say this, but at age 25 if he were to get cut from the roster, he certainly has a chance to explore other options. As for now though, I think he could make a very capable center. He is another player who I could see earning a spot on the roster.

Overall, I’m not too sure what to expect from this grouping of players. They are certainly worth taking flyers on, and I think there could be some real talent here. The real test will come when they put on the pads and begin working towards becoming a part of the roster in the fall.

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