Carolina Panthers entering most important season in franchise history

CHARLOTTE, NC - SEPTEMBER 23: head coach Ron Rivera and Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers watch from the sideline against the Cincinnati Bengals in the fourth quarter during their game at Bank of America Stadium on September 23, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC - SEPTEMBER 23: head coach Ron Rivera and Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers watch from the sideline against the Cincinnati Bengals in the fourth quarter during their game at Bank of America Stadium on September 23, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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Miami Dolphins v Carolina Panthers
CHARLOTTE, NC – AUGUST 17: James Bradberry #24 of the Carolina Panthers talks with a referee between plays against the Miami Dolphins during the game at Bank of America Stadium on August 17, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

Contract Extensions

Not only do the Panthers have many new additions and returners on one-year deals but some of their most established players are also nearing the end of their current contracts. Most notably, cornerback James Bradberry, linebacker Shaq Thompson and defensive end Mario Addison, who are each in line for extensions.

While Bradberry has been a starter since day one, Thompson is entering his first season without veteran, captain, Thomas Davis alongside and as a new every down contributor, his worth is only increasing.

No deal has been reached yet, and may not for some time, as Hurney chooses to possibly evaluate the defense as a whole before awarding anyone for their play. However, Carolina isn’t too far removed from letting their number one cornerback walk and it has taken years to recover – will history repeat itself? Time will tell.