Panthers depth chart: How will ILB spot cope without Kuechly?

How will the Carolina Panthers depth chart cope at inside linebacker without the presence of Luke Kuechly?

The Carolina Panthers depth chart has lost one of its most influential players heading into 2020. Legendary linebacker Luke Kuechly ended his time with the franchise with a retirement that sent shockwaves across the NFL this offseason.

It is hard to understate just what sort of impact Kuechly made during his time in Carolina. He became one of the Panthers’ greatest ever players and more than lived up to his billing as a first-round pick out of Boston College.

This was an undoubted blow to head coach Matt Rhule’s initial plans to revive the Carolina Panthers’ depth chart. Having Kuechly as the anchor on a young defense would have done their chances of surprising people no harm at all.

Instead, he will not be forced to go with the hand he has dealt himself during a frenzied period of free agency that has left the Panthers depth chart with a vastly different look to that which ended the 2019 campaign.

The middle linebacker spot is one of the most critical areas of the field. And this bears more significance next season as the organization looks to move into a 4-3 base under defensive coordinator Phil Snow.

Their defensive line and front seven might be an overall strength. But this is a fresh group of faces on the whole that will need to show instant chemistry to avoid complications down the line.

How the inside linebacker position on the Panthers depth chart resolves in Kueckly’s absence is going to be another intriguing factor to watch during the season.