What shocking cuts could the Carolina Panthers make to ease their salary cap concerns?
The Carolina Panthers boast one of the more uncertain salary-cap predicaments in the NFL. They now have just $255,000 to work with after the franchise signed free-agent cornerback Eli Apple in a welcome move that boosted depth at the position.
With just one of their NFL Draft class signed so far. General manager Marty Hurney has some tough decisions to make regarding members of the roster. This could result in multiple faces leaving the Carolina Panthers before competitive action gets underway.
These decisions will be made more out of necessity than anything else. The Panthers were bold with some of their moves in free agency. But this has left them with a dead cap figure that Spotrac projects to be an eye-watering $48.11 million.
This is comfortably the NFL’s highest. And although their situation is going to look more promising in 2021. That does not detract from their current plight.
Some players might not even get the chance to prove their worth during minicamp before certain cuts are made. The Panthers would ideally like to get their draft selections signed before they take the field for some much-needed time together. And not having the cap room to do so represents a significant problem.
There could be some shocking moves to come from the Panthers as a result of their money woes. Here are four ways they could go in order to ease their salary cap constraints.
Mike Davis – RB/FB ($3 million cap saving for Carolina Panthers)
One player that could find his future with the Carolina Panthers in doubt is running back Mike Davis. The player counts $3 million against the team’s salary cap in 2020. And this might be a luxury they cannot afford given his relative lack of influence on the depth chart.
Davis is slated as the No. 3 back on the Panthers behind All-Pro Christian McCaffrey and Reggie Bonnafon. If they choose to go down this particular route, it would not cost them a cent in dead cap money.
The former fourth-round pick out of South Carolina was used sparingly by the organization last season. He carried the ball just 15 times for 27 yards at a yards-per-carry average of 2.1
This sort of use or production does not normally warrant such a salary. And this is particularly evident when one considers just what a mess the Panthers’ salary cap is in. Davis will be high on the shortlist of names that could be up for release to free up more money, which is all part of the business across the league.
There is little to suggest Davis can push his way up the depth chart with a strong showing in camp if he makes it that far. Carolina has their No. 1 option in McCaffrey. And Bonnafon gained more than seven yards-per-carry during a season of enormous promise when he was presented with an opportunity.
Chris Reed – OG ($1.25 million cap saving for Carolina Panthers)
Another that could potentially be on the chopping block is Chris Reed. The guard has featured very little for the Carolina Panthers since his arrival. And he could be the odd one out given the offensive line reinforcements brought in by the decision-makers during the offseason.
Reed might only save $1.25 million if he is moved on. But given the lack of high earners on the Panthers’ roster currently. General manager Marty Hurney might have to part ways with multiple players in order to get to the figure needed to make additional moves.
The undrafted prospect played just 104 snaps in 2019. He gave away one sack and two penalties during this time en route to a respectable 70.3 grade from Pro Football Focus. There was some hope Reed could take another step forward with another preseason under his belt. But the arrival of a new regime has seen John Miller and Michael Schofield signed in free agency.
This leaves Reed’s chances of making the starting lineup as slim. And Carolina also has the option to move Dennis Daley to the guard spot after he failed miserably at tackle during his rookie campaign.
It would be a disappointment for the player if this eventuality came to fruition. He performed well when called upon last season. But he looks to be a prime candidate for release from the outside looking in.
Seth Roberts – WR ($3.15 million cap saving for Carolina Panthers)
The Carolina Panthers also have the option of moving on from wide receiver Seth Roberts should they wish. Even though the wideout was brought in during the free agency period. His cap saving of $3.15 million is particularly enticing when one considers the options available at the position.
The franchise has its three starting options in D.J. Moore, Robby Anderson, and Curtis Samuel. They also have the potential to use Keith Kirkwood and Pharoh Cooper at the No. 4 spot. And the undrafted free-agent duo of Omar Bayless and TreVontae Hights come with considerable upside.
This might leave Roberts as a shocking candidate for release without playing a single down. The scenario is one that happens all the time in the NFL and is a sign of just what a ruthless business it can be for players.
Roberts spent last season with the Baltimore Ravens and became something of an afterthought in their electric, run-first offense. He ended 2019 with 21 receptions from 32 targets on his way to 271 receiving yards and two touchdowns.
While there is little disputing Roberts has something to offer. There is every chance he becomes a victim of circumstance in the coming weeks. This would be a shame for the player and the Panthers. But unfortunately for both, this is the situation they find themselves in.
Russell Okung – LT ($13 million cap saving for Carolina Panthers)
Okay, here me out on this one. The Carolina Panthers made the strange move to trade Pro Bowl guard Trai Turner for the Los Angeles Chargers in exchange for left tackle Russell Okung this offseason. This was particularly bizarre when one considers the stage of careers both find themselves in.
There wasn’t much motive for the Panthers to make a trade such as this besides the financial benefits. Okung is in the final year of his deal and stands to make $13 million in 2020. It would not cost the Panthers anything to release the player this offseason. And it would free up more than enough money to sign their remaining draft picks and make some more free-agent additions should they wish.
Okung has had a real problem staying healthy in recent seasons. So there is no actually guarantee the franchise is going to get a consistent level of performance from the player.
While he may be more than capable of making an impact, it is clear Okung is well past the peak of his powers. But this would be the most shocking release out of the quartet and would cast significant doubt on what is already a patchwork offensive line.
The Panthers could just decide to cut their losses with Okung and move Taylor Moton to the left tackle spot. The current right tackle played well enough in 2019 to warrant such a move. Although it is a huge shift in responsibility.
This would mean Greg Little fills in at right tackle. The Panthers’ second-round pick in 2019 could take a leap forward in terms of development this offseason. So the move to release Okung might be more realistic than you think.