4 Panthers who could be extended before next season
By Nathan Fry
Who could the Carolina Panthers be looking to bring back in 2021?
With a roster overhaul now well underway with the Carolina Panthers, many roster spots aren’t nearly as safe as they once were. This ensures that the 2020 season will present a huge opportunity for players entering the final year of their contract.
Impressing new head coach Matt Rhule is an extremely important step in securing an extension for these players with the Carolina Panthers. With this being his first year on the job, on-field production in a contract year might be even more important in evaluating talent and roster decisions than ever before.
The Panthers do not have any specific commitments to any of these players after a massive clean-out of the coaching staff. There fore, the onus will be on each individual involved to perform well in pursuit of a longer-term commitment from the franchise.
Though the Panthers are handicapped by $41 million in dead cap money in 2020. They also have little financial resources left for the 2020 season according to Over The Cap. And they have signed just one of the NFL Draft picks so far.
However, there is hope on the horizon with a potential $47 million in cap space for the 2021 season, which could rise to $90 million if the necessary cuts are made. This new amount of freed up cash could be put towards free agents from any team. But there are certain players that the Panthers would be wise to lock up now before they hit the open market.
Here are four players who could be lined up for a contract extension following the 2020 season.