4 players the Carolina Panthers were smart to stay away from
By Dean Jones
The Carolina Panthers made plenty of bold moves this offseason, but which players were they wise to keep away from?
To say things have been busy for the Carolina Panthers this offseason would be a massive understatement. The roster and coaching staff both have a new and exciting feel to them. But it remains to be seen whether this is going to be enough to get them on the right path after a 5-11 campaign last time out.
They have laid the foundations for possible success in the future, of that there is little doubt. They were ruthless, calculated, and bold with their decision-making over the spring and summer months. And this left new head coach Matt Rhule with a young, hungry roster capable of surprising those who have been writing off their chances in 2020 for some time.
The Panthers have not exactly been aided by no preseason games, OTAs, or minicamps before they take the field Week 1 against the Las Vegas Raiders. Building chemistry takes time and although Rhule will be getting a free hit next season, the team will still need to show promise and progression as they go.
Carolina was extremely active in the free-agent market and the 2020 NFL Draft despite their dead cap figure hampering what sort of moves they made. They got plenty of players who were familiar with Rhule’s system during their time in college. And they brought in plenty of exciting college recruits with their seven selections to bolster their defense.
There was undoubtedly a strong temptation for others. And here are four players the organization was right to stay away from.