5 things on Marty Hurney’s to-do list during the bye week
By Dean Jones
Look at free-agent options
The Carolina Panthers have laid a solid foundation from which to build a postseason contender in the future. But it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that much more will be needed both during free agency and the 2021 NFL Draft.
This is something that Marty Hurney and the front office might be able to do providing the salary cap doesn’t alter too much due to COVID-19 and the subsequent loss of revenue.
Carolina should have far more financial resources available to bring in the necessary quality needed to take the next step and if they show signs of life over the last four games, the franchise is sure to be an intriguing option for those looking for a new home next spring.
Hurney and Matt Rhule will probably already know which areas they want to focus on.
They could use more help on the interior protection, at tight end, within the cornerback room, and a replacement needs to be found for Pro Bowl defensive tackle Kawann Short who is set to be released with his impending $20.83 million salary-cap number in 2021.
Getting a head start on discussions during the bye week will be helpful and might even allow the Panthers to hit the ground running when the negotiating window is officially opened by the league office.