4 biggest priorities for the Panthers in the 2021 offseason

What are the biggest 2021 offseason priorities for the Carolina Panthers?

There could be some big changes for the Carolina Panthers once again this offseason. Head coach Matt Rhule made a promising start overall to his time with the organization but much more is going to be needed if the former Baylor man wants to progress this rebuild in 2021.

The Carolina Panthers will also have a new general manager coming in with a different set of ideas that are more in keeping with owner David Tepper’s desire to become more analytical in the wake of Marty Hurney’s firing. This could throw a further spanner in the works not only in terms of recruitment but also with current members of the roster who are on the lookout for a contract extension.

Rhule stated in his closing presser that this was one of the most important offseasons in franchise history.

And it is hard to argue with that statement.

Let’s take a look at some of the biggest priorities for the Panthers to focus on in the coming months in their pursuit of becoming a playoff contender sooner rather than later.

Priority No. 1

Improve cornerback depth

Donte Jackson has looked every bit like a No. 1 cornerback when healthy. But the Panthers do need a couple more solid additions around him if they want to shore up this area of the field.

Questions remain about the likes of Rasul Douglas and Corn Elder, who are out of contract this spring. Couple this with the need for rookie duo Troy Pride Jr. and Stantley Thomas-Oliver to develop further and Carolina has to identify this as a problem area.

Finances are going to be tight, which might mean the decision-makers look towards the 2021 NFL Draft for an exciting young prospect with one of their top-end selections. Jackson’s contract situation is something else that shouldn’t be overlooked in this particular scenario.