4 Carolina Panthers contracts that must be restructured this offseason

Which Carolina Panthers’ contracts must the team restructure this offseason to put themselves in a better position in free agency?

This is an important off-season period for the Carolina Panthers. One that could determine once and for all whether head coach Matt Rhule is capable of leading an NFL franchise after an extremely disappointing 2021 campaign.

The Panthers have around $24 million in salary-cap space remaining and no Day 2 pick in the 2022 NFL Draft currently. Although this makes things difficult when it comes to extending established roster members and recruiting the right players to the organization, there is a way to free up additional funds to put Carolina in a better position.

Contract adjustments and kicking the can down the road in the current financial climate might be a smart way to go for the Panthers. This task will fall on general manager Scott Fitterer and Samir Suleiman – a hugely respected cap manager who has worked wonders since joining the team.

With this in mind, here are four contracts the Panthers should consider restructuring this offseason.

Contract No. 1

Taylor Moton – Carolina Panthers OT

• 2022 cap hit – $19.2 million

Taylor Moton was the one shining light on a torrid offensive line for the Carolina Panthers in 2021. His bumper new deal officially kicks in next season, so it might be worth the front office altering this slightly with the team’s best interests at heart.

Moton remains a key component on offense and the Panthers did the right thing keeping him around long-term. But it’s absolutely vital they get more help across the protection and reducing the former second-round pick’s cap hit could allow them to sign a free-agent capable of making an immediate impression.

This would be music to Moton’s ears and something he has not had since Trai Turner was traded to the Los Angeles Chargers.