5 ways the Panthers can best prepare for the future this offseason
By Dean Jones
Although it’ll probably be a “win-now” approach, there are some ways the Carolina Panthers can prepare well for the future this offseason.
The NFL is all about winning now. Something the Carolina Panthers haven’t done a great deal of after failing to put together a .500 or better campaign in the four years since David Tepper bought the franchise for $2.2 billion from Jerry Richardson.
Things looked quite promising in this regard last season when the Panthers started 3-0. But this joy was fleeting after Carolina lost 12 of their next 14 games to pile untold pressure on head coach Matt Rhule heading into the offseason.
Tepper decided to move forward with Rhule for his third year at the helm. However, there’s little doubt it comes with increased urgency to get things right and if this doesn’t occur, then the billionaire might not be so lenient next time around.
Looking long-term might not be an option considering what’s at stake. But here are five ways the Panthers can best prepare for the future this offseason.
Way No. 1
Carolina Panthers should extend D.J. Moore
There remains some doubt about the future of some top stars on the Carolina Panthers. However, D.J. Moore should be an integral part of the team’s long-term plans and the sooner he gets extended, the better their chances will be.
Moore went over 1,000 yards receiving for a third-straight year despite another lackluster quarterback contribution. There’s just no telling how much he could progress with additional stability under center and getting the former first-round pick tied down ahead of the final year of his deal would be a tremendous decision.
The Maryland product is deserving of such a big financial commitment. If the Panthers can get him involved even more in 2022, then a first Pro Bowl campaign is entirely possible.