5 offseason moves by Panthers’ NFC South rivals that made us laugh
By Jason Huber
What offseason moves made by the Carolina Panthers’ NFC South rivals made us all feel a little better about the team’s chances?
This offseason has been a solid one for the Carolina Panthers, which was desperately needed after four-straight losing seasons. The starting quarterback position has yet to resolve but with that likely coming in the draft, the organization has added a solid backup running back in D’Onta Foreman, beefed up the offensive line with the additions of Bradley Bozeman and Austin Corbett, and signed the league’s best punter in Johnny Hekker.
Those are just a few of the key moves the Panthers have made. Carolina is visibly improved but they really won’t be able to call themselves contenders until they figure out who the starting signal-caller will be. If it’s a rookie, then it will depend on just how good that certain player is when they arrive in the NFL.
Even with all the moves made, the biggest win for the Panthers this offseason was quarterback Deshaun Watson not being traded to one of their NFC South rivals.
Carolina was a finalist in the Watson sweepstakes after he narrowed it down to them, the New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons. But the former Clemson star changed his mind and chose the Cleveland Browns thanks in no small part to a fully guaranteed $230 million deal.
Even though the Panthers might’ve not been pleased with Watson not choosing them, the fact that they won’t have to face him twice a year while playing in Atlanta or New Orleans is a win.
Things would have been even better if Tom Brady actually retired and left the division. But despite having nothing left to prove, the veteran quarterback just couldn’t walk away.
So with Carolina improving in many facets, how did the rest of its division do this offseason?
Not great except for the Buccaneers, in all honesty.
Here are five laughable moves made by the Panthers’ division foes because, after last year, they needed to laugh at someone else.