Which Carolina Panthers players could become salary-cap casualties when the time comes during the 2023 offseason?
The Carolina Panthers have plenty of salary-cap space right now after restructuring contracts and saving enough for another potential move at the quarterback position. According to Spotrac, the team has $24.95 million available with most of their draft class signed, which puts them in a good spot if they decide to go after someone like Baker Mayfield or Jimmy Garoppolo in the not-too-distant future.
However, look ahead to 2023 and things do not look so promising financially.
Over the Cap projects the Panthers to be $30 million in the red at the present moment. Much will depend on how much cash Carolina carries forward, but it’s clear some cost-cutting measures need to be implemented to keep the organization competitive next year.
With that being said, here are five Panthers players who could become salary-cap casualties during the 2023 offseason.
Carolina Panthers’ cap casualty No. 1
Pat Elflein – Carolina Panthers OL
- Dead-cap figure – $2.8 million
- Cap savings – $4.75 million
With the Carolina Panthers making their offensive line a top priority this offseason, the future of Pat Elflein as a starting option is hanging by thread. The versatile player did perform better at the center spot than at guard, but Bradley Bozeman’s arrival means that chances will be limited for the Ohio State product barring injury.
There is a possibility that Elflein can win the starting left guard position. Although production in this area of the offensive line wasn’t up to the required standard in 2021.
Cutting Elflein next spring with one year remaining of his deal comes with a cap saving of $4.75 million. Unless something drastic happens, this appears to be a no-brainer.