4 grossly overpaid Carolina Panthers players on current 2023 salary cap
By Dean Jones
Which Carolina Panthers players appear grossly overpaid based on the team’s current 2023 salary cap?
There are plenty of unknowns surrounding the Carolina Panthers heading into the 2023 off-season. It won’t be much longer before the team chooses its next head coach, with multiple personnel groups also in need of strengthening before competitive action commences once again.
Money will play a factor in what moves Carolina can make in the coming weeks. They have more draft capital at the top end than usual after trading Christian McCaffrey to the San Francisco 49ers, but relying on youth alone will not get the job done.
According to Spotrac, the Panthers are currently $4.2 million over the cap before sacrifices are made. If those in power want to put their new coach in the best possible position to thrive, then trimming the fat or kicking the financial can down the road is absolutely imperative.
A lot can and will happen to Carolina’s cap before 2023, but these four players appear to be grossly overpaid currently.
Player No. 1
Pat Elflein – Carolina Panthers C
- 2023 salary-cap number: $7.06 million
When one examines potential cut candidates for the Carolina Panthers this offseason, Pat Elflein is atop the list. The veteran center is set to count $7.06 million against the cap in 2023 and although his production improved before injury struck, keeping him around on this number is out of the question.
Obviously, this will depend on how the next head coach perceives Elflein’s role. But the $4.2 million in savings involved with an early departure means the former Ohio State standout’s time in Carolina is running out.