Examining the 3 largest Carolina Panthers scheduled cap hits in 2023

D.J. Moore – Carolina Panthers WR

• $25.04 million cap number in 2023
• $12.72 million in savings (restructure)
• Contract expires in 2026

D.J. Moore had a down year in 2022, finishing the campaign under 1,000 receiving yards for the first time since 2019 and struggling to consistently make plays with suspect quarterback production once again. Watching the Carolina Panthers, it was obvious this is through no fault of the player, who continued to make the most of every opportunity.

It is hard to imagine what type of numbers Moore could be putting up if he was given one of the league’s top 10 or even top 15 quarterbacks. The former first-round selection is a force for an offense that has put very little help around him over the last three years.

As expensive as paying Moore was, it became a no-brainer for a franchise that has already parted ways with Christian McCaffrey. Despite playing with four different quarterbacks, the Maryland product found ways to make big plays and often be the only answer on offense.

Frank Reich has his No. 1 weapon already on the roster. The question remains the same as it has for the past three years – can the Panthers finally find a franchise quarterback capable of using Moore to his full potential?

Until then, those in power could restructure Moore’s contract this spring, which comes with a significant easing of their burden to the tune of $12.72 million.