Which Carolina Panthers players might be extended on team-friendly deals to prevent them from leaving when free agency being next month?
With holes to fill and not much money available right now, the Carolina Panthers have some tough decisions to make before preparations ramp up for the 2023 season. The franchise can move financial demands around enough to make improvements, which is absolutely essential for Frank Reich and his exceptional staff to hit the ground running.
It promises to be a fascinating few weeks. There should be plenty of player turnover in free agency, with the Panthers also expected to make the most out of their eight 2023 NFL Draft selections to boost options further.
Not everyone will get the extension they’re after. Especially considering the likes of Brian Burns and Frankie Luvu are primary candidates for early deals due to their ever-increasing importance.
Much will depend on their demands, but here are four Panthers players who could potentially be extended on the cheap this offseason.
Player No. 1
Eddy Pineiro – Carolina Panthers K
Aside from his Week 8 horror show at the Atlanta Falcons, kicker Eddy Pineiro excelled in 2022. Something the Carolina Panthers desperately needed with Zane Gonzalez enduring a cruel injury shortly before the regular season commenced.
Gonzalez is under contract and expected to make a full recovery. However, the performances Pineiro put together are more than worthy of a kicking competition in training camp.
And may the best man win.
Sam Franklin – Carolina Panthers DB/ST
Special teams’ production is an often overlooked part of the game but nonetheless important. There aren’t many leading contenders throughout NFL history that haven’t had outstanding production in this area, which is something the Carolina Panthers benefitted from in 2022 thanks to the exceptional turnaround masterminded by Chris Tabor.
One player that shone more than most is Sam Franklin. The undrafted free agent has carved out a niche for himself after featuring little on the defensive rotation, with Tabor’s influence taking his game to completely new heights last season.
Franklin was an unsung hero for the Panthers almost from start to finish. Now that Tabor has agreed to stick around under Frank Reich, the chances of the former Temple star doing the same have increased exponentially.
Working out an extension with the player should be straightforward and won’t exactly break the bank. This allows Tabor to keep one of his most dynamic special teamers and might even see Franklin carve out a rotational role for himself on defense with Ejiro Evero leading the charge.
Franklin deserves all the credit in the world. And if the Panthers do end up moving on – which seems unlikely – he won’t be short of offers once free agency gets underway.
Cam Erving – Carolina Panthers OL
After an underwhelming first season with the Carolina Panthers, there appeared little chance of Cam Erving starting on the final year of his deal. This turned out to be the case, with a much-improved offensive line becoming one of the genuine bright spots from an otherwise inconsistent campaign in 2022.
Erving’s pride might have been battered by yet another demotion. But instead of sulking and just letting things play out, the veteran set about making a considerable impact as a team leader and mentor behind the scenes.
The former first-round pick took Ikem Ekwonu under his wing and smoothed the player’s transition from college to the pros. He was also able to step up when called upon in special offensive packages and was a highly motivational presence on the sidelines without seeing much on-field action.
Considering the injuries suffered by Austin Corbett and Brady Christensen, it might be worth Carolina offering Erving a short-term, team-friendly deal to stay. Whether it’s something he’d accept or not is another matter.
Erving’s chances of becoming a prominent NFL owner might be over. However, there was plenty to like about his overall impact on the franchise last season, so an extended stay cannot be ruled out if the money suits everyone.
Cory Littleton – Carolina Panthers LB
Ejiro Evero’s arrival as defensive coordinator comes with incredible potential. The Carolina Panthers defense can be a real force with a little fine-tuning, which is what the progressive figure plans to do in pursuit of gaining more head coaching interest next year.
Evero runs a 3-4 base scheme that relies heavily on generating pressure and nickel packages. Having linebackers that can cover effectively is essential, which is why Cory Littleton could get a new deal if the new appointment wants him around.
Littleton performed better than most at the second level in 2022. It wasn’t perfect, but he looks like a good scheme fit for Evero as a solid depth option at the very worst.
The former Washington college star was assured on passing downs, giving up just 66.7 percent of targets. Littleton also evolved as a run defender, making plays when called upon from 36 percent of the team’s defensive snaps.
Even though Littleton is a former Pro Bowler with proven production, the Panthers shouldn’t overpay to retain him. That might sound harsh, but with the prospect of further additions to the linebacker room this offseason, his future is hanging in the balance until something concrete emerges.
This one could go either way. But the benefits of Littleton getting a team-friendly extension are obvious ahead of Evero’s first season in Carolina.