Which Carolina Panthers players need a monster off-season in pursuit of hitting the ground running under new head coach Frank Reich in 2023?
Frank Reich’s second presser did nothing to dispel the notion he was the right choice. His thought process, transparency, and articulate approach to every question built further confidence among the fanbase, who now have genuine hope that the franchise can pick itself off the canvas and into the NFC South title picture.
There should be plenty of comings and goings throughout the offseason. Reich wants the sort of guys that fit Carolina’s new ethos, with general manager Scott Fitterer set to stamp his mark on personnel after finally getting the final say on moves.
This should set the foundations in place for a successful campaign providing the right recruits are sought. Something that also piles additional pressure on current players for good measure.
With this in mind, here are four Panthers players that need a monster offseason under Reich and his all-star coaching staff in 2023.
Player No. 1
Tommy Tremble – Carolina Panthers TE
While it would be a surprise to see the Carolina Panthers stand pat with their current tight end options, the onus is also on Tommy Tremble to make a bigger impression. The former Notre Dame standout wasn’t drafted in the third round to become a fringe piece, so this represents a make-or-break preparation period for the player in no uncertain terms.
Tremble has the athleticism to become more impactful in the passing game. It’s just a case of refining his attributes – something this elite-level coaching staff looks more than capable of.
Cade Mays – Carolina Panthers OL
Much has been made about the positive progress across the offensive line in 2022. However, if Austin Corbett and Brady Christensen’s injury rehabilitations suffer some bumps in the road, then depth is a little concerning heading into the offseason.
Obviously, this won’t go unnoticed by Scott Fitterer and other influential figures. Further pieces will be added and perhaps Cam Erving gets a team-friendly extension, but Cade Mays’ development is another important element to factor into this equation.
Mays was a project sixth-round selection last year who became a willing learner. He progressed steadily as the season went on without seeing much time on the field aside from special packages, but there was a lot to like about his production when finally given prominent reps in Week 18 at the New Orleans Saints.
Much will depend on Corbett and Christensen’s hopes of being ready for Week 1. But the Panthers must have a contingency plan or two in place, so Mays’ familiarity with offensive line coach James Campen could make a huge difference in the pursuit of more involvement.
The former Tennessee star has to impress a new set of eyes outside of Campen. This might be difficult – especially if additional competition arrives as expected – but Mays’ high character and work ethic indicate he won’t shirk any challenge coming his way.
C.J. Henderson – Carolina Panthers CB
Not picking up C.J. Henderson’s fifth-year option is an easy decision to make. The Carolina Panthers haven’t seen enough consistency from the cornerback following his trade from the Jacksonville Jaguars to justify anything else.
This makes the coming offseason easily the most important of Henderson’s career. While it doesn’t appear likely he’ll ever become what many envisaged when the Jaguars took him at No. 9 overall in the 2020 NFL Draft, there could be a role to play within Ejiro Evero’s new scheme.
The defensive coordinator deploys a 3-4 base that interchanges frequently and relies heavily on nickel packages with as many as six defensive backs. Looking at Carolina’s current options, Henderson could be the No. 2 or No. 3 option depending on Donte Jackson’s injury status and what incomings arrive in the coming weeks.
Henderson should be fully aware of the implications that could emerge with any regression when preparations ramp up. Not only would his time with the Panthers be in doubt, but there’s also a chance that no other NFL team takes a look in 2024 based on his current career trajectory.
This is a high-stakes situation for Henderson. What comes next is down to the defensive back after an indifferent first four years at the next level.
Brandon Smith – Carolina Panthers LB
Before Brandon Smith’s season was cruelly ended by injury, he gradually raised his influence under Steve Wilks. The former fourth-round pick didn’t look overawed by increased responsibilities, demonstrating the athleticism and natural instincts that made the Carolina Panthers trade up to secure his services last spring.
Smith has a difficult task this offseason with a coaching staff that has no emotional attachment to him whatsoever. But much like the situation with C.J. Henderson, a prominent role within Ejiro Evero’s creative system is well within reach if he impresses enough.
Players with versatility were coveted heavily by the Panthers over their last three drafts. This is something that Evero also wants in his playmakers, so Smith stands a good chance of more reps if the necessary improvements are made.
Carolina has some questions to answer at the second level. Damien Wilson is a prime cut candidate, Cory Littleton is out of contract, and Shaq Thompson’s whopping cap number could be trimmed by an extension or release depending on what those in power decide.
Although additions are almost guaranteed, an opportunity also knocks for Smith. His explosive, aggressive style of play should fit Evero’s scheme like a glove, which could lead to a starting role if everything goes better than expected with improved coaches leading the charge.