What easy decisions could the Carolina Panthers make during the upcoming 2023 free-agency period?
There are a number of critical decisions awaiting the Carolina Panthers both before and during free agency. Frank Reich and David Tepper have done their part by molding an elite-caliber coaching staff, which makes general manager Scott Fitterer‘s job even more important in terms of playing personnel moves ahead of the 2023 campaign.
This is Fitterer’s chance to prove beyond all doubt that Matt Rhule was the problem. It’s his first offseason with the final say on roster decisions, although there will be significant input from elsewhere as the Panthers move forward with a more cohesive recruitment process.
Money is tight despite restructuring Austin Corbett’s contract to save almost $6 million. Further measures are obviously coming, but Reich’s ability to find the best coaches money can buy makes Carolina an attractive destination for veterans all things considered.
The hard work starts now for Fitterer. With this in mind, here are four easy decisions the Panthers can make in 2023 free agency.
Easy Decision No. 1
Carolina Panthers must retain Sam Franklin
Having a productive special teams unit is something the Carolina Panthers benefitted from enormously in 2022. Chris Tabor’s appointment transformed the team’s fortunes, so keeping him around under Frank Reich was absolutely imperative to maintain or perhaps even enhance momentum.
For Tabor to accomplish this, retaining Sam Franklin is a must. The former undrafted free agent out of Temple has carved out a decent role for himself as a core special teamer, so extending him long-term is something that could bear fruit.
Carolina Panthers must extend D’Onta Foreman
Among the most difficult decisions facing the Carolina Panthers is how much money they can afford to pay D’Onta Foreman. The running back carried a heavy burden when Christian McCaffrey departed for the San Francisco 49ers before the trade deadline, which was a responsibility he was more than ready for based on the player’s production.
Foreman’s physical running style and ability to wear down defenses made him the lead-back quickly. Chuba Hubbard caught the eye when called upon, so keeping this one-two punch for Frank Reich and Thomas Brown to utilize next season comes with endless benefits.
Much will depend on how much money Foreman’s representatives demand on his next deal.
Scott Fitterer won’t want to overpay for a running back given how much dead-cap McCaffrey is costing the team next season. Therefore, some common ground must be reached between all parties in the coming weeks.
Assistant head coach/running backs coach Duce Staley wants Foreman to come back. But as the recent arrival pointed out during his introductory press conference, his surname isn’t Fitterer.
Foreman’s production in difficult circumstances last season warrants another go-around in 2023. Whether the Panthers can move enough money around to make this happen is another matter.
Carolina Panthers must find a productive TE
While there’s a good chance Ian Thomas and Tommy Tremble can progress their respective contributions under a new-look, high-caliber coaching staff, the Carolina Panthers would be foolish if they didn’t examine ways to strengthen their options at the tight end position.
This area of the field has been sorely lacking in pass-catching consistency since Greg Olsen was allowed to leave in 2020 free agency for the Seattle Seahawks. Something that has to change for Frank Reich to stand any chance of making a go of things during his first season as head coach.
Carolina and general manager Scott Fitterer will leave no stone unturned. There are some intriguing options emerging from the college ranks to consider, but examining the wealth of options set to hit free agency could be a quick fix to this ongoing problem.
Players like Mike Gesicki, Evan Engram, and Irv Smith Jr. could test the market. Any of the aforementioned trio would be an upgrade from a pass-catching perspective, leaving Thomas and Tremble to focus more on evolving their exceptional blocking attributes.
Again, this comes down to money and how much the cash-strapped Panthers can free up between now and when free agency arrives. But relying on their current options based on what we’ve seen of late is simply not an option.
Carolina Panthers must re-sign Bradley Bozeman
When one examines the current state of free agents on the Carolina Panthers, extending Bradley Bozeman is the top priority. And it’s not particularly close, either.
The former Alabama star came in for the injured Pat Elflein at the center spot and thrived in 2022. His run blocking was of a high standard, he more than held his own in pass protection, and emerged as a true mentor and locker room leader for good measure.
Not only this, but Bozeman has quickly become a strong community presence within the Carolinas. Something that’s come with fan-favorite status at an important stage in the player’s NFL journey.
Bozeman is only going to get better entering his prime years. James Campen returning as Carolina’s offensive line coach guarantees further growth from the player, but the Panthers know keeping him on the books next season and beyond is going to cost them.
The lineman bet on himself last spring by leaving the Baltimore Ravens for a team-friendly deal in Carolina. Something that Spotrac projects could command Bozeman around $12 million per year on his next contract after such an outstanding campaign.
Continuity is everything where the offensive line is concerned. With Austin Corbett and Brady Christensen working their way back from long-term injuries, losing Bozeman in free agency would be nothing short of devastating.