5 early cap casualties the Carolina Panthers could target in 2023
By Dean Jones
Which early salary-cap sacrifices should Carolina Panthers take a look at in pursuit of making a big splash under Frank Reich in 2023?
Even though the primary focus is currently on the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine, there is also the small matter of free agency upcoming for the Carolina Panthers. And some monumental decisions await those in power as they look to emerge as a potential postseason challenger next season.
General manager Scott Fitterer admitted some moves need to be made in pursuit of freeing up the necessary funds. There is also the need to extend Bradley Bozeman and D’Onta Foreman, who are both high on Carolina’s list of priorities after impressing considerably during the 2022 campaign.
It’ll be an interesting few weeks around the league. But some notable dominos have already begun to fall that represent an opportunity for the Panthers to potentially strengthen if there is mutual interest.
With this in mind, here are five early salary-cap casualties the Panthers might target in 2023.
Cap Casualty No. 1
Carolina Panthers could target Derek Carr
We’ll keep this one short because the interest is already confirmed. The Carolina Panthers met with veteran quarterback Derek Carr at the NFL Scouting Combine and also plan to speak with him on the phone next week as part of their thorough recruitment process.
Carr’s potential arrival came with a fixed reaction among the fanbase, who desperately want the Panthers to draft their guy and develop him accordingly. Something they could easily achieve thanks to the phenomenal coaching staff put together by Frank Reich and David Tepper.
However, this is the Panthers, so Carr coming on board cannot be dismissed entirely.