5 early cap casualties the Carolina Panthers could target in 2023

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.

Carolina Panthers could target Bobby McCain

Ejiro Evero’s arrival as defensive coordinator is tremendous news for the Carolina Panthers. This is one of the most respected young minds in the business and if all goes well in 2023, then a head coaching offer won’t be too far behind.

What’s important for the Panthers is making the most out of Evero’s time with the organization. That means finding the right reinforcements for a talented defense that fit the scheme he plans to implement.

Evero runs a 3-4 base that features exotic pressure packages and plenty of nickel formations. Judging by Carolina’s current cornerback options, it’s clear help is needed – and quickly.

Finding a capable prospect from the college ranks cannot be ruled out. But the recent release of Bobby McCain by the Washington Commanders might be a discussion those in power need to have.

McCain is a proven performer who was a solid slot cover cornerback for the Commanders last season. His previous experience as a safety provides Carolina with the versatility to place him almost anywhere in the secondary should he become a target.

This would be a quick-fix solution, one suspects. But considering Donte Jackson’s injury status and the poor performance levels of C.J. Henderson and Keith Taylor Jr., it should be considered.

Carolina Panthers could target Robert Woods

If the Carolina Panthers are serious about winning in 2023, they have to get some quality veterans into the building who know what it takes to succeed in the NFL. Whether they have enough money to become an attractive destination is another matter.

The presence of Frank Reich, his supremely gifted coaching staff, and established veterans will help. The Panthers also came across well during an NFLPA survey about the overall standards across the franchise to further enhance their status.

Although D.J. Moore remains prolific and Terrace Marshall Jr. has room for growth entering Year 3 of his professional career, the Panthers need another productive wide receiver. Something that general manager Scott Fitterer conceded during his press availability at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine.

Robert Woods was recently let go by the Tennessee Titans and became the subject of recruitment tweets from Johnny Hekker and Austin Corbett – two former teammates with the Los Angeles Rams who now play in Carolina.

While his numbers have dipped drastically over the last two seasons due to involvement and injuries, this is still a dynamic presence that could become a rookie quarterback’s best friend in no time at all. Convincing Woods to join rather than land on a team with a legitimate chance of contending is the biggest stumbling block.

Carolina Panthers could target John Johnson III

In one of the most shocking early releases so far, the Cleveland Browns and talented safety John Johnson III went their separate ways. Something that’s likely to put the Carolina Panthers among the leading contenders to secure his services in free agency.

This makes a ton of sense on multiple fronts. Carolina needs assistance on the backend – especially if they plan to move Jeremy Chinn around to maximize his explosive skills within Ejiro Evero’s creative system.

Johnson is also familiar with Evero. The two worked closely together on the Los Angeles Rams, which would make the transition to the Panthers go off without a hitch in this scenario.

The former third-round pick out of Northwestern has gone over 100 tackles three times in six years. Johnson is also assured in coverage situations, giving up 55.1 percent of targets and an 82.8 passer rating with the Browns in 2022.

As stated previously, Carolina needs significant reinforcements across their secondary considering the demands on this area of the field in Evero’s defensive scheme. Johnson ticks all the boxes and if the money is right, this would be a superb bit of business by the Panthers when one factors everything into the equation.

Carolina Panthers could target Bobby Wagner

Perhaps the most high-profile name to be released aside from Derek Carr so far this offseason is Bobby Wagner. The perennial All-Pro linebacker was cut loose by the Los Angeles Rams as they go through a mini-rebuild of sorts, which makes him an extremely hot free agent as the legal tampering period draws ever closer.

Wagner knows all about Scott Fitterer from their time together with the Seattle Seahawks. This is also a position of some significant need for the Carolina Panthers and the linebacker remains one of the most productive second-level performers around despite approaching 33 years old.

This might be a short-term fix to an ongoing problem. But there’s just no telling what acquiring a future Pro Football Hall of Famer would do for Carolina’s defense as they look to enter the elite category under Ejiro Evero’s guidance.

Convincing Wagner to join would be tremendously difficult considering how many other teams are likely to target the player. However, if the front office can somehow do this, it instantly legitimizes the project Frank Reich is molding after separating himself from other head coaching candidates.

Acquiring Wanger might be a pipe dream for many fans. But if there’s one thing that Fitterer has demonstrated during his time as general manager, he’ll shoot his shot whether it comes off or not.