Which recent cuts should the Carolina Panthers consider bringing onto the 53-man roster ahead of their Week 1 clash with the Atlanta Falcons?
The Carolina Panthers finalized their initial 53-man roster just before Tuesday's 4 p.m. deadline. But the chances of further moves before Frank Reich begins his first season as head coach in Week 1 at the Atlanta Falcons are extremely high.
General manager Scott Fitterer is renowned for his aggressiveness and conviction within a more collaborative approach since the previous coaching regime was sent packing. Looking at Carolina's current roster, solidifying some problem position groups with additional depth is almost guaranteed.
Hundreds of players are now looking for new homes either across rosters or practice squads depending on how much interest they generate. Here are ten recent cuts that the Panthers must consider signing in 2023.
Carolina Panthers could sign Malik Cunningham (QB/WR)
There were a few shocking cuts around the league as expected. Two of these came on the New England Patriots, who parted ways with quarterback duo Bailey Zappe and Malik Cunningham as Bill Belichick put all his eyes into Mac Jones' basket in the hope he will become rejuvenated under offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien's guidance.
Zappe will get a shot elsewhere after impressing as a rookie when called upon. Cunningham is a player who could interest the Carolina Panthers thanks to his dynamic playmaking ability as a signal-caller and overall athletic weapon.
Cunningham was a revelation throughout Patroits' camp, spending time under center and wide receiver. The Panthers have three quarterbacks on the roster currently, but acquiring the undrafted free agent is a wildcard worthy of consideration.
Carolina Panthers could sign Connor Galvin (OL)
We tipped up Connor Galvin as an early release that could help the Carolina Panthers in 2023. This bears more significance than ever looking at the current offensive line depth chart after the team's initial 53-man roster became official.
The Panthers opted to penny pinch with younger options who aren't on guaranteed deals to fill out their roster spots behind the projected starters across their protection. One could argue that Galvin represents an upgrade on any of them based on his high-performance levels throughout the offseason.
Carolina Panthers could sign Melvin Gordon (RB)
The Panthers went through with three running backs as expected. Whether they could shift this narrative with a fourth option if the right opportunity comes along is another matter.
It seems as if the Panthers are missing a power presence capable of generating hard yards in between the tackles. Melvin Gordon might fit the bill despite his advancing years, with someone like Zonovan Knight another potential candidate after his release by the New York Jets.
Carolina Panthers could sign Bradley Roby (CB)
One of the more shocking releases of the day arrived within the NFC South when the New Orleans Saints gave Bradley Roby his marching orders. The slot cornerback specialist is still performing at a high level and might be of interest to the Panthers in what remains a position group of need.
Carolina could use one more dependable option after cutting Stantley Thomas-Oliver III and Keith Taylor Jr. One anticipates Jeremy Chinn to occupy the big nickel role within Ejiro Evero's defense, but acquiring Roby gives them a dependable insurance policy if nothing else.
Caroolina Panthers could sign Tariq Castro-Fields (CB)
As previously stated, the Carolina Panthers could use an athletic cornerback to give their depth another big shot in the arm after parting ways with Stantley Thomas-Oliver III and more surprisingly, Keith Taylor Jr. If they want a long, productive presence that could fill a void on the rotation and special teams, then Tariq Castro-Fields is a name worthy of consideration.
Castro-Fields was unfortunate not to make the Washington Commanders' roster. They want him back on the practice squad according to multiple reports, but there is enough talent to suggest another team could swoop in with a better opportunity in the coming hours.
Carolina Panthers could sgn Rashard Lawrence (NT)
Another area where the Panthers have a glaring need is across their defensive line. Raequan Williams and Taylor Stallworth were both moved on, which was something of a shock when one considers those in power also waived Marquan McCall in the days leading up to final cuts.
Rashard Lawrence has had some trouble staying healthy throughout his NFL career. But this is exactly the sort of brute Carolina needs at the nose tackle position to clog up space for others in 2023 - something they don't necessarily possess on their roster currently.
Carolina Panthers could sign David Quessenberry (OT)
Releasing Cam Erving was a necessary evil. Despite his influence as a mentor and locker room leader, the Panthers just couldn't trust him when called upon and they were right to explore alternatives.
That might not be on the roster right now. Therefore, acquiring someone like David Quessenberry as a swing tackle option following his release by the Buffalo Bills is something those in power should seriously contemplate.
Carolina Panthers could sign Raymond Johnson III (DE)
It seems as if the Carolina Panthers are happy enough with their talent at the edge rushing position after signing Justin Houston late in training camp. D.J. Johnson and Amare Barno also flashed to secure their places on the initial 53-man roster, but the Carolina Panthers might add another option if they feel like it's the best thing for the franchise.
After an exceptional preseason from a production standpoint, seeing Raymond Johnson III's name on the proverbial scrap heap was eye-catching. The pass-rusher displayed the sort of explosiveness and natural progression normally associated with productive edge presences during warmup games, so he'll be unfortunate not to get an immediate opportunity elsewhere.
Carolina Panthers could sign Mike Strachan (WR)
Much will depend on the injury statuses of Terrace Marshall Jr., D.J. Chark, and Laviska Shenault Jr., but the Panthers might look at adding another wide receiver to get them a short-term fix and potentially allow quarterback Bryce Young a chance to hit the ground running against divisional opponents over the first fortnight.
Mike Strachan has experience working under Frank Reich, is physically imposing, and can also assist on special teams when required. Although the Panthers might decide to move forward with what they have after giving Derek Wright a slot at the expense of players such as Javon Wims and Shi Smith.
Carolina Panthers could sign Joejuan Williams (CB)
Another player who'll be disappointed not to get an initial 53-man roster spot is Joejuan Williams. The gifted cornerback was getting plenty of first-string reps with the Minnesota Vikings throughout the summer and didn't look out of place whatsoever, but those in power weren't willing to give up on bigger investments such as Andrew Booth Jr. when push came to shove.
Williams has the coverage prowess and run-stopping awareness to slot in immediately with the Panthers. And they need another body capable of coming into the organization and transitioning seamlessly within Ejiro Evero's creative 3-4 base defensive scheme.