What are some of the more underrated moves made by the Carolina Panthers during an immensely entertaining 2023 off-season?
It's been hard to keep up with the number of moves made by the Carolina Panthers throughout an unprecedented offseason of change. Something that was desperately needed after the previous regime ran things into the ground with very little plan attached.
That's not the case anymore, which is pleasing. There is a renewed belief around the building that something special is on the immediate horizon under the brain trust led by head coach Frank Reich and general manager Scott Fitterer, which is thanks in no small part to their outstanding efforts this spring.
Before we look ahead, here are 11 underrated off-season moves that could significantly benefit the Panthers in 2023.
Carolina Panthers retained James Campen and Chris Tabor
When Frank Reich became head coach, it was evident big changes to those working under him would soon follow. The Carolina Panthers assembled an incredible staff littered with the right blend of youth and experience, but the figurehead made another shrewd move by convincing offensive line coach James Campen and special teams coordinator Chris Tabor to stick around.
Campen and Tabor made their presence felt in 2022 when all around them was crumbling. Both are hugely revered and among the industry leaders in their respective disciplines, so keeping them around was an absolute no-brainer if there was mutual interest.
In an offseason of substantial change, keeping this continuity could reap some hefty rewards within two key areas.
Carolina Panthers re-signed Cam Erving
Re-signing Cam Erving was an absolute non-starter after a woeful first season with the Carolina Panthers. Thankfully for the offensive lineman and the organization, he adjusted superbly to a lesser role last time around that focused more on leadership rather than on-field production.
Erving drew widespread praise for his locker room presence and mentorship for players like Ikem Ekwonu. This was enough for the Panthers to re-sign the former first-round selection after the 2023 NFL Draft concluded to keep a semblance of continuity.
While a swing depth piece is probably the best Erving can hope for on the playing side of things, young players are sure to benefit greatly from his return. And that's always worth its weight in gold.
Carolina Panthers hired Jim Caldwell
It's been an unbelievable overhaul in terms of coaching infrastructure where the Panthers are concerned in recent months. Frank Reich came in with a sense of purpose and thanks to David Tepper's financial resources, an all-star staff was assembled heading into his opening campaign at the helm.
Although it's gone relatively overlooked compared to others, hiring Jim Caldwell as an assistant head coach was a masterstroke. There aren't many more respected figures in the league than the former Detroit Lions head coach, who'll be a key voice in game-planning and also has a strong reputation for helping young players reach their potential.
Caldwell was interviewed by the Panthers for their vacant head coaching job earlier this year. So getting him on Reich's staff represents a major coup.
Carolina Panthes signed Hayden Hurst
Finding a productive pass-catching tight end was among the Carolina Panthers' biggest priorities this offseason. Something they managed to attain with minimal fuss after convincing veteran free agent Hayden Hurst this was the project for him.
Hurst joins from the Cincinnati Bengals where he became an assured target for quarterback Joe Burrow en route to an AFC Championship game appearance. He's dependable, leads from the front, and is familiar with the region having played his college football at South Carolina.
If Hurst becomes Bryce Young's best friend in key moments within Frank Reich and Thomas Brown's expansive scheme, it could be the X-factor Carolina needs to keep the chains moving consistently. This is something the team hasn't had since Greg Olsen was around.
Carolina Panthers drafted Jonathan Mingo
Many expected the Panthers to select an edge rusher to put alongside Brian Burns once they'd selected a franchise quarterback at No.1 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. But after becoming enamored with Jonathan Mingo - who also received recommendations from Steve Smith Sr. and Bryce Young - he was the choice at No. 39 overall.
Mingo has the physical attributes normally associated with successful wideouts emanating from Ole Miss. There is also an instant chance to attain prominent targets after D.J. Moore's departure to the Chicago Bears via trade.
Even if this doesn't happen, long-term hopes will remain high for Mingo. A notion he hasn't altered during an eye-catching start to early workouts in Carolina ahead of training camp.
Carolina Panthers let Sam Darnold walk
When Sam Darnold went on a mini-renaissance when installed into the Carolina Panthers starting lineup once again in 2022, many wondered whether it would be enough for the quarterback to get another short-term deal with the franchise. Thankfully, that was not an opinion shared by the new regime.
The Panthers had far grander plans for football's most important position. They signed veteran Andy Dalon in free agency and also traded up to No. 1 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft for Bryce Young - someone that could be a worthy heir apparent to Cam Newton at long last.
As for Darnold, he landed on his feet thanks to a one-year deal with the San Francisco 49ers, But make no mistake, letting the former USC star walk was the right call.
Carolina Panthes hired Duce Staley
Another outstanding addition to the Panthers coaching staff this offseason, Duce Staley was granted permission by the Detroit Lions to seek employment closer to home. This will be Carolina's gain in no uncertain terms given the esteem in which their new assistant head coach is held around the league.
Staley is a high-end motivator that lives and breathes the game. He is vocal, demands exceptional standards from the players, and holds everyone to the same account - something that's already come to the fore throughout early workouts.
Don't let the surly demeanor fool you, Staley is supremely intelligent and will be a tremendous asset to head coach Frank Reich as the campaign progresses. And who knows, this might be the final destination before he earns a top job of his own in the coming years.
Carolina Panthers signed Vonn Bell
Transitioning to a 3-4 base defense under the exceptional defensive mind of Ejiro Evero comes with tremendous intrigue. But the Carolina Panthers also needed some personnel changes to ensure this landmark scheme alteration goes off without a hitch.
This all starts with communication. Something the Panthers bolstered by signing free-agent safety Vonn Bell to a three-year, $22.5 million deal that also included a $5.83 million signing bonus and $13 million guaranteed.
Bell is a dependable veteran that always seems to be in the right position. His partnership with Xavier Woods on the backend should flourish immediately and the former Ohio State star is guaranteed to have every member of the secondary in the correct positions pre-snap for good measure.
Carolina Panthers didn't cut Shaq Thompson
It seems like a distant memory now, but there was a time earlier this offseason when Shaq Thompson's future with the Panthers was in doubt. The linebacker's salary cap hit meant he was a primary cut candidate, but a compromise ended up being reached to ensure he got the chance to be part of the new regime.
Thompson extended his contract by one season with no extra money attached. This team-first move came as a result of the current linebacker market around the league and the former Washington star's desire to spend the rest of his career in Carolina.
This is outstanding news. Thompson will be a primary influencer within Ejiro Evero's 3-4 defense alongside Frankie Luvu on the defensive second-level interior, with his presence as Carolna's undisputed locker room leader something else that cannot be overlooked.
Carolina Panthers hired DeAngelo Hall
There are some deep concerns about the Carolina Panthers' cornerback unit heading into the season. This is down to injury complications and a lack of consistency in a competitive environment, which could become a weak link if certain individuals don't raise their level of production next season.
Having one of the most accomplished coverage cornerbacks of the modern era to lean on cannot do anything but help. The Panthers hired DeAngelo Hall as their new defensive backs coach this offseason, who left a cushty job with the NFL Network to join Frank Reich's ambitious project in 2023.
Hall will command instant respect within the locker room having reached the NFL pinnacle with multiple personal accolades to match. If he's half as successful in a coaching capacity, the Panthers might be onto something.
Carolina Panthers drafted Chandler Zavala
Even though the Carolina Panthers made some impressive strides across the offensive line last season, no team can ever get complacent in this critical area of the field. Improving depth is always welcome no matter how good the starting five appears, because all it takes is one or two injuries to completely throw plans into tatters.
The Panthers have done just that this offseason. Veterans were brought back, Justin McCray arrived in free agency, and those in power also spent their fourth-round selection on interior presence Chandler Zavala out of North Carolina State.
Zavala is a former teammate of Ikem Ekwonu who was desperate to reunite with his old college friend in the NFL. He is a brute, physical force with a high ceiling, which can hopefully be reached in the coming years under the experienced voice of James Campen.