Which Carolina Panthers have their work cut out to stick around beyond the 2023 season based on respective efforts leading into the bye week?
It would be easy for Carolina Panthers fans to start looking ahead to the future after such a pathetic start to the 2023 campaign. Frank Reich's men are 0-6 and dealing with some significant injury issues among many other complications, which is leading many to wonder whether or not reports of a fire sale before the trade deadline will become reality.
There are arguments for and against blowing things up. Rookie quarterback Bryce Young needs more help, but the Panthers don't have a first-round selection and with some difficult contract decisions upcoming, could deem some within the locker room as sacrificial lambs in pursuit of bolstering draft capital.
One thing that's become clear over the past six weeks is the distinct lack of quality depth. Looking at how things are unfolding for some, this could be their final season with the franchise unless there's a drastic turnaround over the next 11 games.
On this topic, we picked out four Panthers players who look like they'll probably be on their way out in 2024 at the bye week stage.
DeShawn Williams - Carolina Panthers DL
There was a lot to like about the DeShawn Williams signing in free agency. The lineman was reuniting with defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero after having a career year under the respected coach with the Denver Broncos in 2022. Playing closer to home was also something that increased hope of a valuable contribution.
Williams did well to earn a starting position during the summer, but it hasn't translated to the necessary production through six games. The defensive line overall has struggled aside from Derrick Brown, which stems from having no genuine nose tackle within Evero's creative 3-4 base scheme more than anything else, in all honesty.
Unless there is an upturn in Williams' consistency, he might be one-and-done with the Carolina Panthers. And he isn't alone in that regard.
D.J. Chark - Carolina Panthers WR
It took a long time for the Carolina Panthers to secure the services of D.J. Chark in free agency. The wide receiver was examining all options before deciding on his next move and it was clear those in power were thrilled to seal the deal after receiving the news during Anthony Richardson's pro day.
Chark was set to provide a deep threat that the Panthers sorely needed after trading D.J. Moore to the Chicago Bears in pursuit of solving their complex quarterback riddle. While the veteran has flashed on occasion, he's not yet met expectations.
There seems to be difficulty creating separation consistently where Chark is concerned. He looks a little lost within the scheme, although the chance for improvements cannot be dismissed now that offensive coordinator Thomas Brown is taking over play-calling duties from head coach Frank Reich.
The former second-round selection has brought in just 48.1 percent of his targets this season. Chark boasts 197 receiving yards and two touchdowns from five appearances, which is a microcosm of how things have unfolded with Carolina's passing game up to now.
Carolina should make upgrading their wide receiver room among their top priorities next offseason. Chark might be on the outside looking in after that, but he's still owed $3.136 million thanks to four voided years on his deal regardless of whether he's still on the team or not.
Jeremy Chinn - Carolina Panthers DB/LB
This was an inconceivable notion to almost everyone after Jeremy Chinn's rookie season. The 2020 second-round selection got an immediate start at outside linebacker and took the league by storm, but it's been a steady decline since then and his future with the Carolina Panthers beyond 2023 is in some significant doubt.
Chinn's reps have diminished significantly since Ejiro Evero came in with his creative 3-4 base scheme. He's gone from a confirmed starter to being deployed in specialist packages, which is deeply concerning when one considers the number of injuries that the Panthers are dealing with on the defensive side of things.
The former Southern Illinois standout was seen as a potential trade candidate before the deadline. However, a quad injury is expected to keep Chinn out for up to six weeks, which makes it almost impossible to move him on and get something back in return.
What the future holds for Chinn is undecided. His athletic attributes are undeniable and he's already proven more than capable of putting up significant numbers in the right defensive system. But Carolina is no longer a good fit for the player, so taking his chances elsewhere should be his desired career path.
Considering the other influential figures that need extending and potentially franchise tagging, the Panthers are unlikely to put up much of a fight. Something that could be the spark Chinn needs to galvanize his professional career.
Justin Houston - Carolina Panthers OLB
The Carolina Panthers were in desperate need of pass-rushing assistance to put opposite Brian Burns before the 2023 season. Just when it looked like those in power might stick with what they have, veteran Justin Houston agreed to come on board with a fully guaranteed $6 million deal attached.
Hopes were high for Houston after the four-time Pro Bowler gained 9.5 sacks with the Baltimore Ravens in 2022. Sadly for the player and the Panthers, he's not been nearly as productive.
In 42 percent of the team's defensive snaps, Houston has 0.5 sacks. Even with rotational involvement, that's extremely disappointing and could be a sign that the Georgia product has fallen off the proverbial cliff.
Father time waits for no man. Houston's fought it off better than most edge rushers over recent years, but there comes a moment in every player's career when the production doesn't match the salary more often than not.
This was a win-now move by the Panthers and in keeping with the bold projections declared by general manager Scott Fitterer before the campaign. Now that's obviously not going to be the case, there appears little doubt that Houston and Carolina will go their separate ways this offseason once his contract expires - even if there is $3.868 million spread out over the next four voided years.
Even if the production improves, this will remain a short-term arrangement. Another swing and a miss by a front office becoming renowned for flawed personnel decisions.