Which Carolina Panthers players don't deserve to be on the roster beyond 2023 with more coaching changes on the immediate horizon?
It promises to be another dramatic offseason for the Carolina Panthers. They've already fired head coach Frank Reich and more will follow once the campaign concludes. Something that should have most players within the locker room nervously looking over their shoulders.
With new coaches - and potentially a new general manager - comes fresh ideas. Looking at how things have transpired for the Panthers over 13 games, very few players are emerging with any credit from one of the worst seasons in franchise history.
The Panthers can free up some decent cap space to strengthen problem areas. Although they don't have their first-round pick - which is a lock to be No. 1 overall - those in power possess six selections to utilize to further enhance their chances of a turnaround.
Some won't be around to see another changing of the guard. With this in mind, here are four Panthers players who don't deserve to be on the roster beyond 2023.
Ian Thomas - Carolina Panthers TE
Expectations surrounding Ian Thomas were high when he became the TE1 after the Carolina Panthers permitted Greg Olsen to leave for the Seattle Seahawks in 2020 free agency. It's been a steady decline ever since.
Thomas has gone from a promising pass-catcher as a rookie to almost anonymous. While his blocking has progressed, the former Indiana star's $6.12 million salary-cap hit next season can be better spent elsewhere.
Carolina put themselves in a predicament contractually with Thomas. Releasing him with one year remaining on his deal costs more dead-cap money than what'll be saved even with a post-June 1 designation. Just another sign of poor financial management and suspect roster evaluation from the front office.
Terrace Marshall Jr. - Carolina Panthers WR
Let's just call Terrace Marshall Jr. what he is to the Carolina Panthers at this point. He's a non-factor. An outcast. Another in a long line of draft busts from a front office who has constructed a roster incapable of putting up any sort of fight.
Marshall was taken over other needs at No. 59 overall in the 2021 NFL Draft. Many thought this had something to do with the front office finding out their NFC South rival New Orleans Saints planned on keeping the wide receiver in Louisiana with the very next selection. As it turned out, it was another grave error in judgment.
Despite demonstrating impressive athletic attributes during camps and flashing on occasion in the regular season, it's not clicked whatsoever over his three years in Carolina. Marshall's been a healthy scratch for weeks and was granted permission to seek a trade before the deadline that didn't arrive.
In truth, it's probably best for both parties to go their separate ways. Marshall needs a fresh start with his career fortunes hanging in the balance. The Panthers need to find more consistent pass-catchers to give quarterback Bryce Young a fighting chance of making improvements next time around.
Cutting Marshall with one year remaining on his deal comes with no financial implications whatsoever. That's the smart play, ending an extremely disappointing time with the franchise when many thought he'd finally break out under a new offensive-minded staff in 2023.
Laviska Shenault Jr. - Carolina Panthers RB/WR
Bryce Young should be performing better, nobody is disputing that whatsoever. However, the circumstances surrounding the rookie quarterback are nothing short of abysmal.
His offensive line is porous. Young also has no consistent play-calling presence. His pass-catchers are incapable of creating separation and making catches consistently.
These position groups need significant upgrades when the season concludes. Nobody should be considered safe aside from perhaps Jonathan Mingo, who is a second-round pick still possessing some upside. I'd also include Adam Thielen, but the veteran might ask for a trade elsewhere to finish his career with a contender.
Laviska Shenault Jr. has been something of an enigma once again this season. While his capabilities as a dual-threat weapon flashed briefly, injury problems have once again held him back.
The Carolina Panthers took a chance on Shenault via trade from the Jacksonville Jaguars. It didn't cost much, which is something. But the franchise once again whiffed on an acquisition - the hallmark of general manager Scott Fitterer's tenure.
When Shenault's contract expires in 2024, he should be moved on. His physical running style and ability to generate yards after the catch should guarantee he gets another shot somewhere. But the Panthers need a complete reset at wide receiver and other skill position groups.
This is all part of the business. And any new coaching staff should also recognize this glaring fact.
D.J. Chark - Carolina Panthers WR
There is a theme building. After boldly claiming Bryce Young didn't need elite weapons around him because he's a point guard at the quarterback position, David Tepper has some egg on his face yet again. Of all the embarrassing statements made by the Carolina Panthers owner during his disastrous tenure, that is right up there.
What quarterback doesn't need good weapons? Even Patrick Mahomes is struggling to generate momentum without consistent wide receivers capable of making plays. And he has one of the greatest pass-catching tight ends of all time in Travis Kelce.
Cheaping out on the position cost the Panthers in the worst way imaginable. Those in power were thrilled when D.J. Chark agreed to come on board in free agency, but the wideout looks like a shell of the player who went over 1,000 receiving yards with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2019.
Chark is unable to bring in contested catches. He cannot generate separation downfield with any consistency. Drops have been frequent en route to just 25 receptions for 345 receiving yards and three touchdowns this season.
As previously stated, the Panthers need to gut their wideout corps and provide Young dynamic playmakers who can make things happen. This time, those in power cannot penny-pinch in the quest to finally get their franchise presence under center trending in the right direction.
The former second-round pick out of LSU still counts $3.13 million against Carolina's cap in 2024 thanks to voided years on his deal. So even if he doesn't get another gig, Chark will be paid handsomely.