Which Carolina Panthers players could now become early cut candidates next spring after the team's lack of trade activity before the 2023 deadline?
While it was surprising to see the Carolina Panthers hold firm at the 2023 trade deadline, there were plenty of legitimate reasons behind the decision. A lack of genuine offers, a need to hold onto their foundational pieces despite being 1-6, and the fact they could genuinely believe better fortunes are ahead over the second half of the season spring to mind.
That said, there are still more questions than answers about this roster long-term. One win doesn't change that fact, so there could be some big decisions upcoming for those in power unless there's a drastic turnaround in fortunes over their remaining 10 games.
According to Over the Cap, the Panthers have $57.9 million in financial wiggle room next spring with 40 players under contract. Considering the need to extend stud edge rusher Brian Burns, formidable linebacker Frankie Luvu, and potentially others, that doesn't leave them with much to spend unless there is some significant salary-cap manipulation.
Therefore, sacrifices need to be made. On this topic, here are four potential early-cut candidates following the Panthers' lack of activity at the 2023 trade deadline.
Ian Thomas - Carolina Panthers TE
- Cap saving - $2.35 million
- Dead money - $3.77 million
Looking at Over the Cap to see how the Carolina Panthers stack up financially across their roster makes for grim reading. That's what happens when you give out suspect contract extensions and big deals for free agents who are currently underperforming to begin their respective careers with the team.
Samir Suleiman and others within the front office have their work cut out and further restructures could be on the way. One player who could be removed early is tight end Ian Thomas, who isn't up to the required standard and should have been let go once his rookie contract concluded in hindsight.
This represents a minimal saving, but it's slim pickings elsewhere.
Donte Jackson - Carolina Panthers CB
- Cap saving - $10.62 million (post-June 1 designation)
- Dead money - $5.19 million
Donte Jackson was the subject of intense trade speculation before the 2023 deadline. But it doesn't appear as if the market was particularly robust for the veteran cornerback despite one reported inquiry coming the Carolina Panthers' way.
This could be down to his performance levels and injury history, which is understandable. He's also valued more highly within the organization than across the fanbase, who've become tired of seeing the former second-round selection concede big plays downfield in coverage every week.
Jackson is a respected and vocal leader within the locker room, but that only gets any player so far. Unless his consistency increases over Carolina's remaining 10 games, his future could be murky when the time comes to make important financial decisions.
The one-time LSU star is set to count a whopping $15.81 million on the salary cap next season. That's too much for someone with indifferent production, so cutting him with a post-June 1 designation might be something those in power consider depending on what reinforcements arrive beforehand.
This would save the Panthers north of $10 million and is easily the most enticing of all options when it comes to early cuts. They might try to shop Jackson again before the 2024 NFL Draft, but this would free up substantial funds that could be better spent elsewhere.
Terrace Marshall Jr. - Carolina Panthers WR
- Cap saving - $1.44 million
- Dead money - $381,724
Big expectations once again fell on wide receiver Terrace Marshall Jr.'s shoulders before the season. A new coaching staff and strong performance levels at training camp raised hope that this could be his breakout year, especially considering the Carolina Panthers included D.J. Moore in the trade package that landed the No. 1 overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Unfortunately, Marshall's once again flattered to deceive. He isn't alone within Carolina's wide receiver room in that regard, but that doesn't make it any less disappointing where the former second-round selection is concerned.
Marshall's been an afterthought in the passing game aside from one decent outing against the Minnesota Vikings. These frustrations boiled over between the player and Carolina, with a trade request granted a fortnight before the deadline.
No willing suitor came forward and Marshall will now be welcomed back with open arms. But his lack of involvement even with Thomas Brown calling plays against the Houston Texans doesn't exactly bode well for his future.
Considering the desperate need for the Panthers to surround quarterback Bryce Young with improved weapons next spring, it'll take a turnaround of epic proportions for Marshall to force his way into the team's long-term plans. The cap savings are minuscule, but it could be a case of the wideout becoming surplus to requirements more than anything else.
Hayden Hurst - Carolina Panthers TE
- Cap saving - $2.25 million (post-June 1 designation)
- Dead cap - $7.8 million
As previously stated, the Carolina Panthers have some bad contracts to navigate next spring. Restructures, extensions, and signing free agents who haven't performed to the money allocated are going to cause more complications than needed, which is the last thing this front office needs under increased scrutiny.
One player not living up to his billing is Hayden Hurst. The veteran tight end was seen as someone who could finally fill the gaping void left by three-time Pro Bowler Greg Olsen, but it's been a stuttering opening to the campaign for one of the more dependable options in the passing game at the position before he arrived in Carolina.
Something is missing with Hurst and frustrations have shown as a result. The former South Carolina college star was demoted to No. 2 on the tight end depth chart behind Tommy Tremble after the bye week, which is a trend that might continue long into the future as Thomas Brown looks to ignite the spark evident within the one-time Notre Dame stud.
Hurst is a model professional who'll strive to improve his performance levels and help the team. If not, then a situation could emerge where he becomes a trade candidate or perhaps even released early when the time comes.
There's not a lot of financial incentive to remove Hurst from the equation after just one season. That's the bed Carolina made for itself with many established stars - now they must lie in it.