Which early cuts around the league could instantly help the Carolina Panthers and their chances of genuine progression under Frank Reich in 2023?
The Carolina Panthers will be making some difficult calls and having tough conversations later today as their initial 53-man roster becomes official by the 4 p.m. deadline. However, the chances of general manager Scott Fitterer scouring the waiver wire for further additions are high given his nature.
Looking at how things currently stand on Carolina's depth chart, they appear top-heavy. Some depth issues are beginning to surface in key position groups, which could hold this promising team back if the injury bug strikes during the campaign.
The Panthers won't be sentimental regarding anyone on their roster in pursuit of progression. This ruthless aggression has been prevalent throughout the preparation period so far and should continue depending on what opportunities present themselves from a decent waiver position (No. 9).
With this in mind, here are four early cuts around the NFL that would instantly help the Panthers in 2023.
Carolina Panthers could sign Connor Galvin (OL)
The Carolina Panthers' offensive line has come in for some criticism this offseason. While the starting unit improved, backup options are a little thin on the ground, and searching for alternatives is entirely possible before Week 1 at the Atlanta Falcons arrives.
Connor Galvin's surprising release should put the Panthers and others on high alert. He is a former Big-12 Offensive Lineman of the Year in college and was also the Detroit Lions' highest-graded protector during the preseason according to Pro Football Focus.
This seems almost too obvious, especially considering the doubts surrounding Cam Erving, Michael Jordan, and others. But the Panthers won't be alone in examining Galvin's credentials after his outstanding preseason.
Carolina Panthers could sign Desmond King (CB)
Another area where the Carolina Panthers could use additional reinforcements is at the cornerback position. There's been a lot to like about C.J. Henderson's growth under legitimate NFL coaches this offseason and Troy Hill's arrival might also assist, but adding one more capable presence wouldn't hurt considering how pass-happy most teams are these days.
Injuries are another element of this equation that cannot be overlooked. Both Jaycee Horn and Donte Jackson have suffered a number of complications throughout their respective careers, so bolstering depth is never a bad thing all things considered.
The Houston Texans raised a few eyebrows on Monday by releasing Desmond King, who could have something to offer as a slot coverage specialist and also in the return game.
King is a former All-Pro with proven credentials. His production on a struggling Houston team last season was decent, giving up an 85.8 passer rating when targeted, securing two interceptions, and gaining a creditable 73.2 grade from Pro Football Focus as a result of his efforts.
This move was probably done with a view to giving young players an opportunity under an exceptional defensive mind in DeMeco Ryans. But that does not detract from how beneficial King's presence could be to the Panthers if he makes it that far down the waiver wire pecking order.
Carolina Panthers could sign Zonovan Knight (RB)
We tipped Zonovan Knight to be a potential cut candidate. The New York Jets signed Dalvin Cook and are getting Breece Hall back from injury, which made the second-year-pro surplus to requirements.
This was a numbers game rather than anything to do with performance levels. So the former North Carolina State star should get plenty of interest looking at his current trajectory.
Knight reformed well when filling info Hall last season. He looked like a dual-threat weapon for a Jets team that was struggling to find any consistency under center, but Aaron Rodgers' arrival raised the stakes for Gang Green's chances of attaining a Super Bowl - that's why Cook came into the fold.
The Carolina Panthers are seemingly happy with their current running back options. Miles Sanders is the lead force with Chuba Hubbard and Raheem Blackshear in secondary roles, but one could argue that Knight has more upside than either backup based on his performance levels last season.
Whether it's something the Panthers will contemplate remains to be seen. There's also a high chance another team with waiver priority looks at Knight as someone who could assist immediately if he uses this slight setback as a source of motivation.
Putting in a waiver claim wouldn't hurt for a player that's familiar with the area. But this is out of their hands unless general manager Scott Fitterer calls about a trade, which seems unlikely.
Carolina Panthers could sign Ross Blacklock (DL)
The NFL never sleeps. Ross Blacklock found that out to his cost late on Monday evening when the Minnesota Vikings informed him that they were going in a different direction.
This came just one year after the Vikings struck a deal with the Houston Texans to bring Blacklock into the fold. Things didn't go according to plan for the defensive lineman, who clearly hasn't shown enough throughout the summer to warrant involvement within Brian Flores' new dynamic system after Minnesota parted ways with Ed Donatell.
Blacklock is well on his way to becoming a draft bust after being taken No. 40 overall in the 2020 NFL Draft. But it might be worth the Carolina Panthers getting a closer look considering their lack of depth on the defensive line.
Listed at 6-foot-3 and 290 pounds, Blacklock might be a little on the light side for a 3-4 nose tackle. In this scenario, the former TCU stud would probably be a rotational edge player behind Derrick Brown and Shy Tuttle.
There might be better options available by the time 4 p.m. rolls around, in all honesty. But make no mistake, the Panthers must add to their defensive front before Week 1 as Ejiro Evero looks to propel Carolina's defense to heights not seen for some time.