It's been an encouraging offseason for the Carolina Panthers, but which moves could end up being the most questionable during the 2023 campaign?
There is much more positivity about the Carolina Panthers these days following a dramatic offseason of unreal change. Something drastic was needed after Matt Rhule spiraled the franchise into oblivion over the last three years, which has seen general manager Scott Fitterer and his staff be ultra-aggressive in the hope rapid improvements can arrive under Frank Reich.
The Panthers are stable despite having over $51 million on their dead cap in 2023. Carolina got themselves veteran difference-makers in free agency, drafted Bryce Young at No. 1 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, and still has $27.42 million on their salary cap to make further moves should they wish.
Fitterer is known for covering all bases and being in on every deal. Although it's been largely positive, the Panthers have taken the odd risk or two that will have huge ramifications if they don't come off.
With that in mind, here are four questionable moves made by Carolina during the 2023 offseason.
Carolina Panthers didn't draft a TE
The Carolina Panthers signed Hayden Hurst in free agency and remain high on Tommy Tremble's upside working with NFL-caliber coaches for the first time. However, ignoring one of the deepest tight-end draft classes in recent memory is a decision those in power might come to regret moving forward.
Perhaps the Panthers feel like the trio of Hurst, Tremble, and Ian Thomas can all help in some way, shape, or form. But aside from the veteran free-agent signing, there's been no consistent production from the other two to justify overlooking some exceptional prospects emerging from the college ranks.
Frank Reich and Thomas Brown's scheme is very tight-end friendly and Bryce Young will look for these outlets often during his initial transition. If this doesn't result in a significant leap forward, the Panthers should make this one of their biggest priorities in 2024.
Carolina Panthers didn't urgently address edge rusher
Letting Haason Reddick leave in free agency was one of the biggest errors in Carolina Panthers franchise history. That's a long list - especially in recent years - but losing an All-Pro caliber edge rusher and getting almost nothing from those who replaced him was yet another reason why Matt Rhule's reign came to an abrupt halt.
This was expected to be Carolina's second biggest priority aside from the quarterback position. The Panthers desperately needed another capable pass-rusher to put opposite Brian Burns in Ejiro Evero's creative 3-4 base scheme, but it didn't get the urgency many anticipated during free agency or the 2023 NFL Draft.
The Panthers opted to acquire one further option, trading up to No. 80 overall for D.J. Johnson. This was a controversial move considering many analysts had him tabbed as a Day 3 selection, but those in power clearly see something in the six-year college player who is still learning how to play the position.
As stated previously, the Panthers have the salary-cap space to bolster their options with another immediate contributor from the veteran pool. But Leonard Floyd's decision to join the Buffalo Bills on a one-year deal means another more productive presence is off the market.
Moving forward on the chance Yetur Gross-Matos, Marquis Haynes Sr., Amare Barno, or Johnson can fill the gaping void left by Reddick is a massive call to make. Even if there should be a level of trust where Evero is concerned thanks to his exceptional defensive mind.
Carolina Panthers stood pat at CB
Much like the situation at edge rusher, many expected the Carolina Panthers to fortify their cornerback options this offseason. Jaycee Horn is rapidly emerging into one of the league's premier players at the position, but nobody else on the depth chart boasts anything like the same credentials.
Donte Jackson is the most experienced member of the unit. However, the former second-round selection out of LSU is dealing with a torn Achilles that could result in the player losing some of the explosiveness he's so reliant on.
The less said about C.J. Henderson and Keith Taylor Jr.'s consistency last season, the better. So for the primary decision-makers to stand pat with this projected starting foursome represents a gamble of epic proportions.
Perhaps Jeremy Chinn, Jammie Robinson, or Eric Rowe can become the nickel/dime options depending on how they fare during the preparation period. And there is plenty of cash to add another body if the right options become available.
If certain individuals previously mentioned don't make improvements, it won't take long for Carolina's cornerbacks to become a weak link despite Horn's credentials. Something that would make ignoring this critical area of play as a pressing need come firmly under the microscope.
Who knows, perhaps Ejiro Evero has the magic needed to bring the likes of Taylor and Henderson to life. If the defensive coordinator accomplishes this feat, then he can expect a head coaching job during the next cycle.
Carolina Panthers made changes at kicker
When the Carolina Panthers lost Zane Gonzalez shortly before Week 1 of the 2022 season, it was a body blow. Especially considering the player finally provided the kicking position with a level of stability that was sorely lacking previously.
Fortunately for the Panthers, Chris Tabor knew what Eddy Pineiro could do with some early momentum. The pair worked closely together on the Chicago Bears and it didn't for this to bear fruit in a different environment.
Pineiro was reliable and made some crunch kicks throughout the campaign. Many will point to his disastrous outing at the Atlanta Falcons in Week 8, but aside from that his production was highly encouraging.
This put the Panthers in a predicament this offseason. However, when Tabor agreed to stay on as special teams coordinator under the new coaching regime, it seemed almost inevitable that Pineiro would return at the expense of Gonzalez.
It's a cruel business, especially for a kicker. But it might work out well for Gonzalez after the San Francisco 49ers came in with a trade offer before his release to guarantee they'd get him on board next season.
If Pineiro cannot reach the same level and Gonzalez shines, then this will be seen as a grave error in judgment.