After the Carolina Panthers became comfortably the NFL's worst team in 2023, there is one positive new general manager Dan Morgan can take from this embarrassment. The team has the No. 1 waiver wire priority throughout the offseason, which is something the front-office leader can put to good use.
Good players around the league will be removed from the equation for differing reasons before Week 1. That's the nature of the beast. What's important for Morgan is to strike with conviction when opportunities arise.
Looking at the holes across the roster, it shouldn't be too hard to find upgrades in certain position groups. Some are more glaring than others, but Morgan shouldn't hesitate to find additional competition for places and improve depth with this luxury from atop the waiver order.
With this in mind, here are four potential waiver wire cut candidates the Panthers should monitor closely as preparations for the 2024 campaign gather pace.
Carolina Panthers should monitor Dyami Brown
The Carolina Panthers made some substantial alterations to their wide receiver room this offseason. They acquired Diontae Johnson via trade from the Pittsburgh Steelers and moved up to No. 32 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft for Xavier Legette. These are two positive moves, but Dan Morgan could still add another intriguing pass-catcher at some stage.
Much will depend on how the Panthers' new regime sees Jonathan Mingo and Terrace Marshall Jr. faring in Dave Canales' offense. If they decide more is needed, keeping tabs on Dyami Brown's situation with the Washington Commanders could be worth its weight in gold.
Brown is no stranger to the region having played his college football at North Carolina. He hasn't reached the same heights in the pros, but the new staff in Washington led by Dan Quinn seem willing to give him another opportunity to prove himself this offseason.
If the Commanders decide to cut ties with Brown at some stage, the Panthers could strike. It's a risk, but the athletic intangibles are there to make a difference if everything finally clicks together.
Carolina Panthers should monitor Tre Avery
It's hard to envisage a scenario where the Carolina Panthers go into their 2024 season opener with the current cornerback options at Ejiro Evero's disposal. Even if fans don't get the chance to welcome Stephon Gilmore back, something needs to be done.
Jaycee Horn is the only one capable of manning outside coverage responsibilities effectively. The former first-round pick is fit and firing on all cylinders once again. Still, there is ongoing trepidation about whether the supremely gifted defensive back can put a prolonged run of contests together.
The Panthers signed Dane Jackson in free agency, who Dan Morgan's been high on from the moment he entered the league. Troy Hill is a dependable slot option despite his advancing years. Watching Chau Smith-Wade's transition after Carolina took him at No. 157 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft will also be fascinating.
If Morgan decides more is required - which is entirely possible looking at the state of affairs - the waiver wire could be a possible solution to solve this complication. Tre Avery took a step back last season, but he might be worth taking a chance on if the Tennessee Titans make him surplus to requirements this offseason.
Avery's got two seasons of starting experience under his belt. However, the Titans acquired L'Jarius Sneed and Chidobe Awuzie to put alongside Roger McCreary. Given the presence of Caleb Farley, Eric Garror, and Jarvis Brownlee Jr. on the depth chart, there might not be room for the former Rutgers star when push comes to shove.
However, the Panthers might have something bigger in mind.
Morgan seemed to distance himself from the prospect of signing Gilmore despite speculation remaining strong surrounding the possibility. If those in power end their pursuit or the one-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year takes his chances elsewhere, someone with Avery's qualities would be a decent consolation prize if he ended up hitting the waiver wire.
Carolina Panthers should monitor Chris Rumph
After trading Brian Burns to the New York Giants, the Carolina Panthers lost an explosive, productive edge rusher entering his prime. This has been a common theme for the organization in recent years, but there wasn't much Dan Morgan could do about this situation considering the mess he inherited from the incompetent previous regime.
There's hope that Jadeveon Clowney can build upon a promising campaign with the Baltimore Ravens in 2023. That said, asking him to be a legitimate focal point from a pass-rushing perspective is risky. D.J. Wonnum could help, but there's just no telling for sure given he's coming off a torn quad and got a lot of space playing opposite Danielle Hunter with the Minnesota Vikings.
Aside from that, the cupboard is relatively bare unless one of Carolina's young players takes a significant leap. That's why adding another capable presence to raise competition and fit within Ejiro Evero's scheme wouldn't be the worst idea in the world.
If Morgan decides that the waiver wire is the best way to go, the Panthers must keep an eye on the situation between Chris Rumph and the Los Angeles Chargers. The promising edge weapon had his campaign cut short by injury last season. With Jim Harbaugh now in the fold, his status is in some doubt.
The Chargers opted to keep Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack despite speculation linking them with a trade from the cash-strapped club this offseason. Harbaugh also secured the services of Bud Dupree, who's regressed of late but could play a key rotational role behind the projected starters.
Tuli Tuipulotu should secure a roster spot, so things aren't looking too great for Rumph. If he cannot make the 53-man roster, there will be a queue of teams looking to bring him into the franchise providing there are no red flags on the medical front.
Unfortunately for them, Carolina has first refusal and might find the opportunity too good to turn down.
Carolina Panthers should monitor Larrell Murchison
Adding to the defensive line was always going to happen for the Carolina Panthers at some stage this offseason. A'Shawn Robinson significantly bolsters their run-stopping prowess after signing in free agency. Those in power also spent a late-round selection on Jaden Crumedy, who could become a decent rotational option long-term if he's given time to develop.
The Panthers are confident Shy Tuttle can improve at the nose tackle position. They haven't added competition or depth for the anchor role as yet. If last year's free-agent signing cannot raise his performance levels, it won't take long for him to become a weak link Carolina cannot afford after losing several established figures throughout the offseason.
Strengthening the ranks via the waiver wire might be something that enters Dan Morgan's thoughts depending on what options become available. Larrell Murchison should be on this shortlist after an influx of new arrivals on the Los Angeles Rams defensive front following the bombshell retirement of future Pro Football Hall of Famer Aaron Donald.
Nobody can replicate what Donald brought to the table, but the Rams need to move on regardless. They spent a second-round pick on Brandon Fiske and drafted former Clemson star Tyler Davis in the sixth round. Kobie Turner and Bobby Brown III will probably start, leaving Murchison fighting out with the likes of Desjuan Johnson and Cory Burden for the final spot.
Murchison is someone who's worked with Ejiro Evero previously, which has been a theme for most defensive recruits this offseason. He's not a world-beater by any stretch of the imagination. Still, one could easily argue he'd be an upgrade on the current defensive line depth.
After transitioning investment to the offensive side of the football, Morgan must balance things out and give his defense a fighting chance. Their starting options across the board look sufficient, but there's a real danger of depth becoming exposed once again if the same injury problems arise.