How are the Carolina Panthers winning during what's been a fascinating offseason for the organization so far in 2023?
Fans and analysts alike haven't been able to take their eyes off the Carolina Panthers since the 2022 campaign concluded. It's been an unbelievable period of change for the franchise as they look to finally emerge from Matt Rhule's dark shadow and into legitimate contention at the earliest possible opportunity.
Everything from the coaching staff to playing personnel looks unrecognizable from the set-up that started slowly but came on considerably last season once Rhule was removed from the equation. It's been hard work for those in power, but the foundations look strong enough to mount a potential bid for the NFC South championship next time around.
Obviously, nobody will know for sure until Carolina gets down to competitive games. Before then, recruitment will continue and the Panthers staff must also get everyone on the same page in a collective pursuit of the same goal.
With that being said, here are four ways the Panthers are winning during the 2023 offseason to date.
Way No. 1
Carolina Panthers shelled out big bucks for elite coaches
Frank Reich had a clear plan in place for his coaching staff. This was to attract elite coaches with growing reputations and legitimate NFL experience at the highest level.
This was supported by team owner David Tepper, who capitalized on not having a coaching salary cap to shell out big bucks and ensure Reich's dreams were realized. Something that's left the Carolina Panthers with arguably the league's most accomplished staff along the way.
The first foundation was an impressive one. Players can now relax safe in the knowledge they have industry leaders guiding and developing them, which should hold a lot of weight when push comes to shove this summer in Spartanburg.
Carolina Panthers sealed their long-term QB plan
One of the biggest reasons behind the Carolina Panthers' failings in recent years - aside from Matt Rhule's constant incompetence - is not having any sort of consistency at the quarterback position. The failed trades, suspect free agents, and releasing Cam Newton all played a role in the team's downward spiral, which had to change immediately for the new regime to stand any chance of progress.
General manager Scott Fitterer realized this for himself. He's seen Rhule get his own way and moves blow up in Carolina's face - a mistake the front office figure was eager not to make with roster control for the first time.
Fitterer was aggressive to put his long-term plan to stabilize things under center in place. Derek Carr and Lamar Jackson were considered, but the allure of building around a rookie contract led to the Panthers striking a deal with the Chicago Bears for the No. 1 overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft, instead.
The cost was steep and also included wide receiver, D.J. Moore. However, if this ends up being the move that finally gives the Panthers a worthy successor to Newton, nobody will care about the compensation in the coming years.
Finding the right prospect is something the Panthers feel confident about if Fitterer and Frank Reich's presser comments this week were any indication. Thanks to their ruthless pursuit of elite-caliber coaches, this is a tremendous environment for C.J. Stroud or Bryce Young to learn quickly.
Carolina Panthers cap management was masterful
Things didn't look too promising for the Carolina Panthers from a salary-cap standpoint at one stage this offseason. More than $28 million in dead money was accumulated from the Christian McCaffrey and Robbie Anderson trades, which left the organization facing some critical decisions before and during free agency.
Thankfully, the Panthers have Samir Suleiman. The renowned front office presence is one of the league's best salary-cap managers and his magnificent structuring and restructuring of contracts in recent weeks has been nothing short of astonishing.
Somehow, the Panthers have $23.56 million in available space despite keeping most of their key guys and signing high-quality free agents. Suleiman deserves enormous credit for this and his masterful cap maneuvering could see further interest from elsewhere regarding a general manager position next year.
The Panthers have money to make further signings should they wish. They must also sign their draft class for around $8 million according to calculations and leave money over for any in-season moves in the event injury strikes.
There is now flexibility that wasn't there previously. Suleiman and Scott Fitterer have played their hand extremely well so far, even if it has taken their 2024 cap availability down to $90.67 million with 27 players under contract currently.
Considering how bleak things looked once upon a time, this is far greater than most fans anticipated.
Carolina Panthers brought in culture changers
As stated previously, money was tight for the Carolina Panthers heading into free agency. But the connections of this coaching staff coupled with Scott Fitterer selling the new project convinced some established veterans to come on board and significantly upgrade key position groups.
One thing became obvious upon examining Carolina's recruitment process. The contracts were team friendly and the organization was eager to bring in players from winning franchises to assist in their pursuit of completely shifting the culture.
Having players who've been to the very top such as Miles Sanders, Adam Thielen, Vonn Bell, and Hayden Hurst will be tremendous assets to call upon. They should also bring a level of expectation and professionalism that was sorely lacking during Matt Rhule's reign of terror.
This should increase standards across the Panthers and help propel young roster members with no real experience of winning consistently up a notch. If they aren't pulling their weight, then Fitterer won't hesitate to wield the ax and acquire individuals capable of getting this team back to relevancy.
Things couldn't have gone much better for Carolina over the last three months. There is a real buzz around the organization right now and if those in power nail their choice at No. 1 overall, it can provide the spark that ignites this once-proud franchise back to the NFL's top table.