Dan Morgan wasted no time in stamping his mark on the Carolina Panthers. While the new general manager was a trusted associate of previous head decision-maker Scott Fitterer, his moves throughout the offseason suggest he wasn't completely aligned in a similar way of thinking. This was prevalent across the franchise last season and caused significant problems.
Thankfully, everyone seems to be on the same page right now. Morgan and head coach Dave Canales have a previous working relationship, so the transition has been smooth. Brandt Tilis also settled into his newfound responsibilities immediately, leaving the football operation looking more professional than at any stage throughout David Tepper's ownership.
Morgan adopted a level of ruthlessness to his roster construction that was sorely needed. Underperforming free agents were moved on and several established veterans were released ahead of time. The Panthers even traded cornerback Donte Jackson and star edge rusher Brian Burns. Nobody was seemingly safe outside of a select few.
For some, they'll embark on new challenges elsewhere. Others will be breathing a little easier about their prospects under the new regime, although that could change depending on which prospects the Panthers acquire during the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft.
With this in mind, here are five Panthers players who were lucky to escape Morgan's roster cull.
Eddy Pineiro - Carolina Panthers K
After signing a new deal with the Carolina Panthers last spring, Eddy Pineiro's production was solid if not spectacular in 2023. He saw his field goal percentage diminish to 86.2 from 29 attempts and also missed three extra points throughout the campaign. This wasn't exactly the big step forward many were anticipating after a solid first campaign with the franchise.
Kickers are often the first to be deemed sacrificial lambs. With new special teams coordinator Tracy Smith coming into the fold and Chris Tabor - a long-time associate of Pineiro's - out of the door, it wouldn't have been a shock to see the Panthers bring in additional competition for the kicking job.
Instead, they are standing pat and seem willing to give Pineiro another chance. Even so, the leash could be shorter than ever when competitive action resumes once again.
Miles Sanders - Carolina Panthers RB
To say Miles Sanders' first season with the Carolina Panthers didn't go according to plan would be an understatement. The running back came in with big ambitions to be a legitimate three-down threat - something the franchise desperately needed after trading Christian McCaffrey to the San Francisco 49ers. Unfortunately, these bold claims didn't come with any substance attached.
Sanders was playing hurt over the early part of the season, but the explosiveness and conviction he displayed during a Pro Bowl campaign with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2022 had deserted him. The former second-round pick lost his starting job to Chuba Hubbard and couldn't get it back. Simply put, his first season in Carolina was an unmitigated disaster.
Many wondered whether that would be the last they saw of Sanders. Dan Morgan cut the likes of Hayden Hurst and Vonn Bell after just one season. At least for now, the Penn State product is getting a reprieve.
The Panthers recently paid Sanders' roster bonus of $2 million guaranteed. That seems to suggest he'll be on the 53-man roster, but whether he can improve his production under new head coach Dave Canales is another matter.
Terrace Marshall Jr. - Carolina Panthers WR
Terrace Marshall Jr.'s presence on the roster right now is also surprising. The wide receiver couldn't firmly establish himself in Year 3 of his professional career and handed in a trade request when opportunities became scarce. This left him firmly on the chopping block as Dan Morgan looked to galvanize a squad in desperate need of fresh faces.
Marshall is still around, but for how much longer remains to be seen. Much has been made about how strong the 2024 NFL Draft appears from a wide receiver standpoint. If the Panthers can get their hands on one or two playmakers capable of contributing immediately, it'll push the former second-round selection out of LSU further down the depth chart.
It's a disappointing scenario. Marshall has the physical tools needed to make a significant difference but hasn't been able to generate any prolonged momentum. While the player is back with his teammates for the start of offseason workouts, he'll be nervously looking over his shoulder heading into the draft as the Panthers look to surround quarterback Bryce Young with more consistent weapons in the passing game.
If this comes to fruition, it's hard to envisage a scenario where Marshall factors much into Dave Canales' plans moving forward.
Ian Thomas - Carolina Panthers TE
Despite another underwhelming campaign, the Carolina Panthers opted not to remove Ian Thomas completely from the equation. The veteran tight end agreed to take another pay cut - his second in consecutive years - to stick around. This came with bemusement among the fanbase - most expected the former fourth-round pick to be made surplus to requirements.
Thomas has flattered to deceive on countless occasions. He was given a chance to fill the gaping void left by Greg Olsen in 2020 and couldn't raise his game accordingly. He's gradually evolved into a blocking specialist, but even that part of his game became subpar last time around.
Again, this is dependent on what Carolina has planned during the 2024 NFL Draft. The need for a new tight end is glaring despite those in power holding out hope Tommy Tremble can thrive with additional involvement. This is something that would also diminish Thomas' role, which wouldn't be a bad thing when one considers how the player regressed after flashing moments of quality as a rookie.
Chandler Zavala - Carolina Panthers OL
Chandler Zavala got more than he bargained for as a rookie. The Panthers threw him into the firing line too early - which came as a result of injuries to Brady Christensen and Austin Corbett. Their fourth-round selection couldn't rise to the occasion and looked completely overwhelmed from start to finish.
Zavala also dealt with some injury complications to rub further salt into his rookie wounds. This looked for all the smart money like another wasted pick from previous general manager Scott Futterer. While the temptation to cut their losses was there for all to see - especially after signing Damien Lewis and Robert Hunt - the Panthers haven't thrown in the towel just yet where the former North Carolina State star is concerned.
The interior lineman remains on the roster, for now. But if those in power add a couple more pieces to raise competition, Zavala faces a fight to make the 53-man roster. He must impress a coaching staff with no emotional attachment to their decision-making process, so there's a lot of hard work ahead this offseason.
All hope is not lost with Zavala if he's given time to develop. Unfortunately, this wasn't afforded to him by the incompetent previous coaching regime.