Which contracts could potentially hold the Carolina Panthers back heading into another critical offseason of change under Dan Morgan?
Securing Brandt Tilis from the Kansas City Chiefs could be a masterstroke from the Carolina Panthers. His exceptional knowledge of salary-cap manipulation is widely respected around the league. Something his new employers need as a matter of extreme urgency this offseason.
The Panthers have around $31 million available heading into the offseason. They have some established stars to extend such as Frankie Luvu and Brian Burns. Considering what these two players could command, there won't be much left unless significant sacrifices are made.
Tilis will be working hard alongside Dan Morgan and Dave Canales to put a plan in place. The Panthers won't be able to please everybody. There are also some deals given out by the previous regime that are no doubt giving the new power structure some headaches.
With this in mind, here are five contracts holding the Panthers back right now.
Shy Tuttle - Carolina Panthers DL
- 2024 salary-cap hit: $8.3 million
Few would argue Shy Tuttle wasn't given a bad hand during his first season with the Carolina Panthers. He was forced to occupy a position he wasn't comfortable with. While the free-agent signing gave it everything, he was always fighting a losing battle.
Tuttle's salary cap hit next season stands at $8.3 million. That seems like a lot given his influence in 2023. But it makes no financial sense to move him ahead of time given the dead cap ramifications involved.
Perhaps placing Tuttle as a starting 3-4 defensive end opposite Derrick Brown consistently and finding someone capable of manning the nose tackle spot could see an upturn in performance levels. But the jury is still out on that one.
Donte Jackson - Carolina Panthers CB
- 2024 salary-cap hit: $15.71 million
Donte Jackson remains a polarizing figure among the Carolina Panthers' fanbase. The veteran cornerback enjoyed one of his better seasons in 2023 - especially against the run. That hasn't stopped some sections of the team's long-suffering support from speculating about his future heading into the final year of his deal.
Jackson was given an extension in favor of Stephon Gilmore, who was allowed to walk. This decision remains an infuriating one for some fans who felt like it was not a smart business decision. Now, the chickens are coming home to roost.
The former second-round selection out of LSU is counting $15.71 million against Carolina's salary cap next season. Jackson is a solid CB2, but he's overpaid despite his increasing influence within the locker room.
This puts Brandt Tilis and Dan Morgan in a predicament. Do they ride things out with Jackson in 2024 before assessing whether or not to give him another extension? Or do they cut their losses with a post-June 1 release designation that saves them $10.52 million to spend elsewhere?
Carolina isn't exactly blessed with outstanding cornerback options right now. Jaycee Horn is the undisputed alpha but has gone through some significant injury problems. Jackson hasn't been the healthiest overall either - something that is going to provoke a discussion between those in power before concluding.
Adam Thielen - Carolina Panthers WR
- 2024 salary-cap hit: $9.91 million
Very few Carolina Panthers exceeded expectations last season. Adam Thielen was one of them.
The veteran wide receiver was seen as a slot/possession option after his high-profile arrival. As it turned out, he became rookie quarterback Bryce Young's go-to guy thanks in no small part to the failings of others.
This was a responsibility Thielen relished. His ability to create separation and secure tough catches caught the eye consistently. He went over 1,000 receiving yards on an offense that struggled to get anything going. While this wasn't the sort of environment he was promised by Frank Reich, he made the best out of a bad situation.
Thielen freely admitted this might not be the best place for him moving forward. He was sold a false dream. The undrafted free agent doesn't have many years left. But looking at his contract, a parting of the ways might be difficult.
The Minnesota State product is counting $9.91 million against the salary cap in 2024. Any willing suitors will be put off by such a big contract for an aging player, even if the Panthers eat some of the financial commitment in exchange for some valuable draft capital.
Either way, this was yet another contract handed out that the new regime is paying for. On the other hand, Thielen probably would have gone elsewhere had he not gotten some long-term security.
Miles Sanders - Carolina Panthers RB
- 2024 salary-cap hit: $7.69 million
The one you've been waiting for…
When the Carolina Panthers traded Christian McCaffrey to the San Francisco 49ers, it was seen as taking a short-term financial hit for long-term flexibility. Fans thought they would go younger - and cheaper - at the position. Sacrificing an All-Pro - one of the league's best dual-threat weapons - dictated as much.
Then, somewhat out of the blue, the Panthers signed Miles Sanders in free agency. The money was decent. It was also surprising despite the player coming off the first Pro Bowl campaign of his career with the Philadelphia Eagles.
It was an unmitigated disaster. Sanders seemed to lose his spark. Injuries didn't help, but there was an obvious hint of regret surrounding this particular acquisition.
The Panthers have a dilemma with Sanders' contract. He's set to count $7.69 million against the salary cap. This is ranked No. 8 among running backs league-wide. Considering Chuba Hubbard surpassed him as the No. 1 option, it's a damning indictment of the previous regime.
Removing Sanders doesn't make financial sense considering the dead-cap money they'd have to sacrifice. A post-June 1 designation makes things easier to a certain extent, but the Panthers might be forced to take their lumps and hope the former second-round pick out of Penn State can bounce back.
Taylor Moton - Carolina Panthers OT
- 2024 salary-cap hit: $29.74 million
This has nothing to do with Taylor Moton's importance to the Carolina Panthers. The veteran right tackle remains one of the genuine franchise cornerstone pieces. He's ultra-dependable and supremely consistent between the white lines. That does not detract from his 2024 salary-cap hit being a potential complication.
Moton's number is nothing short of whopping. He's counting $29.74 million against Carolina's salary cap. This is 12.1 percent of the team's total financial availability. Something that has to come down one way or another.
The former second-round pick out of Western Michigan is an integral member of the team long-term. This should enable Brandt Tilis to work out a contract restructure with relative comfort. It can be tricky with certain individuals, but the edge protector isn't going anywhere anytime soon.
Carolina's offensive line took a huge step back last season. Moton was immune to struggling now and again, but he was easily the best performer. He's held in the highest regard by teammates in the locker room. He leads by example. He's an inspiration for younger players to follow.
Moton is a team-first guy. If the Panthers come in with a restructuring that could potentially save them $8.14 million, this represents a reasonable solution that works for all parties involved.