The Carolina Panthers have undergone significant changes to their roster throughout another eventful offseason for the franchise. Dan Morgan wanted to impose himself immediately in the prominent front-office leadership position, making some tough decisions and bringing in players with the right characteristics capable of turning this wayward organization around.
Established veterans were let go in free agency or became the subject of early releases from their deals. Morgan opted to rip the band-aid off quickly in pursuit of providing future financial flexibility for the Panthers. Something that sets them up nicely as part of his long-term plans for growth.
This roster revamp - coupled with the introduction of head coach Dave Canales' enthusiastic teaching methods - means things are looking up at long last. Nobody is getting ahead of themselves, but it would be a big disappointment if the Panthers didn't put out a better football product next season and beyond.
Some won't be around to assist in this exciting new era. With this in mind, here are five former Panthers players who surprisingly remain unsigned at this late stage of the 2024 offseason.
David Mayo - Former Carolina Panthers LB
While David Mayo wouldn't be classed as a world-beating linebacker by any stretch of the imagination, it's somewhat surprising to see him without employment right now. The close associate of Ron Rivera's from their time together on the Carolina Panthers was never going to get a new deal with the Washington Commanders after the head coach became surplus to requirements. The fact he's still on the scrap heap at this juncture isn't good news for his future aspirations.
For all of Mayo's faults on the defensive rotation, he's an outstanding force on special teams. Considering the new NFL kick-off rules being implemented for the 2024 season, his experience and ability to make plays in this key discipline could see him get another opportunity elsewhere.
However, the longer Mayo is without a home, the less chance he'll have. It's a fine line for those on the fringes over 30 years old.
Marquis Haynes Sr. - Former Carolina Panthers OLB
Marquis Haynes Sr. had a big opportunity awaiting him in 2024. Many thought he could become the starting outside linebacker opposite Brian Burns in Ejiro Evero's 3-4 base defensive scheme. This is something he worked hard to attain after becoming a dependable rotational edge presence throughout his time with the Carolina Panthers.
Couple this with being a contract year, and it's not hard to see why hopes were high for Haynes. Unfortunately for the former fourth-round pick out of Ole Miss, things didn't go according to plan through no real fault of his own.
Haynes suffered a troubling back complication at the worst possible time. This restricted him to just seven games last time around and he lacked the production Carolina's fanbase had come to typically expect from the popular figure.
The Panthers went in a different direction and Haynes remains without a home. Considering how impactful he's been on a rotational basis throughout his career, it's a surprising turn of events. However, this probably has a lot to do with the back issue and whether it's going to bring further complications down the line.
Eli Apple - Former Carolina Panthers CB
Who could forget Eli Apple's prolific stint with the Carolina Panthers? Just kidding, it was an unmitigated disaster.
Apple was acquired early in Matt Rhule's reign and didn't last very long. There was a clash in personalities between the cornerback and head coach, but he's gone on to carve a decent role for himself on contending teams in the years following his departure.
After spending last season with the Miami Dolphins, Apple emerged as a solid if not spectacular performer. He gives up big plays often, which is a concern at this stage of his career, but the fact he remains out of employment when so many teams around the league are desperate for improved cornerback depth is a damning indictment of how his skill set is being perceived.
Someone will likely turn to Apple once injury strikes and there are dwindling options available. Once this opportunity arrives, the former first-round selection out of Ohio State is formally entering the last chance saloon.
Gabe Jackson - Former Carolina Panthers OL
When the Carolina Panthers offensive line descended into chaos and players started suffering constant injury complications, Scott Fitterer turned to a familiar face. Someone he knew well from their time together on the Seattle Seahawks who could potentially provide some short-term relief as everything around rookie quarterback Bryce Young crumbled.
Gabe Jackson was the guy. The imposing interior offensive lineman was thrust into the spotlight immediately and held his own in difficult circumstances. He was a solid stop-gap option who provided some semblance of stability when it was desperately needed down the stretch. Unfortunately, the new regime had other ideas.
Dan Morgan shelled out vast financial resources to get Damien Lewis and Robert Hunt into the building. They'll form the team's new starting guard tandem, which should help Young enormously as he goes in search of a bounce-back campaign next season.
As for Jackson? He remains on the proverbial free-agent scrap heap. Considering his age the how good this year's draft class was for offensive linemen, his time in the league could be over given how long it took him to find work last time around.
Stephon Gilmore - Former Carolina Panthers CB
Stephon Gilmore is arguably the highest-profile available veteran remaining on the free-agent market. He might be in the twilight of his prolific career, but the cornerback's production with the Dallas Cowboys last season indicates there is still something left in the tank.
The Carolina Panthers were rumored to be interested in bringing Gilmore back. According to edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney - his former high school and college teammate - the interest was mutual. Nothing has become concrete since despite the questions surrounding Ejiro Evero's secondary, with Dan Morgan distancing himself from the possibility when speaking to the media recently.
Gilmore has outlined his desire to continue his playing career. The former NFL Defensive Player of the Year also knows his worth, recently claiming that age is impacting his chances of getting the money his production deserves.
The former South Carolina standout will get a roster spot somewhere. It might be the Panthers if the money works, but the chances of that occurring seem unlikelier than ever based on reports following the 2024 NFL Draft.