What moves could new executive vice president of football operations Brandt Tilis make to save the Carolina Panthers around $33 million on their 2024 salary cap?
After some serious roster mismanagement under previous regimes, the Carolina Panthers are adopting a different model moving forward. Dan Morgan will handle the personnel evaluation side of things as president of football operations/general manager. Team owner David Tepper also managed to secure the services of Brandt Tilis as executive vice president of football operations.
Tilis comes into the organization with a tremendous reputation. He's been a key figure behind the scenes with the Kansas City Chiefs, maneuvering their salary cap superbly to ensure the team's primary playmakers are kept happy in some capacity.
The front office figure is inheriting a complicated situation with the Panthers. They have $28.59 million in available resources with 58 players under contract currently. Some established stars are looking for big-money deals. Others could be candidates for extensions ahead of time. That's without considering the desperate need to strengthen almost every position group after a two-win campaign.
It'll be a baptism of fire for Tilis in his new role. Here are five moves that could save the Panthers just over $33 million on their salary cap in 2024.
All financial figures courtesy of Over the Cap.
Carolina Panthers could cut Ian Thomas
- 2024 cap saving: $2.26 million
One of the many terrible contracts dished out by the Carolina Panthers under previous decision-makers was Ian Thomas' deal. The franchise overvalued his ability and potential. He's turned into a blocking specialist without impacting the passing game as most anticipated once Greg Olsen was allowed to leave for the Seattle Seahawks.
With the prospect of Carolina adding to the tight-end room this offseason, Thomas would fall further down the pecking order. Hayden Hurst and Tommy Tremble will likely have a part to play, but there won't be a better time to make the former fourth-round selection out of Indiana surplus to requirements.
This will cost the Panthers more dead money than savings. Unfortunately, that's the current state of affairs until further notice.
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Carolina Panthers could restructure Taylor Moton
- 2024 cap saving: $8.14 million
The Carolina Panthers offensive line regressed significantly in 2023. Several key injuries exposed their lack of sufficient depth - especially on the interior. Ikem Ekwonu's sophomore slump at the left tackle position was another major disappointment to emerge from a campaign that won't live long in the memory.
Fortunately, there was one constant. One shining light held down his end of the bargain while all around him crumbled. That, to nobody's surprise, was veteran right tackle Taylor Moton.
The former second-round selection turned out in every snap (1,148) once again. Moton is the model of consistency and a strong foundational piece for future success. He gave up just one sack and conceded four penalties throughout the campaign en route to a creditable 74.9 grade from Pro Football Focus.
There were some indifferent moments from Moton, but it was pleasing overall. Big changes are expected this offseason as the Panthers look to improve the protection in front of Bryce Young. The new regime has nothing to worry about where the Western Michigan product is concerned.
Considering Moton's value as a long-term piece of the puzzle, it might be worth Brandt Tilis working out another contract restructure with the player. Something that would provide the Panthers with an extra $8.17 million to better spend elsewhere.
Carolina Panthers could cut Donte Jackson
- 2024 cap saving: $10.52 million (post-June 1 designation)
This is more complicated than most originally thought before the 2023 season. Donte Jackson played better than he has for some time, missing just one game and making an impact both in coverage and against the run consistently.
There are times when Jackson gives up big plays. That's unlikely to change at this stage of his career, but his progress in run support under defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero was especially pleasing as part of a decent campaign overall.
Jackson is heading into the final year of his current deal. The speedy cornerback should benefit from a full offseason after recovering from a torn Achilles last time around. However, there are some significant financial ramifications to consider when examining the player's future.
The former second-round selection out of LSU is counting $15.71 million against the salary cap in 2024. He is currently No. 2 among the highest-paid Carolina Panthers players behind Taylor Moton. That could change if Brian Burns gets the megabucks contract extension many are expecting.
Brandt Tilis knows the NFL is a business above all else. He'll also know paying a No. 2 cornerback such a big salary isn't the wisest move all things considered.
Working out a potential trade has its merits. If not, then cutting Jackson with a post-June 1 designation saves a good chunk of change for Carolina's upcoming rebuild.
Carolina Panthers could restructure Vonn Bell
- 2024 cap saving: $3.89 million
Despite the Carolina Panthers winning just two games in 2023, their defense was not the primary cause for concern. One could even view their production overall as a genuine bright spot considering the number of injuries defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero had to deal with throughout a turbulent campaign.
The Panthers had a stable backend base to provide a solid anchor at the safety positions. Xavier Woods took a notable leap forward. The addition of Vonn Bell was another significant positive that cannot be overlooked.
Bell was one of the few free-agent signings that lived up to their billing. His leadership, communication, and ability to be in the right spots to make plays throughout the season were huge plusses. He did miss four games due to injury, but the impact made by the former second-round selection was substantial when on the field.
Carolina can firmly count on Bell being a factor over the final two years of his deal. His salary cap hit of $10.94 million next season might be something Brandt Tilis looks to bring down via a contract restructure. Something that could reportedly save the Panthers around $3.89 million to strengthen other areas of the roster.
Tilis will look to extract maximum value with the resources available. Bell is a big part of the team's future, so this is a low-risk move that provides some instant financial relief.
Carolina Panthers could trade Adam Thielen
- 2024 cap saving: $8.17 million (post-June 1 designation)
One could make a strong case for Adam Thielen being sold down the river in free agency. The Carolina Panthers promised the wide receiver this was a project worth joining. That everything was in place to make significant strides forward. To potentially contend in the postseason if rookie quarterback Bryce Young made a smooth transition.
These delusions were sold to Thielen and the fanbase. It didn't take long to realize these were nothing more than fool's gold as the Panthers spiraled into another season of false promises and abject failure.
Despite things crashing around him, Thielen was a model professional. He proved there was still life in the old dog yet, becoming Young's primary - and only - consistent receiving threat. His ability to create separation and make tough catches were eye-catching positives behind his overall contribution.
Thielen went over 1,000 receiving yards - better than most projected when he signed. The wideout was forced into a No. 1 role rather than a security blanket over short-to-intermediate routes, which he handled superbly despite results not showing it.
What the future holds for Thielen is debatable. He didn't seem too keen on going through another rebuild at this stage of his career, although much will depend on how early conversations with new head coach Dave Canales go before a formal decision is made on his future.
It doesn't make much financial sense to cut Thielen. If the Panthers can find a willing trade partner - perhaps a contending team looking to acquire a veteran piece to get them over the hump - it would save them $8.17 million with a post-June 1 designation.