Which Carolina Panthers news stories are hitting the headlines on the last Sunday with NFL regular season action until 2024?
We're almost there. Just one week remains until the Carolina Panthers begin their regular season commitments at the Atlanta Falcons, which means it'll soon be time to see what Frank Reich's men are made of in a competitive setting at long last.
Until then, the stories causing debate include Adam Thielen's influence, Shi Smith's potential new home, Frankie Luvu being tipped for a major individual accolade, and Brian Burns' contract situation raising concern.
Let's delve into each topic in more detail.
Former Carolina Panthers WR gets a workout elsewhere
One of the more surprising cuts made by the Carolina Panthers this week was Shi Smith. The wide receiver got buried down the depth chart despite several injuries to key playmakers, which was something of a shock when one considers how well the former sixth-round selection out of South Carolina applied himself throughout the offseason.
Smith is still looking for a new home, but an opportunity could be coming soon. According to multiple reports, the wideout and kick returner worked out for the New England Patriots, who also picked up quarterback Matt Corral after the second-year-pro was unceremoniously removed from the equation to make way for a waiver wire acquisition.
It seems as if Smith left the Patriots without a deal. But he's far too talented not to land on a practice squad at the very least either before or during the 2023 campaign.
Carolina Panthers WR Adam Thielen's influence
Adam Thielen didn't take long to stamp his mark on the Carolina Panthers. The veteran wide receiver remains a productive performer and he clearly has Frank Reich's ear when it comes to potential recruits, which is something further demonstrated by the trade for Ihmir Smith-Marsette shortly before he was going to be waived by the Kansas City Chiefs.
Smith-Marsette and Thielen were teammates on the Minnesota Vikings for one season before the former was let go. But it's clear the explosive playmaker left a good impression based on the glowing recommendation he received from the veteran before Carolina swapped conditional seventh-round selections in 2025 to bring him on board.
When discussing the acquisition and his influence on Carolina's eventual decision, Thielen highlighted the potential attached to Smith-Marsette as a primary reason behind his recommendation via the team's website.
"(He's) just a guy who's got big potential. Obviously, he showed it in the preseason. But his ability to make plays, not only when the ball's in the air but with the ball in his hands, and then his ability to be a punt returner and do a lot for this team. It's good to see him again. He's got a big personality, so it's always fun to see him."Adam Thielen via Panthers.com
Hopefully, Smith-Marsette can repay this faith with production when it counts. Whether that'll be primarily as a kick returner or on the offensive rotation remains to be seen.
Carolina Panthers LB Frankie Luvu's potential
Frankie Luvu goes under the radar almost constantly. Even this offseason there's been relatively little chatter surrounding the linebacker despite his switch to the interior second level within Ejiro Evero's creative 3-4 base defense, which has the potential to take his game to completely new heights.
The Carolina Panthers won't want to lose Luvu once his contract expires in 2024. He's already proven to be an integral part of the team's plans and according to Kevin Patra from Around the NFL, the former Washington State standout comes into the upcoming campaign with All-Pro potential.
"The pesky linebacker is always in the middle of the action. Luvu's star shot upwards in 2022, as he stuffed the stat sheet with 111 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, seven sacks and four passes defended. Boasting the ability to shed blockers and make plays in the backfield, Luvu profiles as a demon in Ejiro Evero's defense. Luvu is heading into the final year of his contract. A big season, culminating with a Pro Bowl nod, could set him up for a payday next offseason."Kevin Patra, NFL.com
If this scenario comes to fruition and Luvu puts together a season of All-Pro production, then there's just no telling what the ferocious second-level presence will command on his next deal. That's why it would be wise for the Panthers to get an agreement done at some stage during the season regarding a long-term extension.
But there is one pressing matter to figure out beforehand.
Carolina Panthers and Brian Burns on collision course?
Brian Burns has been a model professional up to now. The stud edge rusher is looking for a bumper new contract in keeping with his exceptional talents and with others around the league holding out until they get paid, it would have been easy for the former first-round selection to go down a similar route.
Instead, Burns has been around his teammates and practicing regularly. When he was excused from a session earlier this week, many thought it had something to do with a potential offer from the Carolina Panthers that warranted closer examination.
That wasn't the case according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. The senior insider stated via USA Today Sports that Burns' representatives and the Panthers remain far apart in negotiations and although the edge rusher isn't expected to miss games, frustrations could build if the situation drags on for much longer.
"They’ve been talkin’ for months. They are not at all close on a deal. He’s gonna play games. But, yeah, frustration could boil over a little bit here eventually. This is an elite player."Jeremy Fowler via USA Today Sports
The sooner Nick Bosa resets the market, the better. This is the primary factor in things dragging along for players like Burns, who won't command as much but could still realistically receive somewhere in the region of $25 million per season.
Whether the San Francisco 49ers can work something out before Week 1 is anyone's guess. Once things become official for Bosa, the ripple effect will include Burns' deal soon after.
Until then, it's a waiting game.