Which Carolina Panthers news stories are hitting the headlines with numerous roster transactions continuing under the new regime?
The Carolina Panthers participated in their first padded practice of training camp on Monday. It was also a busy time for general manager Scott Fitterer and his staff thanks to a series of transactions in pursuit of improving the roster.
As expected, this and other elements brought out the headlines. Among the stories generating debate include Bryce Young's glowing reference, Cade Mays' impressive adjustment, Brian Burns' commitment, and the Panthers adding another potential starting option on defense.
Let's delve into each topic in more detail.
Carolina Panthers OL Cade Mays praised
Being without Austin Corbett is a blow that the Carolina Panthers must withstand over the first few weeks of the campaign. The veteran is making good progress after suffering a torn ACL in Week 18, but someone else must step up and ensure no momentum is lost until he's cleared for a return.
Cade Mays looks set to fill in as the backup right guard based on what's unfolded throughout the offseason. It's a steep upturn in responsibility for the second-year-pro, but stud offensive tackle Taylor Moton stated his confidence in the Tennessee product via USA Today Sports after Monday's practice.
"And I believe Cade’s doin’ a great job of that ‘next man in’ mentality. And we’re continuing to grow and passin’ off twists, dominating on combos in the run block, So, it’s been great playing with ’em so far."Taylor Moton via USA Today Sports
Chandler Zavala and Justin McCray will also fancy their chances of earning reps depending on what transpires at training camp. However, this is Mays' job until further notice.
Carolina Panthers laud Brian Burns' commitment
Brian Burns never contemplated holding out like some around the league looking for a bumper new contract extensions have done. The edge rusher is bought into the project and loves his teammates deeply, so becoming a distraction wasn't an option that entered the former first-round pick's mind.
Burns will get paid at some stage. Just how much remains the stumbling block, but the Carolina Panthers don't have much in the way of leverage given they've laid their cards on the table regarding his importance long ago.
That's why it would have been easy for Burns to watch from the sidelines or ready himself for the season in safer surroundings. Something that drew praise from head coach Frank Reich based on his comments via Yahoo Sports.
"I mean, I’m still gettin’ to know Brian, but my sense is he doesn’t have 50 percent in him. He’s a competitor. I think we all know that and feel that. So, respect the way he’s been approachin’ this. I’ll leave the contract stuff to Scott [Fitterer] to handle and I’m just worried about coachin’ the guys out here. But it just seems like he’s taking a very professional approach to it. And it makes a lot of sense, and good for him."Frank Reich via Yahoo Sports
Burns putting the team first is a testament to the exceptional leader he's becoming alongside the outstanding on-field progress. And this good faith is something that should be repaid by those in power before competitive action arrives.
Carolina Panthers sign Deion Jones
General manager Scott Fitterer is never one for sitting on his hands. The Carolina Panthers have been aggressive while keeping their salary-cap flexibility this offseason, which has enabled the front office figure to explore every possible avenue in the hope of improving Frank Reich's roster in 2023.
This proved to be the case on a busy Monday of transactions. The Panthers first announced the signing of defensive lineman LaBryan Ray following a successful tryout, which resulted in Bravvion Roy being shown the door after three seasons with the franchise.
Roy was one of the last remaining former Matt Rhule college players around. But unfortunately for the Baylor product, he didn't look like a good scheme fit within Ejiro Evero's new dynamic 3-4 base scheme.
Perhaps the most eye-catching news involved linebacker Deion Jones, who signed a one-year deal almost immediately after his tryout concluded. The former second-round pick has proven credentials - going over 100 tackles five times in seven seasons - but many believe he's on a downward slope after starting just five games for the Cleveland Browns in 2022.
Jones has good instincts and rushes the passer effectively when required. He can also thrive in coverage when called upon, which is an area some at Carolina's defensive second-level struggle with in key situations.
This signing piles further pressure on second-year-pro Brandon Smith, who looks firmly on the roster bubble and might be traded or cut if there aren't dramatic improvements in the coming weeks.
Bryce Young/C.J. Stroud comparisons continue
Bryce Young and C.J. Stroud have been connected throughout their football lives. They grew up as high school prodigies in Southern California and were the primary contenders to be the Carolina Panthers' pick at No. 1 overall - a saga that ended with them being the first two prospects taken after one of the most thorough assessment processes imaginable.
The comparisons are continuing even before they've played a down. Young is already the starter in Carolina while Stroud remains in a training camp battle with Davis Mills before the Houston Texans anoint their top man.
When asked about Young's ascension into the starting role quicker than many anticipated, Stroud was happy for his good friend. However, he also pointed out via The Spun that focusing on comparisons is moot all things considered.
"Yeah, that's my brother, man. I'm happy for him, but his situation is his situation and my situation is mine. So, I know I've gotta work on my end and do whatever I gotta do to make this team better. It's not about starter, who's not the starter. It's about getting better for Week 1 against Baltimore. So, right now, we're just building a team. It's not just about individuals."C.J. Stroud via The Spun
It would be a surprise if Stroud wasn't under center for the Texans in Week 1. Then, the real scrutiny between the former Ohio State star and Young begins.
Welcome to the NFL, young men.