Which Carolina Panthers news stories are hitting the headlines with just a few short days remaining until training camp gets underway?
The Carolina Panthers are getting in their final opportunity to rest and prepare before everyone makes the trip south to Wofford College in Spartanburg for training camp. Interest is higher than ever before after an outstanding spring of change that was a necessity considering the mess left behind by Matt Rhule's dismal regime, which only adds to the level of anticipation heading into the 2023 campaign.
Until then, among the stories generating debate across the fanbase recently include Cays Mays' increased responsibilities, Laviska Shenault Jr. on the roster bubble, Matt Corral's pivotal preseason, and Sam Mills' impact getting deserved acknowledgment.
Let's delve into each topic in more detail.
Carolina Panthers set to start Cade Mays?
After being brought along gradually as a sixth-round development project, the Carolina Panthers might ask more of Cade Mays this time around. According to Joe Person of The Athletic via USA Today Sports, the former Tennessee star looks set to start at the right guard position until Austin Corbett is healthy enough to return from his torn ACL.
"The former Tennessee lineman was a fun story his rookie season when he would line up in the backfield as a beefy fullback in the “Arby’s” package. But there’s more pressure this year on [Cade] Mays, who appears to be the choice at right guard until [Austin] Corbett returns."Joe Person via USA Today Sports
This is a huge step up from being used sparingly last season, but one Mays could be ready for with another offseason of development under the expert guidance of James Campen. No timeframe has been put on Corbett's recovery, but one suspects he'll miss a few games if not the first half of 2023 given the severity of his tear.
Sam Mills named Carolina Panthers best-ever signing
Everyone that follows the Carolina Panthers closely knows how important Sam Mills was and is to the organization. His statue outside Bank of America Stadium and the team's Keep Pounding mantra are a testament to his unrivaled legacy - something that's made a welcome return after being almost cast aside under the previous staff.
Mills joined the upstart Panthers in 1995 and immediately set about continuing his astonishing NFL journey. He was a driving force on and off the field, producing some memorable moments that still stand the test of time and also winning the only All-Pro selection of his career for good measure.
This impact eventually saw Mills enter the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The undersized but highly productive linebacker was also named by Bryan DeArdo from CBS Sports as the best free-agent signing in Panthers' franchise history.
"After a highly successful nine-year run in New Orleans, Mills signed a two-year deal with the expansion Panthers despite the Saints matching Carolina's offer. The 36-year-old made an immediate impact in Carolina. In 1995, Mills tallied 110 tackles, 4.5 sacks, five interceptions (one returned for a touchdown), and four fumble recoveries. Mills earned All-Pro honors in 1996 while helping lead the Panthers to an NFC title game appearance. A member of the Panthers' Hall of Honor, Mills' No. 51 has been retired by the franchise. He will be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame this summer."Bryan DeArdo, CBS Sports
Frank Reich has made a point of returning the Panthers to traditions that made them great. Mills is a pivotal part of the team's fabric and even though we are approaching the 20th anniversary of his untimely passing, his legacy will live through the ages.
Laviska Shenault Jr. on Carolina Panthers roster bubble?
Position battles will be fierce as the competition increased following a busy offseason of recruitment. While some places seem sown up, others remain wide open and the Carolina Panthers won't make anything official until training camp and preseason games come to a conclusion.
After sacrificing D.J. Moore to land the No. 1 overall pick, bringing three new faces into the wide receiver room to offset this loss was smart. What this means for those already around is undetermined, but Mike Kaye of the Charlotte Observer hinted that Laviska Shenault Jr. might be on the roster bubble heading into camp - albeit on the good side.
"[Laviska] Shenault is the type of versatile weapon who could excel in a gadget role for Panthers head coach Frank Reich. The former Jacksonville Jaguar has worked for seven NFL head coaches entering his fourth training camp, and Reich might be the one to finally unlock his versatility at the top level. Shenault needs to show that he can handle his own package within the offense. If he shows improved route running from last season, he should earn a job and an upgraded role. Like Corral, Shenault is on the better end of the bubble. He simply needs to perform well in camp to make the roster."Mike Kaye, The Charlotte Observer
It would be a bombshell if Shenault didn't make it onto the 53-man roster. Frank Reich praised the former second-round selection earlier this offseason and looks set to utilize him in a variety of ways within a more expansive offensive scheme, something that could be similar to the way Deebo Samuel is deployed by the San Francisco 49ers.
Shenault is likely going to be the team's gadget offensive weapon. It would take a pretty drastic regression to change this narrative.
Carolina Panthers QB Matt Corral's pivotal preseason
Despite Matt Corral looking sharp throughout early workouts, his future with the Carolina Panthers remains precarious. Bryce Young is the new face of the franchise after becoming the No 1 overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft, with veteran Andy Dalton coming on board as a solid backup and important mentor for the rookie signal-caller.
Just what this means for Corral's long-term aspirations with the franchise remains to be seen. But according to Joe Person of The Athletic, the former third-round pick will get the majority of preseason reps in the potential hope his performances could facilitate a trade at the right price.
"The former Ole Miss quarterback figures to get the bulk of the snaps in the preseason games. That will give the 2022 third-rounder a chance to showcase his skills for the Panthers (and every other team) following what amounted to a redshirt season — Corral went down with a season-ending foot injury last August at New England. A strong summer could make Corral attractive to a quarterback-needy team. But there’s no reason for Scott Fitterer to give away a QB he traded up for and who has three years left on his rookie deal."Joe Person, The Athletic
As Person stated, the Panthers aren't going to give Corral away. Especially considering the new NFL ruling that permits an emergency quarterback to be activated if injury strikes after the San Francisco 49ers' playoff debacle in 2022.
It would have to be a pretty big offer all things considered. Corral has stated his desire to remain around and develop under Frank Reich, but the NFL is a business above all else and if the Panthers get above market value, it's something to consider.