Between now and the start of the new league year in March, TGS is providing brief summaries looking ahead at the offseason from the perspective of each NFL team. In this edition, we look at the Carolina Panthers.
2016 record: 6-10 — 4th place, NFC South
What’s new? One year after entering the offseason fresh off a Super Bowl appearance, the Panthers are coming off a last-place campaign.
Projected salary cap space: $51 million — Only nine teams have more money to spend.
Key in-house free agents: DT Kawann Short, DE Charles Johnson, DE Mario Addison, OT Mike Remmers, LB A.J. Klein
It’s all about Short, who could be franchise tagged. Johnson had a decent season but isn’t the player he used to be, Addison has always been a high-quality backup and Remmers was terrible at left tackle in 2016. Klein is looking for a starting opportunity elsewhere. He won’t have that chance with Carolina unless Luke Kuechly decides enough is enough. But don’t count on that happening.
Key needs: Offensive tackle, defensive end and — if Short leaves — defensive tackle
Draft breakdown: They have the No. 8 overall pick and two third-rounders but are without a seventh-rounder.
Other potential priorities: Stud guard Andrew Norwell is slated to be a restricted free agent. Can’t let him get away.
Outlook: I’m a tiny bit optimistic about a team with an MVP quarterback, a lot of talent on both sides of the ball, few big-name free agents, lots of money to spend and a top-10 draft pick.
