PFF's Free Agency Preview: Carolina Panthers

[TheSpecialJuan]

What you need to know

Despite only moderate personnel movement in the offseason, the Panthers took a large step backward in 2016 from their previous season, when they reached the Super Bowl. Similarly to 2016, the Panthers are unlikely to be very active in free agency. At this stage the Panthers main goals should be to retain their own top free agents — which they have partly already done — and develop the young group of players they have on the team and complement this core through the draft.

Salary cap room

$36,548,761 (15th in NFL; as of 3/3/2017)

Biggest needs

• Tackle
• Edge defender
• Running back
• Cornerback

Notable free agents

• Ted Ginn Jr., WR, 72.5 overall grade in 2016
• Charles Johnson, Edge, 81.4

Must re-sign

Charles Johnson, Edge, 81.4 overall grade in 2016

The Panthers have already re-signed or tagged their most important free agents in Mario Addison and Kawann Short. The next in line is Johnson, who might not be the solution alone, but can still very much contribute on the defensive line. Although Johnson will be 31 by the time training camp starts, he was still Carolina’s best defensive lineman against the run outside of Short. In addition, he is still able to bring pressure as he recorded 4 sacks, 9 quarterback hits and 31 quarterback hurries in 2016.

Dream splash

Alshon Jeffery, WR, Chicago Bears, 77.6

It is nearly impossible for the Panthers to make a splash signing at a position of need as the free agent market lacks any superstar offensive tackles or edge rushers. Although wide receiver is not the biggest need, Jeffery could bring Carolina’s receiving corps – which at this point consists mainly of unproven young wide receivers – to a whole new level.

Top 2016 free agency prospects

Andrew Whitworth, T, Cincinnati Bengals, 91.3

One of the Panthers’ top priorities should be to provide protection to Cam Newton, as this has already cost them a Super Bowl and has not been addressed since. Even though Whitworth will turn 36 next season, he shows no signs of decline as he allowed only 14 total pressures all year, yet signing him should not be extremely expensive due to his age.

Eddie Lacy, HB, Green Bay Packers, 77.3

Jonathan Stewart turns 30 in March and he is not getting any younger. Furthermore, his yards per carry have gradually declined over the past two seasons. Although Lacy presents several question marks with his injury history and rollercoaster performance over his career, his potential could be worth the risk, especially since his history should influence his asking price.

Logan Ryan, CB, New England Patriots, 83.5

Although Carolina drafted multiple cornerbacks last year, they went through some growing pains after moving on from Josh Norman in 2016. The Panthers once again have a need at the cornerback position and while Ryan – coming off a Super Bowl victory – might not be a cheap option, he could provide much needed help both in the slot and on the perimeter.

[TheSpecialJuan]

https://www.profootballfocus.com/pro-2017-free-agency-preview-carolina-panthers/

[ThPantherFan]

I like everything except Eddie Lacey.  Yes, we need an upgrade from Stewart.  Stewart is good for one more year and if we draft from the good group of RB's this year, we should be okay and use the FA for O line.  Just my humble opinion.

[Saca312]

Panthers need a starting SS before they sniff finding a corner any day.

Sure, we need corner depth, but not starters.

Most likely will address RB in the draft, and get an OT of some sorts in FA alog with a slot receiver.

[E CaT PanTHer 2]

surprised Eric Berry isn't the "dream splash" 

[nctarheel0619]

Please no obese mode.  Please God no to obese mode.  

[Bronn]

Terrible picks for targets, even our own CJ. If we sign someone like Jeffery or Whitworth, we won't have money for anyone else that will make a big enough impact. I doubt CJ is even going to be re-signed unless it is for way under what he could get elsewhere. I wouldn't pay him more than $3 mil a year, and someone else out there will probably give him twice that.

[LinvilleGorge]

12 minutes ago, E CaT PanTHer 2 said:

surprised Eric Berry isn't the "dream splash" 

KC are-signed him

[Eazy-E]

15 minutes ago, E CaT PanTHer 2 said:

surprised Eric Berry isn't the "dream splash" 

He was already re-signed

[Toomers]

1 minute ago, Bronn said:

Terrible picks for targets, even our own CJ. If we sign someone like Jeffery or Whitworth, we won't have money for anyone else that will make a big enough impact. I doubt CJ is even going to be re-signed unless it is for way under what he could get elsewhere. I wouldn't pay him more than $3 mil a year, and someone else out there will probably give him twice that.

No player would make a bigger impact than Whitworth. Who would we miss out on by signing him? Not many impact guys period

[Bronn]

2 minutes ago, Toomers said:

No player would make a bigger impact than Whitworth. Who would we miss out on by signing him? Not many impact guys period

For what it would cost to get Whitworth, you could sign 2 solid rotational pass-rushing DEs (even if CJ was one of them) and a Safety.

[Saca312]

4 minutes ago, Bronn said:

For what it would cost to get Whitworth, you could sign 2 solid rotational pass-rushing DEs (even if CJ was one of them) and a Safety.

Name these solid "rotational" pass rusing DEs you speak of.

[Toomers]

2 minutes ago, Bronn said:

For what it would cost to get Whitworth, you could sign 2 solid rotational pass-rushing DEs (even if CJ was one of them) and a Safety.

  And who are these players? Why would we need 2 rotational DEs? We are almost certain to draft one. And what safety? Who are you going to sign that is going to make a bigger impact than going from awful to very good at LT? We have cap space to sign Whitworth and still address other areas. 

[Snake]

Yea don't agree with much on there.