Preseason training camp is just around the corner for the 32 NFL franchises, including the Carolina Panthers.
After losing in the Wild Card round of the 2018 playoffs to the NFC South rival New Orleans Saints, the Panthers have made several notable moves in order to return to the playoffs for the fifth time in six years.
Carolina sent several veteran leaders packing, not an uncommon occurrence in years past, including running back Jonathan Stewart, now with the New York Giants, safety Kurt Coleman, who signed with New Orleans and defensive end Charles Johnson who is currently a free agent.
Let’s take a look at some key signings and additions for the Panthers during this offseason:
Re-Signings
The marquee extensions of the offseason are without a doubt defensive end Julius Peppers and tight end Greg Olsen.
Peppers solidifies himself as the starter opposite pass rushing specialist Mario Addison on the defensive line due to the departure of Johnson. Though the probable Hall of Famer is aging, he enters his 17th NFL season with plenty left in the tank, notching 11 sacks last season and earning a one-year deal worth $5 million in 2018.
On April 26, Olsen and the Panthers agreed on a two-year extension worth $17.1 million that extends into the 2020 season. The 33-year-old has long been quarterback Cam Newton’s favorite target and this signing confirms that Newton will have his go-to guy for at least another three years.
Kicker Graham Gano and backup center Tyler Larsen round out the notable re-signings. Gano was rewarded with an extension following a successful 2018 campaign where he converted on 29 of his 30 field goal attempts. Larsen provides stability at center, especially since Ryan Kalil announced earlier in the offseason that 2018 would be his final year before retirement.
Free Agency
After Kelvin Benjamin failed to impress and was traded midway through the 2017 season, Carolina found a replacement via trade in former Eagles wide receiver Torrey Smith. Smith’s speed should allow the offense to spread the field and nicely compliments the big body of Devin Funchess on the opposite side.
Another replacement, this one due to defensive tackle Star Lotulelei leaving, should prove to be influential this year. Former Atlanta Falcon and Kansas City Chief Dontari Poe signed a three-year, $27 million deal on March 15, arguably an improvement from Lotulelei.
In the backfield, second-year pro Christian McCaffrey impressed in his rookie season, setting the franchise record for receptions by a rookie with 80 grabs. However, the Stanford product cannot shoulder the load by himself, so the Panthers signed the veteran C.J. Anderson from the Broncos, who is coming off a career-best 1,007 yards rushing. He should fill the void of franchise-leading rusher Stewart fairly easily.
NFL Draft
Former NFL wide receiver and Panther legend Steve Smith Sr. had high praise for Carolina’s first-round pick D.J. Moore, telling NFL.com the Panthers “They have never been able to replace me. Until today.” The 6-foot Maryland product was the first wide receiver drafted in the 2018 NFL Draft and is regarded as one of the best route runners in the class.
Carolina also drafted the talkative and speedy Donte “Action” Jackson out of LSU in the second round. Jackson will likely replace former cornerback Daryl Worley across from James Bradberry.
The smart signings along and draft picks made by the Panthers should keep the team competitive in an NFC South Division that could be one of the toughest in the NFL this season.
