With the Panthers season over, a disappointing one at that. We are gonna take a look at what we believe the Panthers needs are going into next season.
The offense looks to be in decent condition. Cam Newton, Kelvin Benjamin, Greg Olsen, and a few good pieces on the offensive line will definitely make it easier to be very selective with offensive players. But there are needs on this side of the ball. The WR Corp definitely could add a player or 2 to help Benjamin stretch the field. Ted Ginn will not be resigned but the Panthers are still trying to work out a deal with Philly Brown. They are also still working at signing RT Mike Remmers. Remmers is still young enough for a multi year deal if both sides can just come to a deal with the money side of things. The Panthers are also trying to move on from Jonathan Stewart it looks. But he is still under contract so the only way they can part ways with Stewart is via trade or releasing the RB. But the Panthers seem to be looking for the future RB in this years draft. They also seem to be interested in a new LT. Michael Oher is getting up there in age and it's been a long time since he protected the "Blindside" with any consistency.
On the defensive side of things, there are a few more holes to fill. Other than LB, safety, and DT, every position could use some new pieces. CB is a definite need for this team. And may very well be where the Panthers look in the first round. The CB play since Josh Norman left has been awful. They are also losing depth at both DE spots with the soon to be departures of Mario Addison and Wes Horton to free agency. So we expect the team to look for players in both free agency and the draft that can add some depth at DE. The Panthers are also trying to shop for offers for starting DE Charles Johnson. If a deal is made for him, they may look early in the draft for his replacement.
Depth is also needed at G, TE, MLB, and Safety. The Panthers won't be looking for starters for these positions but will look in free agency and the later rounds of the draft to add depth and youth. But whoever this team gets this offseason, Ron Rivera needs to have a much better season with next year. He only has 1 year left on his contract and another season outside of the playoffs may very well be the end of Rivera in Carolina
The offense looks to be in decent condition. Cam Newton, Kelvin Benjamin, Greg Olsen, and a few good pieces on the offensive line will definitely make it easier to be very selective with offensive players. But there are needs on this side of the ball. The WR Corp definitely could add a player or 2 to help Benjamin stretch the field. Ted Ginn will not be resigned but the Panthers are still trying to work out a deal with Philly Brown. They are also still working at signing RT Mike Remmers. Remmers is still young enough for a multi year deal if both sides can just come to a deal with the money side of things. The Panthers are also trying to move on from Jonathan Stewart it looks. But he is still under contract so the only way they can part ways with Stewart is via trade or releasing the RB. But the Panthers seem to be looking for the future RB in this years draft. They also seem to be interested in a new LT. Michael Oher is getting up there in age and it's been a long time since he protected the "Blindside" with any consistency.
On the defensive side of things, there are a few more holes to fill. Other than LB, safety, and DT, every position could use some new pieces. CB is a definite need for this team. And may very well be where the Panthers look in the first round. The CB play since Josh Norman left has been awful. They are also losing depth at both DE spots with the soon to be departures of Mario Addison and Wes Horton to free agency. So we expect the team to look for players in both free agency and the draft that can add some depth at DE. The Panthers are also trying to shop for offers for starting DE Charles Johnson. If a deal is made for him, they may look early in the draft for his replacement.
Depth is also needed at G, TE, MLB, and Safety. The Panthers won't be looking for starters for these positions but will look in free agency and the later rounds of the draft to add depth and youth. But whoever this team gets this offseason, Ron Rivera needs to have a much better season with next year. He only has 1 year left on his contract and another season outside of the playoffs may very well be the end of Rivera in Carolina