Carolina Panthers’ 2023 season: 2-15, missed playoffs
Overview: This is the NFL’s biggest rebuild. Even more daunting is the task doesn’t look promising under team owner David Tepper, whose patience and temperament have drawn criticism. Tossing a drink into the stands in a fit of frustration is never a good look for anyone over the age of 5.
Contributing to the Carolina blues was a poor rookie season for No. 1 overall draft pick Bryce Young. His NFL start looked even rougher when comparing it to the Houston Texans’ C.J. Stroud, who was drafted after Young and went on to have the greatest QB rookie season.
This is the task for rookie head coach Dave Canales and general manager Dan Morgan, who replaced Scott Fitterer. It’s tough one for the Panthers, who currently don’t have a first-round draft pick.
(Taylor Wilhelm/Yahoo Sports)
Key free agents
DE Brian Burns
S Jeremy Chinn
LB Frankie Luvu
EDGE Yetur Gross-Matos
CB Shaquill Griffin
WR DJ Chark
CB CJ Henderson
S Sam Franklin Jr.
Who’s in/out: All eyes will be on Burns, who wants a top-market deal after playing out the final season of his rookie contract. Could the floor be $23 million to $24 million per season? Chinn was frustrated with his role under coordinator Ejiro Evero, so a Carolina exit wouldn’t be surprising. The Panthers are expected to make a push to keep Luvu, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
Will Brian Burns be back in Carolina next season? (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
Key free agent needs
Wide receiver
Offensive line
EDGE rusher, if Burns leaves
Why the holes? The Panthers lacked for dynamic options in the passing game with Adam Thielen (1,014 receiving yards) and Chark (525) leading the wide receivers room. Not great options for Young. Also not great for Young: running for his life behind a bad offensive line. Young took 62 sacks in 16 games. Only Washington’s Sam Howell took more (65).
Do they have the money?
The Panthers have a good amount of salary-cap space, as they’re $29.9 million under the cap,…
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Author : Yahoo Sports
Publish date : 2024-02-23 01:43:31
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