Though most people don’t realize it, the NFL is entering the most important part of the year. On March 13th, Free Agency begins, and though it won’t be as crazy as the shortened Free Agency of last year, don’t doubt the ability of the NFL to surprise you. The Carolina Panthers will be no exception to the matter and could make some major moves this off-season. A mixture of in house free agents, and possible suitors could make the Panthers one of the more active teams in the NFL.
Looking in house, the Panthers have a good number of players they should be seeking. The defense and the offensive line were points of concern this season, and there are a few players they could keep in order to solidify both aspects of their game. (Be aware the list contains both restricted and unrestricted free agents)
The Panthers have a total of 14 free agents this season — 8 Unrestricted free agents and 6 restricted free agents — and need to retain a few of these players to improve upon 2011. The following list contains those essential free agents.
- Jeremy Shockey TE
Shockey proved to be a solid contributor to the offense this season. Cam Newton is growing as a player and having an amazing veteran would not hurt his development. He may be #2 behind Greg Olsen, but both are considered starters and are irreplaceable.
- Dan Connor LB
Connor was one of the bright spots in the defense this year. He has immense talent and could be a starter in the league. The only problem concerns his cap hit. With the Panthers cap so high, they would need to restructure his contract in order to keep him around. If, or when, the Panthers release Thomas Davis, Connor could replace him as a starter at LB next season.
- Geoff Schwartz OT/G
Schwartz was out all last season, and the O-Line took a hit because of it. He’s been a solid piece to the line since he joined the team, and the Panthers could work to keep him around.
- Geoff Hangartner, Guard
Hangartner was with the team from 2005- 2008 and was a back up for most of the time. He was brought back last season to replace an injured Geoff Schwartz this season. He played well all season, and though he is no Schwartz he could prove to be an asset for the team. If the price is right, the Panthers need to keep him on the roster.
Derek Anderson, QB
There has been much talk about the Panthers possibly drafting Russell Wilson late in the draft to provide Cam Newton with a similar style QB at back-up. I don’t like this idea, and think that Anderson could provide valuable mentoring to Newton. He’s played under Chud before (his only Pro-Bowl season) and knows what it takes to make it as an NFL QB. Again, if the price is right, Anderson could provide a good filler spot.
Mackenzy Bernadeau, Guard
Bernadeau was a bright spot in the run block this season. When D-Will broke big plays, many of them were where he was blocking. The Panthers could resign him, if they can’t manage to hang on to Schwartz of Hangartner.
That’s it for the in house free agents. The Panthers have quite a few more free agents, but most of them are expendable (i.e. Legedu Naanee, R.J. Stanford, and Thomas Williams).
The Panthers are going to be required to look outside of their current roster in order to improve on last season. There are numerous free agents around the league that could be a positive addition to the team. What follows is my list of possible free agents for the Panthers.
Braylon Edwards, WR
While most people are looking at Marques Colston and Dwayne Bowe, the Panthers cap space is entirely too low in order to bring one of those in to play. Edwards brings experience to a team that only really has experience with Steve Smith. Edwards would come at a low cost and could be a great WR next to Smith, if they could co-exist.
King Dunlap, RT
There are some big names but, again, the Panthers don’t have much cap space to play with. He’s 26 and has plenty of talent. He looked good with the Eagles last season and could help a struggling tackle position with the Panthers.
Brandon Carr, CB
Carr was the only player Herm Edwards had in mind when he looked at his 5th round options in 2008. He’s been underpaid his entire career and the Panthers could sign him for cheap, and he would be great across from Gamble.
Dashon Goldson, S
Goldson is a player no one is really talking about. He’s had 11 picks and 3 sacks in 4 years and has played well with coverage. With Sherrod Martin under-performing, the Panthers could look towards Goldson to improve the weak secondary of 2011.
Looking at free agents, that’s all the players that really come to mind for me. You have to remember that the Panthers are VERY LOW on cap space and must spend wisely. Contracts are going to have to reflect the cap for this year, and many players are going to have to restructure. Look for the Panthers to make some moves, but nothing as major as last season.
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