Carolina Panthers

4 Man Fix: Building a Winner For 2021

NFL Draft, Prime Cuts with Norris


By: 4MR Norris Thornburg

The disappointing 2020 season has ended and there’s a new General Manager in town. Free agency starts in a little over a month and fans are getting more excited about the aggressive approach of GM Scott Fitterer. Fitterer stated that he will be in the mix for all trade offers and free agent signings to build this roster into a winner. Needless to say, this Carolina Panthers roster will look a lot different in 2021. 

Even though COVID took fans out of the stands and lowered the overall league salary cap, there are still a few things that Carolina can do to improve the team. Some of these moves aren’t going to be flashy, but they need to be done to help push this team over the hump. Carolina being 5-11 and losing eight of those games by a score or less, isn’t going to cut it anymore for owner David Tepper. So what can Carolina do to improve their situation? 

RE-SIGN TAYLOR MOTON

Taylor Moton was the most consistent player on the offensive line this year. He’s slated to be a free agent when the new league year starts on March 17th, but Carolina can’t let him walk. According to Spotrac, Moton’s market value is $14.7 million per year. That sounds like a lot, but Fitterer can backload the contract or use incentives to make this a cap-friendly deal. If Carolina can’t get a deal done, they can Franchise Tag him but it won’t save any money, as the tag value is estimated at $14.5 million for offensive linemen. Either way, Moton can’t be allowed to walk. 

MAKE NECESSARY CUTS

This step is probably stating the obvious, but needs to be said. There are some players that could be cap casualties based on the lack of space the team currently has. According to Spotrac, the Panthers are projected to have $17,863,434 in salary cap space for this offseason. That’s not nearly enough to make any moves to improve the team. Especially if Moton gets tagged for $14.5 million. Here are some players that Carolina could cut to make room:

STEPHEN WEATHERLY

To say Weatherly was a disappointment would be an understatement. After signing a two-year contract for $12.5 million, Weatherly only played in nine games and had 17 tackles on the season. Weatherly should be the first player cut, as that would create $5.9 million in cap space. 

JUSTON BURRIS

Burris didn’t play bad, but the emergence of rookie Sam Franklin, who played really well as an undrafted rookie free agent, could make Burris expendable. Cutting Burris would save the Panthers around $3.8 million in cap space. 

KAWANN SHORT

This one may sting a little to Panthers fans. Short is a fan favorite and an all-around nice guy. The issue is, he’s only played five games in the last two seasons. The emergence of Zach Kerr opposite Derrick Brown makes this cut a little easier. As does the fact that cutting him saves the Panthers a whopping $13.2 million in cap space as a post-June 1st cut. If Carolina designates Short as a post-June 1st cut, they could still sign players and go over the cap and then they’ll get that $13 million on June 2nd. 

With these three cuts, the Panthers would save a total of $22.9 million and it would bring their total cap space to a little over $40.7 million. That is more than enough to sign key free agents at positions of need. The only drawback to these cuts are, it would create almost $9.4 million in dead money. The Panthers already have $9.1 million in dead money, so that would bring the total to $18.5 million. All of which should fall off in the 2022 offseason. Which is fine, because the league should have increased revenue in 2021 and the salary cap should go back to normal. So this could mean a large cap number next offseason. 

SIGN KEY FREE AGENTS

Every successful team has a smattering of key free agents that help the overall success. Now that the team has $40 million in cap space (in this scenario), they can sign a couple key players in positions of need. If Carolina tags Moton, they would still have around $26 million in space. If they sign him long-term, they could make the contract back heavy to help with space this year. Here are some players that the aggressive GM Scott Fitterer could target: 

JONNU SMITH

It’s no secret that the Panthers lack a true difference-maker at the tight end position. Smith is likely the top free agent at his position this year. He had 41 catches for 448 yards and 9 total touchdowns (1 rushing) in 2020. He’s basically a receiver playing tight end and a true red zone threat. Smith is also a very capable blocker. If Carolina signed him, fans should be ecstatic. 

HUNTER HENRY

Another tight end who would be a significant improvement. Henry had 60 catches for 613 yards and 4 touchdowns in 14 games. His injury history could make teams a little weary, but he’s still a stud at tight end. Henry might not make it to free agency though, as the Chargers want to keep as many weapons as possible for Justin Herbert. 

GERALD EVERETT

Everett is an athletic tight end with plenty of upside. If the Panthers miss on Smith and Henry, Everett would be a nice consolation prize. In 2020, he had 41 catches for 417 yards and a touchdown. He’s not a red zone threat like the first two players mentioned, but he’d still be an instant upgrade to Thomas. 

JAQUISKI TARTT

Yes, the team just released Burris to make cap room (in this scenario), but Tartt is a difference-maker on the back end. If Carolina wants more experience at strong safety, Tartt could be a target. He has good coverage skills in the middle of the field and is an aggressive tackler. 

CHIDOBE AWUZIE

The Panthers are in desperate need of an outside corner and there are a couple worth a look in free agency. Awuzie is young, has good speed and coverage skills. The injury bug bit him last year, so his contract may be fairly cap-friendly. 

PATRICK PETERSON

An obvious fan-favorite to land in Carolina, Peterson has done fairly well over the years. He was invited to eight straight Pro Bowls in his first eight seasons. He’s on the wrong side of 30 and has lost a step, but he’s still a premier corner in this league. He would bring a much needed veteran leadership to the defensive back room and fill a position likely vacated if Carolina doesn’t re-sign Rasul Douglas. 

JASON VERRETT

Verrett is also a name to watch if Carolina decides to fill the corner spot in free agency. The former first round pick has had a solid career and had a really good 2020 campaign. He will be 30 in June, but he hasn’t shown that he’s lost a step. Interesting note: Carolina held Verrett’s only private workout prior to the 2014 draft. 

WILLIAM JACKSON III

This would be an under-the-radar signing for the Panthers and would fill a need. In Cincinnati, Jackson had a decent season. He earned a 71.4 grade on Pro Football Focus and graded out well in coverage. The Panthers could also get him on a fairly team-friendly deal. 

IDENTIFY AND SECURE YOUR QUARTERBACK

Quarterback is the most important position on the team and it looks as though Carolina is in the market to find a new one. If this is the case, Carolina should identify their guy and try to get him. Deshaun Watson is definitely a target for Carolina, but the compensation would likely exceed what they’re willing to spend. 

Carolina made a move to get Matthew Stafford but Detroit decided to take the offer given by LA. Scott Fitterer said he is going to be in on every player and it seems as though he will be aggressive in doing so. That said, here are some options that the Panthers have at quarterback:

DESHAUN WATSON

While the compensation might be too much as stated above, Carolina is prepared to throw draft picks at Houston like they’re Oprah. There’s no doubt that Watson would turn Carolina’s offense into a winner if they win the bidding war for him. Watson led the league in passing despite having no weapons on a terrible team. He is a franchise quarterback and those don’t become available often. So if that’s who they want, they’ll find a way. Of course, it also comes down to where Watson wants to go due to his no-trade clause. 

RUSSELL WILSON

This week, Wilson and his camp basically announced that they’re tired of the team not placing enough emphasis on the offensive line. Now, it looks like they’re heading for a full-fledged divorce. A trade for Wilson seems even more unlikely than a Watson trade. Even though Carolina has a familiar face in Fitterer, who helped draft Wilson in Seattle, it doesn’t seem likely that Carolina would be in the mix. Although, they will inquire about him. 

SAM DARNOLD

Some people might like this, but others won’t. Darnold is a young quarterback with plenty of talent who went to a dumpster fire of an organization and was surrounded by little help. The former first round pick (3rd overall) is still only 23 years old and a change of scenery might do him good. Obviously he still needs to progress more, but the arm talent is there. If the Panthers gave up their second round pick and a future fifth, they’d get a potential franchise quarterback on a rookie contract. That would give Carolina more cap space to build a team around him. The team could also still get a superstar corner or left tackle at pick eight. Interesting note: A lot of scouts had a higher grade on Darnold than they do Zach Wilson. 

DAK PRESCOTT

Prescott is the only free agent on this list, and it’s because he’s the only available quarterback that’s worth signing. A lot of people don’t like Dak simply because he plays for the Cowboys, but there’s no denying his talent. Even with awful offensive line play last season, he was on pace for a record-breaking year before his injury. There’s not a throw he can’t make and he goes through progressions quickly. At age 27, he’s still young enough to be a franchise quarterback for another team. The only thing Carolina will have to give up is cap space. Dak turned down $35 million per year and bet on himself but then had a severe injury that likely cost him a few million dollars per year. If Fitterer backloaded the contract, it would be a little more team friendly for 2021. 

JUSTIN FIELDS 

Carolina could ultimately decide to trade up in the draft and take Ohio State product Justin Fields. Fields has a big arm, good pocket awareness, good field vision and good athleticism. He also has a high football IQ and is accurate on just about any pass. It would probably cost Carolina pick eight, as well as, either a 2022 first or a couple second rounders to move from eight to three. If they decide to go that route, fans should be very excited. Too many people are overthinking Fields’ struggles against Alabama. Don’t do that. The guy is a stud. 

TREY LANCE

Lance is the fourth best quarterback in the draft with potentially the highest ceiling. He’s a little raw and there isn’t any recent film because North Dakota State opted out of the 2020-21 season. Lance is a little raw but he has really good traits. In 2019, he set an NCAA record for most completions without an interception (287), so he has really good accuracy. Lance has good awareness, good arm strength and never panics when the pocket collapses. Carolina could may be able to get Lance at pick eight, but it’s more likely they’ll have to move up to pick four. 

TEDDY BRIDGEWATER

Carolina could elect to let Bridgewater start in 2021 and build the trenches in the draft. Bridgewater is a good starting quarterback and could use a little more protection. Plus, the draft class next year has a few good quarterbacks, so you can build the line in the draft this year and get a quarterback in the draft next year. It would work well for your rookie quarterback to have a solid offensive line. 

WHAT TO DO WITH TEDDY

First and foremost, we here at 4 Man Rush really like Teddy Bridgewater the person and player. Yes the team struggled at times and even Teddy would admit that he could be better, but he made some really good plays last year too. That said, if the Panthers are ready to move on from Teddy, they need to do right by him and trade him to a team that needs a starting quarterback. 

Taking a look around the league, there are several teams that may need a new starter. Two teams in particular that may be looking are two teams he’s very familiar with: Minnesota and New Orleans. Rumors are swirling that Kirk Cousins is being targeted in a trade by San Francisco, so Minnesota could be in the market. Teddy is beloved in Minnesota and would welcome him back with open arms. New Orleans is also a logical choice after Drew Brees’ retirement. Bridgewater won five games in Drew’s absence in 2019 and the Saints would like him back as well. 

Minnesota has two third round picks and four fourth round picks. New Orleans only has four picks in the entire draft this year. One of which is a third round compensatory pick they will receive for losing Teddy last offseason. Carolina would likely take a third round pick for Teddy if they’re truly ready to move on. According to Spotrac, the team would incur $10 million of dead cap, but would save $12.9 million in cap space this year. They would also incur $5 million dollars in dead cap space in 2022 but would save $21 million in cap space next year. The dead cap would fall off the following year. 

GET A LEFT TACKLE 

There’s two things that need to happen along the offensive line: Retain Taylor Moton, which is mentioned above, and find an answer at left tackle. Whether that be through a trade, or the draft. There aren’t really any young, quality left tackles in free agency this year. Cam Robinson is a free agent but he struggled this year. Here are a couple of options at left tackle:

PENEI SEWELL

If Carolina decides to either keep Teddy or trade for Darnold, they may elect to trade up a bit for Sewell. Wouldn’t be a bad idea since Sewell is an absolute beast and has no weaknesses in his game. Sewell would provide consistent left tackle play for 10 years with Carolina. 

RASHAWN SLATER

Carolina could also decide to trade back and gain some picks while adding a solid left tackle prospect. Some scouts are pegging Slater as a center or guard, but he should be successful at the tackle position. Adding a player with such position flexibility is right up Matt Rhule’s alley. 

LIAM EICHENBERG 

Carolina could go with a second round tackle and still have a solid starter in Eichenberg. This is one of the more underrated offensive linemen in the draft and is a plug-and-play starter at left tackle. If Carolina goes quarterback in the first, Eichenberg fits the bill as a franchise left tackle. 

ORLANDO BROWN

Brown moved from right tackle to left tackle after an injury to starter Ronnie Staley. Brown excelled at the position and even earned a Pro Bowl nod in 2020. Its hard to say what kind of compensation the Ravens want for Brown, but the Panthers will definitely call to check. It’ll likely be a first rounder or two second rounders. The team would have to extend his contract, but it wouldn’t go into effect until next year when Carolina has a lot more cap space. 

If Carolina can do these things, they will be well on their way to being a contender. They are getting a head start compared to the rest of the division. The Falcons’ Ryan is getting older, Drew Brees of the Saints retired and Tom Brady is on his last leg in Tampa. Keep in mind that some of these players will be re-signed by their teams. However, other good players will be cut by their teams to make cap space more than ever before. Either way, the future looks bright in Carolina. 

Week 3 Predictions vs. Los Angeles Chargers

Vince's Vindications


By: Vince Holmes

A slow start to the Rhule Era of the Carolina Panthers to start the season. Untimely injuries and inconsistent play among other things have contributed to the Panthers 0-2 start for this season. While it hasn’t been all bad for the Panthers, the players have been able to compete enough to be in position to win both games. I predict more of the same for this young and inexperienced team and coaching staff. Here is why I believe the Panthers will fall short yet again despite putting forth a valiant effort.

Injuries

The 2019 NFL OPOY RB Christian McCaffrey has been put on IR for at least the next 3 weeks and facing a stout defense without your best player is always tough. McCaffrey has been the lifeline of the Panthers offense for the last 2 seasons and adjusting to life without McCaffrey will be tough against this stout Chargers defense. Final score prediction is:  Carolina 20 Los Angeles 24.

Key Matchups

RT Taylor Moton vs. the pass rush edge duo of Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram will be key if the Panthers want to win on Sunday. This matchup also is key for Moton off the field as he seeks his first long term deal. Handling Bosa and Ingram would be a good start to him getting a new deal.

Rookie QB Justin Herbert makes his 2nd NFL start against a struggling Panthers secondary. Herbert will be making his 2nd start but this week will be his first, preparing throughout the week as a starter. I expect Herbert to be confident and well prepared to spread the ball around to his weapons on Sunday and build off an impressive start from last week vs. the defending Super Bowl Kansas City Chiefs.

Players To Watch

Rookie RB Joshua Kelly has been impressive early in this season. A struggling Panthers run defense will have it’s hands full slowing him down and his running mate RB Austin Ekeler. Neutralizing both of these players should be priority #1 for Panthers defensive coordinator Phil Snow and company.

RB Mike Davis is getting the start for the Panthers. For the last two seasons the offense has run through McCaffrey. I’m interested to see how Panthers offensive coordinator Joe Brady uses Davis on Sunday and how that impacts the overall offense. If Davis can provide a semblance of a running game while contributing in the passing game, it bolds well for Brady and the offense to put up points on Sunday.

4 Man Rush Game Predictions: Week 1 – The Rhule Era

Vince's Vindications

A new era begins Sunday afternoon in Charlotte NC and there will be new faces all over Bank of America Stadium. With all the uncertainty and unfamiliarity surrounding the 2020 season, predicting the outcome seems almost impossible. However, I believe not having a preseason works in the Panthers favor on Sunday. The unorthodox off-season offers them an advantage over the visiting Las Vegas Raiders.

NO PRESEASON
Raiders head coach Jon Gruden has been around the NFL for decades now and he’s more than likely seen everything the league has to offer. However, COVID-19 leaves Gruden and his staff in a bind with little to no film of the Panthers and their new look schemes. Gruden has mentioned he’s opted to watch college film of both Matt Rhule and new offensive coordinator Joe Brady in order to be ready for this Sunday’s game. I don’t think it will be enough though due to Carolina jumping out to an early lead and able to hold off a late rally by Las Vegas.

Panthers 23  Raiders 20.

KEY MATCH-UPS
The Raiders boast a very good interior line of center Rodney Hudson, and guards Gabe Jackson and Richie Incognito. A newly revamped defensive front 7 for the Panthers will have their hands full getting to Derrick Carr and stopping running back Josh Jacobs. This is the biggest key to victory, limiting big plays in the pass game and stopping the running game in Week 1.

PLAYERS TO WATCH 
Rookie first round pick Derrick Brown will be key in trying to stop the Raiders run game. Carolina invested the 7th overall pick on Brown hoping he would put an end to the run game woes that plagued the Panthers in 2019. He will have veteran Pro Bowl DT Kawann Short returning from a Week 2 season ending shoulder injury from last season to help shore up the interior of the defense.

Raiders Tight End Darren Waller isn’t a house hold name. However, he’s one of the best players at his position in the league. Waller can line up all over the field causing match up problems for opposing defenses. The Panthers LB corps will look a little different without former All Pro Luke Kuechly in the middle, so limiting the effectiveness of Waller will be paramount in slowing down an explosive offense.

4 Man Mock: JaDarius

4 Man Mocks, NFL Draft

In this scenario, I decided against trading up. Here are the possibilities if the Panthers stand pat with the picks we have.

ROUND 1

PICK 7

CB CJ Henderson, Florida

The Panthers could decide to trade back into the early teens for a chance at Henderson. But I believe that the Panthers will look at their cornerback room before the pick, and grab their guy. Coach Matt Rhule recruited Henderson, so it’s no secret Rhule is familiar with his game. Much needed boost to a barren position.

ROUND 2

PICK 38

DL Ross Blacklock, TCU

If the pick happens to be a non-defensive lineman in the first, the Panthers must not pass again come day 2. Ross Blacklock would help fill a room that is frankly bare bones. He has the athletic profile to be dominant in the middle. He provides flexibility to be able to play the 1 and 3 techniques in an even front.

ROUND 3

PICK 69

OLB Willie Gay Jr., Mississippi State

There aren’t many linebackers that can move like Gay Jr. He ran faster than 4.5 seconds in his 40-yard dash and is good at pass coverage. He has an attitude that can help set the tone on defense. Some red flags are the reason he lasts this long. Otherwise, he’d be hearing his name called much sooner. Rhule has the personality to reel in those concerns. A match made in virtual draft heaven.

ROUND 4

PICK 113

CB Amik Robertson, Louisiana Tech

Amik plays with a boulder-sized chip on his shoulder. What he lacks in stature, he makes up for in big-play ability. Whether it’s sticking his nose in the run game or returning interceptions, he’s nothing short of a firecracker. He would make a home at nickel in Snow’s defense right away.

ROUND 5

PICK 148

WR Tyler Johnson, Minnesota

Teams love dependable wideouts. Tyler Johnson is one of them. He did not participate in athletic testing, but he consistently won on the field in Minnesota. Wide Receiver is one of the lesser-known needs on the roster, with all free agent WRs signing deals under three years long. It might take him a while to get snaps with the talent at the position, but this pick is playing the long game through 2024.

ROUND 5

PICK 152

DL James Lynch, Baylor

A player with whom Phil Snow and Matt Rhule are familiar. They know his strengths and weaknesses well, and it helps that he is a talented player with a good motor. Lynch adds versatility along the DL; he can line up anywhere. Because of the lack of depth, he can compete right away for snaps.

ROUND 6

PICK 184

SS Tanner Muse, Clemson

He’s no Isaiah Simmons, but he provides intriguing size (6’2” 230 lbs)  and blazing speed (4.41 40 yard dash). I believe he’ll be more suited at LB at the next level because he isn’t as fluid as you’d like for a defensive back. Not bad at coming up to tackle. His coverage experience from time as a DB will help him matchup against opposing TEs and RBs. A welcome addition in a division with so many offensive weapons. Well worth a late-round pick.

ROUND 7

PICK 221

DT Benito Jones, Ole Miss

Adding bodies to the interior is a focus of the draft. The Panthers sneak in one final addition to the interior DL. Jones isn’t much of a pass rusher, but he makes his money by stuffing the run. If coaches can help him make dents in the pocket, he would be well worth the low-risk selection.

4 Man Mocks: Norris

4 Man Mocks, NFL Draft, Prime Cuts with Norris

The time is finally upon us. It’s draft week and Panther Nation is awaiting to see who Carolina picks. The Panthers could go multiple ways in the draft, but they have a lot of holes on the defensive side of the ball. Here’s my final mock of the season:

ROUND 1

**TRADE**

**The Cleveland Browns have traded picks 10, 74 and 97 to the Carolina Panthers for pick 7. (For an offensive tackle)**

PICK 10 **From Cleveland**

CB CJ Henderson – Florida

Carolina trades back, gains a couple of extra picks and still gets their man. The Panthers have a serious need at corner with Bradberry signing with the Giants. After trading back, it’s the perfect time to pull the trigger on Henderson. He’s a lock-down corner who would instantly make this defense better. Henderson has All-Pro potential and will fill an immediate need. His athletic profile fits what Matt Rhule is looking for and his ball hawk ability is something needed in Carolina. Henderson has all the tools you’d want in a starting corner and his flaws can be coached. He has good speed, length, agility and ball skills. In 2019, he had 9 deflected passes (mainly because no one threw his way), which is better than his first round competition, Jeff Okudah. There have been multiple rumors that Carolina is high on Henderson and that he is one of their targets in the first.

ROUND 2

PICK 38

DT Ross Blacklock – TCU

He’s the best interior defensive tackle in the draft, not named Derrick Brown or Javon Kinlaw. Blacklock is an absolute stud on the inside and would fill a huge need. He’s a dominating force in the middle with outstanding power and a high motor. Blacklock is athletic and explosive, which is something that Coach Rhule is looking for. In 2019, Blacklock had 9 tackles for a loss and 3.5 sacks. By comparison, consensus number one defensive tackle Derrick Brown has 11 tackles for a loss and 4 sacks in 2019. He is an exciting player that you can build your defense around and would be a steal at pick 38.

ROUND 3

PICK 69

LB Willie Gay Jr. – Mississippi St.


If Isaiah Simmons wouldn’t have had such a great combine, everyone would’ve been talking about Willie Gay’s dominating performance in Indy. He has the second highest athletic profile for linebackers in this class. Gay is an every-down linebacker who will deliver bone-crushing hits when given the opportunity. He has great sideline to sideline speed and has good coverage skills for an outside linebacker. Getting a starting linebacker at pick 69 is a huge win for Marty and Company.

PICK 74 **From Cleveland**

C Matt Hennessy

Hennessy is a solid prospect at center who understands all of the nuances of the game. His football IQ is off the charts and is one of the toughest players in the draft. He possesses all of the tools you’d want for a starting center. Hennessy is smart, mobile, strong and tough. He may have to sit the bench this season, but Hennessy could overtake the starting spot in 2021.

PICK 97 **From Cleveland**

TE Harrison Bryant – FAU

Bryant is ascending up draft boards, and for good reason. He has good hands and can gain separation on nearly anyone with his route running and speed. He’s a fairly decent blocker, as he is a former high school offensive tackle. Bryant is a versatile receiving threat that can line up at almost every receiver position. He can come in on day one and make this offense even more explosive.

ROUND 4

PICK 113

DE Alex Highsmith – Charlotte

Highsmith is a local product who has been climbing draft boards. He has a high motor and has the chance to be productive when given the opportunity. Highsmith has good inside and outside moves when rushing the passer and he has a quick first step. He will get work with special teams at the next level, as well as being worked into the edge rusher rotation.

ROUND 5

PICK 148 **From Washington**

CB Amik Robertson – Louisiana Tech

Robertson is a physical corner who has that dog mentality. He has outstanding ball skills and anticipates routes to perfection. Robertson could play outside corner in a pinch, but may be better as a nickel at the next level. He is solid in coverage and one of the better tackling corners in the draft. Robertson is better at run support that most of the corners this year, too. It’s possible that Robertson could fight for a starting corner spot in 2020 or 2021.

PICK 152

WR Quintez Cephus

The Panthers have the speed at wide receiver, especially now with the addition of Robby Anderson. However, they could use a possession receiver who knows how to attack the defense. Cephus doesn’t have great speed but uses his solid route running ability to expose coverages and gain separation. He won’t get outmuscled and uses his hands to catch away from his body. Cephus has strong hands and good concentration. He’s a physical receiver who can produce in a multitude of ways. Great player to get in the fifth round.

ROUND 6

PICK 184

G Damien Lewis

Lewis is a familiar face to new offensive coordinator Joe Brady. He has the mean streak and aggressiveness you want in run blocking. His pass blocking could use a little work, but it can be coached. Lewis is already familiar with Brady’s offense, so it may not take him as long getting acclimated. He is a solid pick and would be a starter in a year or two, as long as he cleans up a few things.

ROUND 7

PICK 221

DT Bravvion Roy – Baylor

Carolina goes with another familiar face and picks the former Baylor Bear. Roy is a space eater who would be primarily used on run downs. He has a lot of power and is also quick for a guy his size. If anyone knows how to use Roy’s ability, it’s Coach Matt Rhule. In 2019, he had 13 tackles for a loss and 5.5 sacks, which is good production for a nose tackle. Roy could work his way into be a consistent part of the rotation in two to three years.

The 4 Man Fix Part 3: How to Make the Panthers Great Again

Prime Cuts with Norris


This is part three of a series that talks about how the Panthers can become relevant again sooner, rather than later. Part two discussed the Panthers’ own free agents and who to re-sign. Part three is about potential free agent targets for Carolina. All of this could change, as some of these players will be re-signed by their current teams. 

Wide Receiver

Carolina may need to add another receiver to the offense for Cam, or whoever is running the offense. It would benefit the team to have another receiving threat, and there are a few good ones from which to choose. 


Robby Anderson

6’3 190 lbs

Anderson played for Matt Rhule at Temple and has mentioned that he would like to play for him again. Anderson runs a 4.34 40 yard dash and seems to be able to get separation fairly consistently. He could be a great addition to the Panthers, depending on the salary. 


Breshad Perriman

6’2 209 lbs

Perriman came into his own last year in Tampa Bay. Granted, some of that could be contributed to Jameis Winston throwing 50 times per game. Perriman could be an under-the-radar signing that may help Carolina win some games. Perriman runs a 4.25 40 and finally looked like the receiver that Baltimore thought he’d be in 2015. Imagine CMC, Moore, Samuel, Perriman in Joe Brady’s offense with a healthy Cam Newton.

Guard

Carolina may need a new left guard if Van Roten gets signed elsewhere. Dennis Daley will get his shot at guard, as will Chris Reed, but the Panthers will need another potential starter. They may draft one, but there are options in free agency. 

Joe Thuney

6’5  287 lbs

With Brandon Scherff out of reach due to a potential high salary, Joe Thuney should get a look from Carolina in free agency. At 27 years old, Thuney is one of the best young guards in the NFL. He’s a product of NC State and was drafted by the New England Patriots in 2016. In 2019, Pro Football Focus graded him at 77.4. He’s been about as consistent a player can be and is worth a look if Carolina wants to fill that position.