After clearing cap space, where will that money go?
The Carolina Panthers recently released edge defender Jadeveon Clowney (among others), clearing up some cap space and playing time for the young pass rushers they just drafted. Over the Cap has the Panthers currently sitting around $23 million in cap space, so who might the team spend that extra dough on? Let’s take a look at the players who are still currently free agents.
Offense
The offense seems to be pretty set, at least at the top of the depth chart. If the Panthers want to add more offensive line depth, players like DJ Humphries, Dalton Risner, and David Quessenberry could be relatively cheap options. In a suddenly crowded receiver room, top veteran receivers could add some wisdom. Amari Cooper and Keenan Allen fit the bill, but would likely eat up a good chunk of the remaining cap space. Tyler Boyd and Nelson Agholor could be cheaper options there. The almost-30-and-past-their-prime runningbacks on the market include JK Dobbins, Nick Chubb, and old friend D’Onta Foreman. There aren’t many tight ends on the market, but older players like Gerald Everett and Mercedes Lewis are still out there. And of course there’s always Aaron Rodgers (kidding, obviously).
Defense
After releasing a veteran pass rusher, I can’t imagine the Panthers signing players like Von Miller or Matt Judon. If they wanted to add some depth to inside linebacker, someone like CJ Moseley and Erik Kendricks could fit the bill. Raekwon Davis or any of the former Bills defensive tackles (Austin Johnson, Jordan Phillips, Quinton Jefferson) could provide more line depth. The secondary is the most likely area the Panthers will spend those cap savings. A slot corner like Mike Hilton would be a great fit to help Chau Smith-Wade continue to improve. Outside corner depth would be helpful as well, and a few old friends are available in James Bradberry, Rasul Douglas, and Stephon Gilmore. Safety could use some veteran help and depth. Marcus Williams and Julian Blackmon will likely command the largest contracts. Justin Simmons is a little older, but still a quality safety who could provide some value.