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Team Needs:
EDGE, FS, OG, C, OT, DT, CB
Available Draft Picks:
1(16), 2(47), 3(78), 3(101), 4(116), 5(155), 6(189)
Starting Cap Space:
$16,001,434
Trades:
None
Restructures:
None

Cuts:
WR Torrey Smith to save $5,000,000
CB Ross Cockrell to save $2,400,000
Neither Torrey Smith not Ross Cockrell are in their prime anymore and they shouldn’t be getting paid the money that they’re currently getting paid so the Panthers should make the smarter business decision here and move on from these veterans.

Re-signings:
WR Devin Funchess for 4 years, $35,641,352
DL Bryan Cox Jr. for 1 year, $645,000 (ERFA)
Devin Funchess has had a less than stellar career so far but he’s shown that he can be a productive receiver. This past season the whole offense struggled after the midway point in the season but that should change with a healthier offense next season. Bryan Cox Jr. hasn’t gotten much playing time but he’d be a cheap re-sign and with the new defense going a bit more multiple front, he might be able to find some more playing time and production in new roles.

Free Agent Signings:
DT Steve McLendon for 1 year, $3,000,000
Only bringing in one free agent isn’t ideal for any team but with re-signing Funchess, Reid, and Cox Jr. along with paying the rookies, there simply wasn’t a lot of money to go around. McLendon would be able to step in and contribute as a nose tackle.
Draft Results:

1.16 – Taylor Rapp, S Washington
Taylor Rapp isn’t my top safety in this draft class but he’s the best safety that can play more than just the deep safety so drafting Rapp here to pair with the newly extended Eric Reid instantly makes safety a strength on this defense.

2.47 – Garrett Bradbury, IOL, NC State
Offensive line cornerstone Ryan Kalil announced his retirement after this past season so drafting someone who can immediately replace him and start at center is a priority this offseason.

3.78 – Vosean Joseph, LB, Florida
Vosean Joseph is a linebacker that has the athleticism (but not the cover skills) to play safety so he fits right in here with the most athletic linebacker corps in the NFL.

3.101 – Caleb Wilson, TE, UCLA
Greg Olsen is nearing the end of his career so drafting young Greg Olsen with a later third round pick might be one of the best picks of this draft for the Panthers.

4.116 – Christian Miller, EDGE, Alabama
Christian Miller is a versatile edge rusher that doesn’t get a ton of love due to his lack of production, but that’s what happens when you play with NFL-caliber talent your whole college career. The Panthers find another piece for them to move around when switching between 3-4 and 4-3.

5.155 – Gardner Minshew, QB, Washington State
The Panthers have been struggling to find a decent backup QB and Cam Newton hasn’t been a model of durability so draft one of the top career backups in the 2019 Draft.

6.189 – Olisaemeka Udoh, OT, Elon
More of drafting for depth than anything else here, Udoh should be able to bring some competition to the offensive line.
Cap Space Spent on Re-signings:
$9,555,338
Cap Space Spent on Free Agents:
$3,000,000
Cap Space Spent on Draft Picks:
$6,791,475
Total Cap Remaining:
$589,621
Backfield Starters

QB: Cam NEwton
RB: Christian McCaffrey
FB: Alex Armah
Receiver Starters

WR1: Devin Funchess
WR2: DJ Moore
Slot WR: Curtis Samuel
TE1: Greg Olsen
TE2: Ian Thomas/Caleb Wilson
Offensive Line Starters

LT: Matt Kalil
LG: Greg Van Roten
C: Garrett Bradbury
RG: Trai Turner
RT: Taylor Moton
Defensive Line Starters

WDE: Christian Miller
DT: Kawann Short
DT: Dontari Poe
SDE: Mario Addison
Linebacker Starters

WLB: Vosean Joseph
MLB: Luke Kuechly
SLB: Shaq Thompson
Secondary Starters

CB1: James Bradberry
CB2: Donte Jackson
Slot CB: Corn Elder
FS: Taylor Rapp
SS: Eric Reid
Special Teamers

K: Graham Gano
P: Michael Palardy
KOS: Graham Gano
LS: J.J. Jansen
KR: Curtis Samuel
PR: Curtis Samuel