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