2020 Carolina Panthers Offseason Plan

Brandon Olsen

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Team Needs:

S, CB, G, OT, RB, QB, TE, EDGE, DL

Available Draft Picks:

1.7, 2.38, 3.69, 4.110, 5.152, 6.184, 7.221

Starting Cap Space:

$30,528,165

Trades:

None

Restructures:

None

Cuts:

Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

RB Mike Davis to save $3,000,000

WR Jarius Wright to save $3,000,000

DL Dontari Poe to save $9,812,500 (contract opt-out)

There is no reason to keep paying guys like Mike Davis and Jarius Wright to be non-factors on the roster. Getting younger and getting cheaper should be the way to go for both of these positions, no need to spend money on non-contributors. Dontari Poe is a talented nose tackle but I wouldn’t expect him to be too much of a necessity for Phil Snow and Matt Rhule.

Re-signings:

EDGE Mario Addison for 2 years, $15,400,000 ($8.5M GTD)

OL Daryl Williams for 3 years, $9,000,000 ($5M GTD)

S Tre Boston for 2 years, $19,000,000 ($12M GTD)

Mario Addison has proven that he’s capable of being a consistent producer off the edge and his versatility should transfer over well in the new defensive scheme. Daryl Williams was finally healthy again this past season and as a veteran leader on this line, he could be useful in helping the new additions to the team adjust and buy in to the new staff. Tre Boston has spent the majority of his career with the Carolina Panthers, I would expect him to be a top re-sign priority to stay, given his versatility and ability to fit into Phil Snow’s defensive scheme.

Free Agent Signings:

CB Chris Harris Jr. for 2 years, $24,000,000 ($15M GTD)

OT Jared Veldheer for 1 year, $2,000,000 (0% GTD)

Chris Harris Jr. is still more than capable of being a #1 cornerback in the NFL and being more than a replacement, but an upgrade over James Bradberry. Harris is getting up there in age but he’s still a #1 with the ability to help teach Donte Jackson and the rest of the young cornerbacks on the roster. Jared Veldheer would likely just be a depth piece at this point in his career that could try to push Greg Little a little bit while also helping his development.

Draft Results:

Pick 1.7 – Isaiah Simmons, DEF, Clemson

At Baylor, Phil Snow always had a linebacker moving around and being used in a variety of ways and there hasn’t been a linebacker as versatile as Isaiah Simmons maybe ever. Simmons has things he has to work on still but his versatility and athleticism makes him a perfect fit and great pick.

Pick 2.38 – James Lynch, DL/EDGE, Baylor

James Lynch is currently the #33 player on my personal board. He has a relentless motor and while he may not be the cleanest technician, he’s one of those players that produces. Familiarity with Matt Rhule and Phil Snow is a major plus here, along with his ability to move all around the defensive line like Carolina wants to.

Pick 3.69 – Jalen Hurts, QB, Oklahoma

While I haven’t been the loudest Jalen Hurts supporter, I do think that with proper coaching, Hurts could develop into a starter. Hurts improved under Lincoln Riley, giving him some time under Joe Brady and in a Joe Brady system, I’d expect significantly more improvement.

Pick 4.110 – Dane Jackson, CB, Pittsburgh

Dane Jackson is a solid zone corner who is comfortable contributing in run defense. I wouldn’t expect him to work in the slot too much, but on the outside, he can develop into a somewhat reliable James Bradberry replacement.

Pick 5.152 – Quartney Davis, WR, Texas A&M

One of the smoothest route-runners in the 2020 NFL Draft, Davis has quick feet, great body control, and is an athletic presence that can move inside and out. Davis has somewhat inconsistent hands but he’s improved as time has gone on. Off the field, I’ve heard nothing but good things about Davis and he’s someone who could rise after the Combine.

Pick 6.184 – Reggie Floyd, S, Virginia Tech

Reggie Floyd is a physical safety that is comfortable sitting in a zone. Floyd is capable of being an early contributor as a nickel defender. At Baylor, Phil Snow loved bringing out three-safety sets so Floyd should have no problem figuring out a role for the Panthers.

Pick 7.221 – Reggie Corbin, RB, Illinois

Reggie Corbin is someone who isn’t really a burner but he’s got great quickness and the ability to snatch ankles at will. A late-round gem that should be able to contribute a bit by the end of his rookie season, Corbin could be a steal late for the Panthers, even if he doesn’t see many touches because of McCaffrey.

Cap Space Spent on Re-signings:

$20,200,000

Cap Space Spent on Free Agents:

$14,000,000

Cap Space Spent on Draft Picks:

$9,672,884

Total Cap Remaining:

$2,467,781

Backfield

QB: Cam Newton

RB: Christian McCaffrey

Pass Catchers

(Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)

WR1: DJ Moore

WR2: Curtis Samuel

Slot: Quartney Davis

TE1: Ian Thomas

TE2: Chris Manhertz

Offensive Line

Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports

LT: Greg Little

LG: Daryl Williams

C: Matt Paradis

RG: Trai Turner

RT: Taylor Motton

Defensive Line

The Panthers defensive depth chart is going to look a little funky, these are just some of the positions that these players might be put in since Phil Snow loves moving people around the field.

DE: Brian Burns

DT: James Lynch

DT: Kawann Short

DE: Christian Miller

Linebacker Starters

OLB: Shaq Thompson

ILB: Andre Smith

ILB: Isaiah Simmons

OLB: Mario Addison

Secondary Starters

Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

CB: Chris Harris Jr.

CB: Donte Jackson

5th DB: Dane Jackson/Reggie Floyd

S: Eric Reid

S: Tre Boston

Special Teamers

Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

K: Graham Gano

P: Michael Palardy

KOS: Graham Gano

LS: Cole Mazza

KR: Quartney Davis

PR: Quartney Davis