The Carolina Panthers are undergoing a major transitional period. By the time they take the field next, almost everything about the team could be different. We already know that long-time veterans like Ryan Kalil and Thomas Davis won’t be back in 2019. Julius Peppers and Mike Adams may also be on their way out, as well. Owner David Tepper is also planning to have a shell built over the practice fields this year so they won’t have the disadvantage of practicing in the elements anymore.

Everything is on the table, including changes in the scheme. According to a report by Joseph Person at the Athletic, coach Ron Rivera and his staff are considering shifting from a 4-3 base defense to a 3-4 defense this year.

Rivera and his staff are considering shifting their scheme from a four-man front to one that incorporates more three-man looks in an effort to generate more quarterback pressure in an increasingly pass-happy league, according to sources with knowledge of the situation.

Since Rivera joined the organization in 2011 the team has been running the 4-3, but he has previous experience using the 3-4 during his time with the Chargers.

It may not be a permanent change, though. Person reports that the expectation is they will use both fronts depending on the situation.

The question is if the Panthers have the personnel to really pull it off. While they’d probably be set at inside linebacker with Luke Kuechly leading the charge, outside linebacker would be a major question mark on both sides.