The 2023 season has just ended, and on February 20, the 2024 campaign will open its doors. DNA of Sports therefore takes this opportunity to offer you an overview of the different franchises during the offseason. Which players to keep and cut? Which free agents to extend? Which recruits to observe? Here are some ideas, franchise by franchise. In the spotlight today, the Carolina Panthers.
A disaster. That’s how to describe the Panthers’ season in one word. Of trade having brought the selection of Bryce Young to the final assessment of the season, including the dismissal of coach Frank Reich. Nothing has gone the Charlotte franchise's way in 2023.
The departure of Scott Fitterer opens a new era at Carolina. This therefore means that Bryce Young finds himself (already) in a complicated situation. On the financial side, the margin is average to rebuild a base. In addition, with no first-round pick in the next Draft, Carolina will have to turn to free agency to find a minimum of quality. A quality that is lacking today within a team experiencing a crisis of confidence.
The captains
- Taylor Moton (OT)
- Adam Thielen (WR)
- Derrick Brown (DT)
Worst offense in the league with the Patriots, 3rd team in terms of sacks conceded, the Panthers nevertheless have reliable players to count on for years to come in attack. Taylor Moton and Adam Thielen are no longer young, but they are doing their job.
Moton has only given up one sack in 2023 and he is one of the few who have been floating on the offensive line. Thielen surpassed for the 3rd time in his career (only) the 1000 yards mark (1002) and 100 receptions (1O1) for the 2nd time.
Best tackler against the run of his team, Derrick Brown is essential. Leader, he is even the best defender on the team. A contract extension would be deserved for a player with more than 100 tackles (!) this season (107).
The undesirables
- Terrace Marshall (WR)
- Ian Thomas (TE)
- Donte Jackson (CB)
In addition to being the worst performer in the league, Carolina doesn't have much room to start rebuilding again. In addition to not having a first round of Draft, we also have to free up payroll.
Still under rookie contract, Terrace Marshall Jr. is having a hard time surviving despite an encouraging end to the season in his 2nd year. Supposed to be a potential number 2 receiver, he does not show many guarantees, and could be cut by the new staff.
5 receptions, 56 yards is too little for a tight end paid 6 million in 2024. Ian Thomas should be cut during the offseason, and it would be anything but a surprise. Especially since in his position, he has competitors like Hayden Hurst and Tommy Tremble.
He will be paid 15 million in 2024. Given his season in 2023, the many players at the end of their contract in his position, he has a good chance of seeing his contract be restructured rather than being cut. Donte Jackson has not regained his level since his long injury last season. The Panthers will have to look into his case, even if it is not going to be easy.
Man of the Summer: Bryce Young (QB)
A trial. This is what Bryce Young experienced during the 2023 season. The learning process was hard and he was not helped. Having this label of number 1 in the last Draft stuck with him all season, especially given the performances of his promotion runner-up CJ Stroud. But, he will have the right to a second chance, with another, younger coach. In the past, Dave Canales has shown that he can revive a quarterback's career. It’s up to Bryce Young to seize the opportunity.
Captain, he must nevertheless progress in leadership. Suffering 62 sacks, he also needs to improve in pocket management. Obviously, the new staff will have an impact on its progress, and on its ability to bounce back. However, it's up to him to show that he has the makings of a franchise quarterback. Not scoring points in the last 2 games of the 2023 season probably broke him. Mental resources and confidence must therefore be found in order to relaunch (or rather begin) one's career in the NFL.
Main free agents
Other free agents: Troy Hill (CB), Yetur Gross-Matos (EDGE), DeShawn Williams (DT), Kamu Grugier-Hill (LB), JJ Jansen (LS), Deion Jones (LB), Sam Franklin (S), Jeremy Chinn (S), Gabe Jackson (OL), Marquis Haynes Sr. (EDGE), Ihmir Slith-Marsette (WR), Laviska Shenault (WR), Raheem Blackshear (RB), Chris Wormley (DT)
What to do with Brian Burns? Tag him then break the bank? Despite a season below his usual statistics in terms of sacks, the pass rusher will be courted during this offseason. It's going to be the same for Frankie Luvu. Best tackler this season, the linebacker will have no shortage of courtiers.
Still in terms of defense, a lot of players on the second curtain will be on the market. Given the numerous disappointments and injuries affecting these players, not sure that the new front office want to break the bank.
In attack, given the nothingness produced in 2023, it would be better to rebuild everything. Best receiver in terms of touchdowns in 2023, DJ Chark could be extended for one more year.
Needs
1. Receiver
2. Cornerback
3. Edge rusher
4. Guard
5. Offensive Tackle
The next offseason will not necessarily be decisive for Dan Morgan, but he will be the founder of the direction that the franchise will take. The new general manager's priority must be the attack, and the problem is simple: how to help Bryce Young? Having a best friend in reception, and protection to shine can already be the beginning of a solution. Without that, next season for the Panthers will be more complicated than this year on offense.
Defense should not be neglected either. The cornerback position could be abandoned if Griffin and Henderson were to leave. In addition, selected in the first round 2 years ago, Jaycee Horn only played 22 games. He still has this potential, but we will have to find another cornerback less prone to injury risk.
The pass rush must also be a priority for the new general manager of the Panthers. Brian Burns, Yetur Gross-Matos and Marquis Haynes at the end of their contract, we will have to think about renewing a very failing sector in 2023 (32nd in terms of sacks).
The target: Tee Higgins (WR, Bengals)
Adam Thielen will be 34 years old when the 2024 season begins. Repeating a season with more than 1000 yards could be complicated for him. To replace him for this goal, Tee Higgins could serve as an ideal candidate.
In Cincinnati, in the shadow of Ja'Marr Chase, he performed well. Despite a sub-standard last season due to injury, he has always been consistent and a reliable target during his first 4 seasons. Qualities that are lacking within the Panthers’ receiving squad. He could also serve as a role model for rookie receiver Jonathan Mingo.
New blood: Cooper Beebe (OL, Kansas State)
The offensive line needs depth, especially on the interior. Playing 5 years at the same university (Kansas State), Cooper Beebe only conceded one sack during his career. The problem is that this sack was conceded during the 2023 season.
Despite this, the guard is versatile, intelligent and powerful. Cooper Beebe can become an excellent anchor, especially for racing games. Despite his lack of wingspan and lateral mobility, he will solidify a struggling interior offensive line during the 2023 season.
