Panthers Free Agency Predictions: Who Stays? Who Leaves?
It's time, free agency has arrived. Today, we at All Panthers predict the future of every free agent in Carolina.
WR DJ Chark
Chark started to develop a little bit of a connection toward the end of the season with rookie QB Bryce Young which has me on the fence. I could see a scenario in which Carolina brings Chark back if they exit the first wave of free agency not feeling great about the position. He's not a WR1, but he can be a complimentary piece.
Prediction: Leaves.
WR Laviska Shenault Jr.
When the Panthers traded for Shenault two years ago, I thought he was going to breakthrough and become a key piece of this rebuild. Regardless of the head coach, coordinator, or quarterback, Shenault just never lived up to those expectations.
Prediction: Leaves.
OLB Brian Burns (franchise tagged)
The most talked about player this offseason in Carolina and rightfully so. I'm not sure why the Panthers are so hung up on a few million bucks but they've got to get a long-term deal done. I just don't see it happening anytime soon, not this offseason at least. Burns wants to remain in Carolina and I'd bet he'd be willing to play under the tag if he feels confident a deal could get done before this time next year.
Prediction: plays under franchise tag.
OLB Yetur Gross-Matos
Gross-Matos surprised many with his transition to outside linebacker. It's hard to gauge how much he'll be asking for, but it can't be some astronomical figure. I think Evero would like to keep YGM around, especially with the uncertainty of Brian Burns. Gross-Matos won't replace Burns' production if he leaves by any means, but he can become more of a factor.
Prediction: Re-signs with Panthers.
LB Frankie Luvu
There will be a lot of interest in Luvu, but this is one of the pieces Dan Morgan can't let slip away. Brian Burns, Derrick Brown, Jaycee Horn (assuming he gets/stays healthy), and Luvu are who you build this defense around.
Prediction: Re-signs with Panthers.
CB C.J. Henderson
For a number of reasons, I don't see Henderson in Carolina. He's vastly underperformed and doesn't have some of the traits that Dan Morgan has repeatedly stated that he's looking for. You know what I'm talking about.
Prediction: Leaves.
S Jeremy Chinn
Easiest one on the board, in my opinion. I don't see how Jeremy Chinn would have any interest in returning to Carolina after seeing a major dip in usage in 2023. Ejiro Evero is back, so I doubt his role/usage would look much different in 2024.
Prediction: Leaves.
Others All Panthers predicts to re-sign to smaller scale deals:
LB Kamu Grugier-Hill, LB Deion Jones, CB Shaquill Griffin, CB Troy Hill, S Sam Franklin Jr.
Others All Panthers predicts to sign elsewhere:
RB Raheem Blackshear (ERFA), WR Ihmir Smith-Marsette (RFA), TE Giovanni Ricci (RFA), OL Gabe Jackson, OL Justin McCray, OL David Sharpe, DL Henry Anderson, DL Deshawn Williams, DL Chris Wormley, OLB Marquis Haynes Sr., LB Tae Davis.
