What's Next for the Panthers? Detailing the Four Biggest Remaining Needs
The rebuild in Carolina is well underway, but there are still plenty of holes that need filled on the Panthers' roster. Before we dive into what the front office needs to address next, here's a quick recap of all the moving parts as of today.
Additions: WR Diontae Johnson, LG Damien Lewis, RG Robert Hunt, OT Yosh Nijman, DL A'Shawn Robinson, OLB K'Lavon Chaisson, OLB D.J. Wonnum, LB Josey Jewell, CB Dane Jackson, S Jordan Fuller.
Departures: C Bradley Bozeman, OT David Sharpe, TE Hayden Hurst, TE Giovanni Ricci, OLB Brian Burns, OLB Yetur Gross-Matos, LB Frankie Luvu, CB Donte Jackson, S Vonn Bell, S Jeremy Chinn.
Carolina's top remaining needs (not in order):
TIGHT END
This has been a sore spot for the organization since the day Greg Olsen walked out the door. They decided to cut ties with Hayden Hurst just one year into a three-year deal, leaving Tommy Tremble, Ian Thomas, and Stephen Sullivan at the position. There aren't many intriguing options in free agency and I seriously doubt they trade for one, so look for Carolina to target one in next month's draft.
CENTER
The Panthers have checked off several boxes already this offseason in regards to the offensive line. They've got their left guard (Damien Lewis), right guard (Robert Hunt) and swing tackle (Yosh Nijman). The only hole they haven't filled? Center. Maybe I'm reading too much into this, but perhaps they have identified a center in the draft that they have full conviction on. *Cough, cough* Zach Frazier.
OUTSIDE LINEBACKER
Picking up D.J. Wonnum was huge and getting a former first-rounder in K'Lavon Chaisson as a rotational guy is a good start. However, the effort to replace Brian Burns can't end there and it won't. Chase Young inked with the Saints earlier this week, so the Panthers will keep their fingers crossed that they can eventually land Jadeveon Clowney.
CORNERBACK
The corner spot is extremely thin right now, especially when you take into consideration Jaycee Horn's injury history. Even if he's able to stay on the field, this is the weakest position group of Ejiro Evero's defense. I would expect Carolina to double dip here, adding a veteran while also picking up a corner in the draft.
