Carolina's Biggest Needs Heading Into First Official Day of Free Agency

Still some holes on the roster for the Panthers to fill.

Today marks the first day of the new league year, meaning recently agreed-upon deals can become official, but more moves are on the way.

Panthers general manager Scott Fitterer has already checked some big boxes on his list by re-signing center Bradley Bozeman and agreeing to terms with safety Vonn Bell, defensive lineman Shy Tuttle, and veteran quarterback Andy Dalton. The team also placed a tender on restricted free agent safety/key special teamer Sam Franklin Jr. and released offensive lineman Pat Elflein, freeing up roughly $4 million in cap space.

Now, Fitterer's focus will likely turn to adding a running back in addition to a couple of wide receivers. The Panthers are scheduled to host veteran free agent Adam Thielen who was recently released by the Minnesota Vikings, where he spent the first nine years of his career. 

It's been an awful slow market for receivers thus far but there aren't really any top-tier names available, so everyone is taking it slow and addressing other positions. Carolina, though, can't wait too long to get active in the receiver market considering the only receivers they have under contract are Terraace Marshall Jr., Laviska Shenault Jr., Shi Smith, and Preston Williams.

The Panthers can certainly consider taking a receiver with their second or third-round pick, but they need some experience and proven talent in that room to help out their future rookie quarterback.

Top receivers available: Adam Thielen, Nelson Agholor, DJ Chark, Marvin Jones, Julio Jones, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Jarvis Landry, Mecole Hardman, Parris Campbell, T.Y. Hilton.

As far as running backs are concerned, Carolina remains interested in bringing back D'Onta Foreman but will probably scour the market to make sure that he is indeed the best option for this offense. Foreman has made it well known that he wants to return to Carolina and as long as he wanted back, money won't be an issue. However, a couple of running backs that have a history with new running backs coach Duce Staley, Miles Sanders, and Jamaal Williams, appear to be in search of new homes.

Top running backs available: D'Onta Foreman, Miles Sanders, Jamaal Williams, Kareem Hunt, Chase Edmonds, J.D. McKissic, Ronald Jones II, Devin Singletary, Alexander Mattison, Benny Snell Jr., Mark Ingram, Jerick McKinnon.

The last area of need on offense has to be at tight end, right? I mean, Ian Thomas and Tommy Tremble are good blockers, serving as an extension of the offensive line, but they don't bring much value as pass catchers. This is a very deep tight end draft class, so they may not look to spend money on a veteran, but there are a few guys that would certainly make an immediate impact.

UPDATE: Panthers are expected to sign Hayden Hurst.

Top tight ends available: Mike Gesicki, Dalton Schultz, Austin Hooper, Robert Tonyan, Hayden Hurst, Geoff Swaim, Dan Arnold, Adam Shaheen, Kyle Rudolph, O.J. Howard, Foster Moreau.

Lastly, the defense could use a little more help up front along the defensive line. Tuttle will likely lineup at the nose and Derrick Brown will be pushed out to defensive end, so they need another guy on the other side of Tuttle. Ideally, you'd like to sign someone for this spot who can contain the run but can also apply pressure on the quarterback. 

Top defensive ends available: Frank Clark, Yannick Ngakoue, Jadeveon Clowney, Calais Campbell, Matt Ioannidis.

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