NFC South: 2018 Offseason Update
By Colton Spaur
Carolina Panthers
Acquisitions
- WR Jarius Wright
- OG Jeremiah Sirles
- OT Zach Banner
- DT Dontari Poe
- DB Ross Cockrell
Losses
- WR Kaelin Clay
- RB Jonathan Stewart
- TE Ed Dickson
- OG Andrew Norwell
- DT Star Lotulelei
- DB Teddy Williams
Re-signed
- DE Julius Peppers
- CB LaDarius Gunter
- K Graham Gano
Unsigned
- QB Derek Anderson
- OG Amini Silatolu
- DE Charles Johnson
Carolina’s offseason has seen several key players leave town. Four starters have already left town, three of which came from the offensive side of the football.
Jonathan Stewart signed with the Giants, which will allow young Christian McCaffrey to get more touches. McCaffrey has the potential to be an upper-tier running back in the league, as he’s flashed signs of being a dynamic playmaker.
Perhaps the biggest loss for the Panthers is starting guard Andrew Norwell. Norwell started 54 games in his four years with the Panthers and was the third-highest rated guard last year by PFF. The Panthers did sign guard Jeremiah Sirles to potentially take Norwell’s place, who saw limited action last year with the Vikings.
The Panthers added Dontari Poe from the division rival Falcons. Poe does a good job against the run and totalled 2.5 sacks last year. Poe should step into the number two defensive tackle spot behind Kawann Short.
Wide receiver has been an issue for the Panthers since Steve Smith left after the 2013 season. Carolina needs a true number one receiver, which they could grab with their first round pick. Expect the Panthers to target receiver and offensive line with their early picks in the draft.