The NFL draft and free agency are still weeks away.
The Panthers roster will undergo many changes between the start of the Senior Bowl on Tuesday and OTAs in May. The draft process begins in Mobile, Alabama this week where Panthers coaches, scouts and executives are gathered to study the nation’s top seniors from across the country.
Carolina has a lot to accomplish this off-season. Coach Matt Rhule is filling out his coaching staff while general manager Scott Fitterer identifies potential quarterback and offensive line help. The Panthers are also in the market for a safety, a linebacker and run-stopping defensive linemen.
Who will be the Panthers’ next quarterback? Perhaps Pittsburgh’s Kenny Pickett or Tar Heels’ quarterback Sam Howell are the answer. Or would Rhule rather acquire a veteran via trade? San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo will likely be available. What trades could Fitterer make? Carolina only has one pick in the top 100 selections of the 2022 NFL Draft. Could the Panthers trade their No. 6 selection away to recoup assets?
Answers to those questions will come eventually, but until then we have opened up our Panthers mailbag to answer your questions.
Here we go.
Greg asks: What do you think they do at QB this year? What’s your feeling?
Jonathan M. Alexander: Greg, what I know is the Panthers will explore trading for a quarterback. There are a number of teams that potentially could part ways with their quarterbacks this offseason.
The Packers, Seahawks, 49ers, Vikings and Texans are among them. But of those five teams, only Aaron Rodgers and Russel Wilson are worth it, in my opinion.
However, Wilson and Rodgers have to agree to a trade to the Panthers. And with the Panthers’ offensive line situation, and Matt Rhule’s job security in Year 3, that would be a tough sell.
The most likely scenario is the Panthers sign a veteran quarterback in free agency and have him compete with Sam Darnold for the starting job.
Trading for a quarterback will cost the Panthers at least one first-round draft pick and will stymie their ability to fix the offensive line this season.
There are a number of people within the organization that know this, and would much rather build it in a methodical way and not give up their long-term investments for a player with a lot of uncertainty. (Deshaun Watson, for example.)
Eric asks: What are the odds that Carolina trades out of 6 for more assets? It is going to be much harder, I’d assume, since there are teams ahead of them that simultaneously have picks again right after them.
JMA: Eric, it’s still too early to tell. The Senior Bowl and the combine will tell us a lot more about these offensive linemen and quarterbacks. Players may start to rise on draft boards.
But the Panthers trading the sixth pick for more assets won’t be difficult. There are teams later in the draft that may fall in love with a player high on the board, or are desperate for a quarterback and have nothing else to lose.
It happens every year.
This draft class is also deep with offensive linemen. CBS draft analyst Ryan Wilson and ESPN’s Jordan Reid both told me that you can get a quality offensive tackle late in the first round or early in the second round.
The Panthers are without a second- and third-round draft pick, so it wouldn’t surprise me if trading back for more assets is the route they choose.
From Alex: Let’s play a game of keep, let walk and trade. Stephon Gilmore, Haason Reddick and Donte Jackson. Ready? Go.
Ellis L. Williams: Interesting question. It’s framed in a way that suggests the Panthers could trade Gilmore, Reddick or Jackson. However, all three a free agents and cannot be dealt. But let’s assume the Panthers sign two and let one walk.
From a production standpoint, Reddick probably possess the most upside. The former Cardinal and one-time Panther has notched back-to-back double-digit sack seasons, solidifying himself as a effective NFL pass rusher. Reddick detractors will label him a scheme-dependent linebacker, incapable of consistently stopping the run.
Reddick is aware of those concerns, which is why he plans on bulking up during the offseason to add weight. He insists playing 10 to 15 pounds heavier will not hinder his quickness.
Regardless of what Reddick weighs, he’ll ask for double-digit millions once free agency begins in March. The Panthers will attempt to retain him but the asking price may run too steep. Thus, let him walk.
Then sign Donte Jackson in hopes of trading him by the deadline. Pro Football Focus recently released their 2022 free agent cornerback rankings. PFF ranked Jackson the No. 8 corner on the market. Gilmore came in at No. 2. Re-sign him too. Hear me out.
Jackson (26) is five years younger than Gilmore (31). Retaining Jackson and starting alongside rookie Jaycee Horn would position Carolina well on the outside. Allow Gilmore and C.J. Henderson to roll in behind the starters while Jackson hopefully plays well. If he does, then he becomes more valuable than an aging Gilmore or inconsistent Henderson.
By the deadline, Gilmore should be healthy and ready for a full-time role. Plus, Gilmore is from Rock Hill. Maybe he’s enjoying being home and will take that into consideration when negotiating with Carolina.
Billy asks: Is new special teams coach Chris Tabor going to have a say on signing a kick returner?
JMA: Yes. The coordinators and assistant coaches currently provide input on the signings and they’ll continue to do so. For instance, former offensive coordinator Joe Brady recommended they sign Teddy Bridgewater and wide receiver Willie Snead IV.
From Jason: Who would you extend first. Brian Burns or DJ Moore?
EW: Brian Burns and DJ Moore are eligible for contract extensions. Moore is set to play the 2022 season on the final year of his rookie contracts. Selected No. 24 in the 2018 draft, Moore has had three consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons and is proven playmaker.
The Panthers will likely exercise the fifth-year option for Burns come May, which means he’s under contract for the 2022 and 2023 seasons. Because of that, there is less urgency to construct an extension for Burns. Carolina should make Moore a priority this offseason. He’ll play a critical part in establishing a future franchise quarterback in Carolina.
Meanwhile, Burns is an enticing trade asset if the Panthers were to shop him. There is no reason to believe they are but general manager Scott Fitterer said he will field calls on any player.
While Burns true ceiling remains unknown, he is clearly one of the league’s better pass rushers. Combined with some draft picks, Burns could move the needle in a package deal for a veteran quarterback.