A Change in Offense

The Carolina Panthers have won 51 games over the past five seasons and have made the playoffs in four of those seasons.  They have made a Super Bowl appearance over that period and can argue to being the most consistent NFC team outside of Seattle.  But with all that said, the Panthers seem to always find themselves at a franchise crossroads.

Out is offensive coordinator Mike Shula, as the team is looking to create a more consistent offense in 2018.  In comes Norv Turner, the longtime NFL coach and coordinator who has made his reputation on developing quarterback play.  A year after the Panthers used their top picks to add offensive weapons for quarterback Cam Newton, the team is now trying a new offensive coordinator to unlock the Newton mystery.

After an MVP season in 2015, Newton has regressed back to his play in 2014.  A healthy Newton always gives the Panthers a chance to win, but his inconsistency leaves much to be desired.  Newton improved his completion percentage in 2017 from 52.9% to 59.1% but the goal is to approach 65%.

In addition to the progression of the offense, the Panthers will have the challenge of retaining their own talent.  After giving defensive tackle Kawann Short a massive contract, former first round pick defensive tackle Star Lotulelei is expected to reach the free agent market.  Guard Andrew Norwell had the finest season of his career and received All Pro honors for it.  Securing his services moving forward will require more than $10M per season.

The Panthers have been one of the most consistent forces in the NFC.  Continuing to be so will require some offensive improvement and some creative cap management.

Offensive Ranking: 19th

Defensive Ranking: 7th

Key Free Agents:  

Julius Peppers - DE - Whether Peppers plays in 2018 will be entirely up to Peppers.  Peppers returned to Carolina in 2017 and tied for the team lead in sacks with 11.  The team wants him back if he chooses to play and will put together a deal that fits what Peppers wants.

Graham Gano - K - Missed just one kick in 2017, hitting 29 of 30 on the season.  Gano has spent the past two seasons counting as a $4M a year kicker on the salary cap.  Expect a similar number in order to retain or land the kicker moving forward.

Star Lotulelei - DT - A force inside who will command a quality contract for a defensive tackle.  The Panthers probably can't retain Lotulelei after giving fellow defensive tackle Kawann Short a massive contract.

Andrew Norwell - G - The 2017 All Pro will command a massive contract this offseason.  Norwell has been an anchor for the Panthers offense.  Last year the top guard in free agency received a contract worth $12M per season.

Ed Dickson - TE - Proved to be a capable backup and quality spot starter with the injury to Greg Olsen.  Caught 30 passes in 2017 bridging the gap to Olsen's return to the team.

Potential Cuts/Restructures:  

Jonathan Stewart - RB - The future of the veteran running back will be dependent on what the team adds to the backfield this offseason.  The soon-to-be 31 year old running has been the physical force behind the Panthers running attack for years.  New offensive coordinator Norv Turner typically likes to have a hammer available for his offense.  Cap savings: $3.7M