2021 NFL Offseason: Carolina Panthers

Carolina Panthers (Last Year: 5-11)

2021 NFL Season Preview:

Veteran Additions:
QB Sam Darnold, WR David Moore, TE Dan Arnold, OT Cameron Erving, G Pat Elflein, DT DaQuan Jones, DT Morgan Fox, OLB Haason Reddick, LB Denzel Perryman, CB A.J. Bouye, CB Rashaan Melvin, S Delano Hill.
Early Draft Picks:
CB Jaycee Horn, WR Terrace Marshall, OT Brady Christiansen, TE Tommy Tremble, RB Chuba Hubbard. Panthers Rookie Forecast
Offseason Losses:
QB Teddy Bridgewater, RB Mike Davis, FB Alex Armah, WR Curtis Samuel, TE Chris Manhertz, OT Russell Okung, G Chris Reed, G Michael Schofield, C Tyler Larsen, DE Stephen Weatherly, DT Kawann Short, LB Tahir Whitehead, CB Rasul Douglas, S Tre Boston.

2021 Carolina Panthers Offense:
At first glance, Sam Darnold being the starting quarterback of the Panthers looks like a joke. Carolina, of course, tried to trade for Deshaun Watson, but once that became impossible, they settled for Darnold. Based on how miserably Darnold performed with the Jets, that doesn’t seem like a very good consolation prize.

Darnold, however, is a former No. 3 overall pick. He has great talent, but had the misfortune of being coached by Adam Gase. There have been plenty of players who have performed much better after escaping Gase’s awful coaching. Ryan Tannehill, DeVante Parker and Kenyan Drake are some examples of players finally reaching their potential after being separated from Gase. It wouldn’t be the craziest thing in the world to see Darnold finally live up to his third-overall draft status.

It’ll help Darnold’s cause that he’ll have a much better supporting cast surrounding him in Carolina. His primary running back with the Jets last year was Frank Gore. His backfield mate in Carolina will be Christian McCaffrey. That’s quite the upgrade. McCaffrey will be hungry to have a great 2021 campaign after missing most of 2020 with an injury.

The Carolina receivers are superior as well. Jamison Crowder was a nice option for Darnold last year, but he missed four games. That was pretty much it, as the Jets’ other wideouts were rookie Denzel Mims and disappointing Breshad Perriman, both of whom missed plenty of action. D.J. Moore and Robby Anderson will be massive upgrades for Darnold. Moore is better than any other receiver Darnold has ever worked with, while Anderson was a nice target for Darnold in 2019.

The Jets’ offensive line was barely intact last year, so Darnold should have superior blocking in Carolina as well. That said, the offensive line is far from great. There’s a potential huge hole on the blind side, as the disappointing Greg “Mr. Reliable” Little is the favorite to start there. Third-round rookie Brady Christiansen may have something to say about that, however. The bookend, at least, is a terrific player. Taylor Moton has emerged as one of the top right tackles in the NFL.

The interior blocking projects to be mediocre. Matt Paradis is the best of the bunch, but he’s not an exceptional center. Both guards – John Miller, Pat Elflein – are just average.

2021 Carolina Panthers Defense:
The Panthers spent every single pick in the 2020 NFL Draft on defense. They had so many young players on the field, so it wasn’t a surprise that their defense got off to a rocky start. They improved as the season progressed however. Prior to Week 11, the Panthers surrendered 27.2 points per game. In Week 11 and beyond, that figure dropped to 21.7.

Derrick Brown was one of the players who made a huge improvement. Brown struggled a bit early in his rookie campaign, but became a dominant player down the stretch. Da’Quan Jones, a quality run-stuffer, will start next to Brown, while 2020 sixth-rounder Bravvion Roy and fifth-round rookie Daviyon Nixon will be in the mix for snaps.

The Panthers also possess two young players on the edge. Neither Brian Burns nor Yetur Gross-Matos is 24 yet. Burns has emerged as a lethal edge rusher; he has recorded 16.5 combined sacks in his two NFL seasons. Gross-Matos didn’t get to play much in his rookie campaign because of an ankle injury, but he has great potential. Newly signed Haason Reddick will be able to contribute effectively as an edge rusher as well. Reddick is a versatile threat the Panthers will be able to use in multiple positions.

Reddick isn’t the only linebacker the Panthers signed this offseason. They also brought in Denzel Perryman, who will help the team’s run-stopping efforts. Carolina has been gashed versus ground attacks in recent years, but Perryman will improve that aspect. He’ll play alongside Shaq Thompson, who is a talented player coming off a down year. Thompson is only 27, so he should be able to rebound.

The Panthers also added a veteran to their secondary, signing A.J. Bouye away from the Broncos. Bouye still isn’t 30, so he should have some solid seasons remaining in the tank. He’s been an excellent No. 2 cornerback throughout his career, and he’ll continue to handle that role opposite of first-round rookie Jaycee Horn. Meanwhile, Donte Jackson, a 2018 second-round pick, made great strides last year. He, Bouye and Horn will combine to be a formidable trio of cornerbacks to help stop the dynamic receivers in the NFC South.

Carolina will be hoping for another second-round defensive back to make improvements as well. That would be Jeremy Chinn, who had an uneven rookie campaign. The Panthers used Chinn in multiple places last year. That includes safety, where he’ll play next to Juston Burris, who was a liability this past season.

2021 Carolina Panthers Schedule and Intangibles:
The Panthers needed to develop a strong home-field advantage. They were a mediocre 20-22 as hosts in the five seasons prior to 2015. Problem solved: They’ve been 25-9 as hosts between 2015 and 2018, but reverted to 2-6 in both 2019 and 2020.

Carolina missed Graham Gano last year when Joey Slye was 29-of-36, including a poor 1-of-6 from beyond 50.

Joseph Charlton finished a solid 13th in net punting this past season.

Carolina had the worst punt return unit in the NFL in 2019, surrendering three touchdowns. They gave up only one last year, all while failing to score on their own.

The Panthers have an easy schedule. They get to navigate a third-place slate, all while battling teams from the NFC East.

2021 Carolina Panthers Rookies:
Go here for the Panthers Rookie Forecast, a page with predictions like which rookie will bust and which rookie will become a solid starter.

2021 Carolina Panthers Positional Rankings (1-5 stars):

Quarterbacks	Offensive Line	Secondary
Running Backs	Defensive Line	Special Teams
Receivers	Linebackers	Coaching

2021 Carolina Panthers Analysis: The Panthers seem like they’re one quarterback and one season away from being a contender. By 2022, their many young defenders will have plenty of experience, and most of them should be able to blossom into good, or even great players. The question is, what will Carolina do at quarterback? It’s quite possible that Sam Darnold will be the answer, but it’s more likely that they’ll need to find another solution at the position to allow them to make a deep run into the playoffs.

Projection: 9-8 (2nd in NFC South)

2020 Projection: 2-14. 2020 Actual Result: 5-11.
2019 Projection: 10-6. 2019 Actual Result: 5-11.
2018 Projection: 11-5. 2018 Actual Result: 7-9.
2017 Projection: 7-9. 2017 Actual Result: 11-5.
2016 Projection: 11-5. 2016 Actual Result: 6-10.

NFL Draft Team Grade: A Grade

Goals Entering the 2021 NFL Draft: The Panthers were hoping to obtain Deshaun Watson. They settled for Sam Darnold, which wasn’t great, but yet they still addressed their quarterback situation. They’ll need help on the offensive line to protect Darnold, and they’ll also have to find several upgrades to their woeful defense.

2021 NFL Draft Accomplishments: Carolina was wheeling and dealing throughout the second and third days of the draft. It duped some teams into unnecessarily trading up. This allowed the Panthers to secure extra draft choices, including some for 2022, which is viewed as a superior draft class, if only because scouts will actually be able to do their job then.

Of course, the Panthers’ draft began with Jaycee Horn, which was incorrectly criticized by some on social media. Some in the NFL graded Horn amongst the elite players, and Carolina potentially landed a shutdown cornerback to help deal with all of the dynamic receivers in the division. Meanwhile, second-day picks Terrace Marshall and Brady Christian carried tons of value, and both will be able to help Darnold make improvements from his forgettable days with the Jets.

There was only one non-seventh-round pick I didn’t like, and that was the third-round choice on Tommy Tremble, only because I’m opposed to teams using an early pick on blocking tight ends. However, that was Carolina’s only poor decision. The team did a terrific job otherwise, obtaining some talented prospects and picking up countless extra resources.

NFL Draft Individual Grades:

8. Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina – B+ Grade
Many considered the elite non-quarterback prospects in this class to be Penei Sewell, Kyle Pitts, Ja’Marr Chase and the Alabama receivers. Some teams actually had Jaycee Horn in that pantheon, despite Patrick Surtain being a bigger name. Charlie and I have had Horn slotted to the Panthers to No. 8 for a long time for that reason. Horn is a great addition to a secondary that has to cover so many talented receivers in the NFC South.

59. Terrace Marshall, WR, LSU – A Grade
D.J. Moore’s contract is up soon, while Robby Anderson is just above average, so receiver was in play for the Panthers. Terrace Marshall was the best player available at the position. Marshall was mocked in the first round by some, but injury concerns caused him to drop. I like the value for Marshall here, especially with the Panthers picking up a pair of third-round chices from trading down twice.

70. Brady Christiansen, OT, BYU – B+ Grade
The Panthers traded down a couple of times, so it makes sense that they finally moved up, giving a sixth-round pick to move up three spots. Brady Christiansen was someone I had in the third round, so this makes sense. It also addresses a need, as Carolina had to protect Sam Darnold on the blind side.

83. Tommy Tremble, TE, Notre Dame – C Grade
I’ve had Tommy Tremble in the fourth or fifth rounds of my mock draft, so I think this is a slight reach in the middle of the third round. That said, it fills a huge need for the Panthers, who didn’t really have anything at tight end outside of the mediocre Dan Arnold.

126. Chuba Hubbard, RB, Oklahoma State – B+ Grade
Chuba Hubbard’s draft stock fell this past year. I had him in the second round earlier, but he didn’t quite live up to his potential. Still, I like the pick, as the Panthers needed insurance at running back just in case Christian McCaffrey is hurt again. Mike Davis is gone, so Hubbard will take his spot.

158. Daviyon Nixon, DT, Iowa – A+ Grade
I was wondering when Daviyon Nixon would come off the board. I had him slotted in the third round, so this value is incredible. Daviyon Nixon is a good athlete who can generate pressure and also help stuff the run. This is a great pick.

166. Keith Taylor, CB, Washington – B- Grade
A second cornerback was essential for the Panthers, who have to deal with some ridiculous receivers in their division. Keith Taylor was someone I’ve had in the sixth round in some updates, so this range is fine for him.

193. Deonte Brown, G, Alabama – B Grade
Deonte Brown is a big name who was once in the second round of my mock draft. He’s a monstrous run blocker, but there are concerns with his pass protection. He’s a very poor athlete, but he’ll be a mauler in the trenches.

204. Shi Smith, WR, South Carolina – A Grade
Shi Smith was one of the standout receivers of the Senior Bowl, so it’s not a surprise that the Panthers drafted him because they coached him in Mobile! I thought Shi Smith would go early on Day 3, so I’m a big fan of this value, as the Panthers try to replace Curtis Samuel.

222. Thomas Fletcher, LS, Alabama – C Grade
I’ve stated that kickers grow on trees. Well, long snappers grow in the ground. Just grab a shovel and start digging, and you’ll scoop up plenty of long snappers in no time. I have nothing else to say about this pick.

232. Phil Hoskins, DT, Kentucky – C+ Grade
I didn’t think the Panthers needed another defensive tackle, and I didn’t have Phil Hoskins drafted in my mock. I’m not a fan of this pick, but it’s the seventh round, so it’s not too bad.

Follow @walterfootball for updates.

Season Summary:
The Panthers finished 5-11, but were very competitive in many games. They played within one score of the Chiefs, Saints and Vikings, so they easily could have generated a much better record.

Offseason Moves:

Panthers sign S Delano Hill

Panthers sign DT DaQuan Jones

Panthers sign CB A.J. Bouye

Panthers acquire QB Sam Darnold from Jets

Panthers sign TE Dan Arnold

Panthers sign WR David Moore

Panthers sign CB Rashaan Melvin

Panthers sign DE/DT Morgan Fox

Panthers sign DE/OLB Haason Reddick

Panthers sign LB Denzel Perryman

Panthers sign OT Cameron Erving

Panthers sign G Pat Elflein

Team Needs:

Two Linebackers: Carolina’s defense was a mess last year. The team sorely missed Luke Kuechly and Thomas Davis. Replacements are needed, and the Panthers could take Micah Parsons in the first round. Signed Haason Reddick and Denzel Perryman
Cornerback: James Bradberry was another former prominent Panther who was missed. Finding a new starting cornerback across from Donte Jackson is a must. Signed A.J. Bouye
Two Offensive Tackles: The Panthers must repair their offensive line. Russell Okung and Taylor Moton were a solid duo when healthy last year, but Okung missed lots of action, while Moton, like Okung, is an impending free agent. Franchised Taylor Moton; signed Cameron Erving
Guard: Carolina needs to bolster the interior of the offensive line as well. Signed Pat Elflein; re-signed John Miller
Tight End: Curtis Samuel’s contract is expiring, so if he leaves, the Panthers may want to find another play-maker. They have a huge hole at tight end. Signed Dan Arnold
Edge Rushing Depth: Brian Burns and Yetur Gross-Matos are a promising duo for the future, but some depth is needed behind them now.
Defensive Tackle Depth: Better depth is also needed behind the two primary defensive tackles, Derrick Brown and Kawann Short. Signed DaQuan Jones and Morgan Fox

Follow me @walterfootball for updates.

2021 NFL Free Agent Signings:

Hassan Reddick, DE/OLB, Cardinals. Age: 26.
Signed with Panthers

The Cardinals finally figured out how to use Hassan Reddick last year. Reddick failed as an off-line linebacker prior to 2020, but Arizona put him on the edge, where he thrived. Reddick notched 12.5 sacks as a result.
A.J. Bouye, CB, Broncos. Age: 30.
Signed with Panthers

A.J. Bouye is coming off a down year in which he played seven games. Bouye is still a good cornerback when healthy, but he hasn’t played a full season since 2017.
Denzel Perryman, LB, Chargers. Age: 28.
Signed with Panthers (2 years)

Denzel Perryman is a stout, two-down run defender. The Chargers were so much worse against ground attacks when Perryman was sidelined in 2020.
DaQuan Jones, DT, Titans. Age: 29.
Signed with Panthers

DaQuan Jones is a solid, jack-of-all-trades defensive lineman who should have a couple more quality years remaining in the pros.
Dan Arnold, TE, Cardinals. Age: 26.
Signed with Panthers (2 years, $6 million)

Dan Arnold came out of nowhere to have a quality year for the Cardinals. He caught 31 passes for 438 yards and four touchdowns.
Pat Elflein, G, Jets. Age: 27. — Signed with Panthers (3 years, $13.5 million)
David Moore, WR, Seahawks. Age: 26. — Signed with Panthers (2 years)
Morgan Fox, DE, Rams. Age: 26. — Signed with Panthers
Cameron Erving, OT, Cowboys. Age: 29. — Signed with Panthers
Delano Hill, S, Seahawks. Age: 25. — Signed with Panthers
Rashaan Melvin, CB, Jaguars. Age: 31. — Signed with Panthers

Carolina Panthers Free Agents:

Salary Cap: TBA.

Taylor Moton, OT, Panthers. Age: 27.
Franchised by Panthers

Taylor Moton has improved each year in the NFL. He has become one of the better right tackles in the NFL, so he deserves a big contract.
Kawann Short, DT, Panthers. Age: 32.
Kawann Short was once considered one of the top defensive tackles in the NFL. However, he’s played just five games in the past couple of years, and he’s now 32, so he may never be the same again.
Curtis Samuel, WR, Panthers. Age: 25.
Signed with Redskins (3 years, $34.5 million; $24.5 million guaranteed)

Curtis Samuel finally developed into the receiver the Panthers thought they were getting a few years ago when they drafted him in the second round. He was an explosive play-maker who was used in all sorts of facets.
Mike Davis, RB, Panthers. Age: 28.
Signed with Falcons (2 years, $5.5 million)

Mike Davis was an excellent replacement for Christian McCaffrey. Carolina’s offense didn’t slow down every much with Davis in the backfield, as he served as a quality receiver.
Alex Armah, FB, Panthers. Age: 27.
Signed with Saints

Alex Armah is a strong blocking fullback who did a great job of paving the way for Mike Davis in 2020.
Russell Okung, OT, Panthers. Age: 32.
Russell Okung is a talented left tackle who would be in the 3.5- or four-star range if he weren’t so injury-prone. He has played just 13 games in the past two years.
John Miller, G, Panthers. Age: 28.
Re-signed with Panthers (1 year)

John Miller is a capable starter, but has some injury concerns. He’s played just one full season in his career.
Rasul Douglas, CB, Panthers. Age: 26.
Signed with Raiders

Rasul Douglas was one of many players this year to play better after departing from the Eagles. He was Carolina’s best corner when Donte Jackson was sidelined.
Tre Boston, S, Panthers. Age: 29.
Tre Boston played well in coverage in 2019, but he saw his play fall off a cliff this past season. He could rebound, but there’s also a chance that this regression is permanent.
Chris Reed, G, Panthers. Age: 29.
Signed with Colts (1 year)

Chris Reed was forced into the starting lineup because of injury, and he handled himself pretty well.
Corn Elder (RFA), CB, Panthers. Age: 26. — Signed with Lions
Tahir Whitehead, LB, Panthers. Age: 31.
Tyler Larsen, C, Panthers. Age: 30. — Signed with Redskins
Michael Schofield, G, Panthers. Age: 30. — Signed with Ravens
Stephen Weatherly, DE, Panthers. Age: 27. — Signed with Vikings
Chris Manhertz, TE, Panthers. Age: 29. — Signed with Jaguars (2 years, $7.25 million)
Pharoh Cooper, WR, Panthers. Age: 26.
Michael Palardy, P, Panthers. Age: 29. — Signed with Dolphins
Adarius Taylor, LB, Panthers. Age: 30.
Julian Stanford (RFA), DE/OLB, Panthers. Age: 30.