The Carolina Panthers have had a busy offseason. Carolina kicked off its offseason with the hiring of former Colts Coach Frank Reich. Carolina hasn’t missed a beat and is laser-focused on the upcoming season.
Carolina traded with the Chicago Bears and received the first pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Carolina can get a first-round quarterback like C.J. Stroud and Bryce Young.
Carolina Panther’s Safety Jeremy Chinn recently sat down for an interview with the NFL. Chinn believes the Panthers can win the NFC South. Each team in the NFC South has question marks and there isn’t a top dog. Chinn said, “We have an opportunity in this division.” Carolina finished second in the NFC South last season.
Carolina wants to get back to winning on Sundays. Carolina finished 7-10 in 2022. The Panthers missed the playoffs for the fifth-straight season. Interim Coach Steve Wilks did his best, but Carolina had another disappointing season.
This article’s purpose is to highlight the Panther’s offseason moves. Carolina has acquired diverse talent they believe will help their next quarterback.
Carolina’s Offseason Moves
Carolina needed to supplement the receiver position after D.J. Moore’s departure. Carolina signed Vikings receiver Adam Thielen to a three-year deal worth $25 million. Thielen received $14 million guaranteed. Thielen had been a dependable receiver in the NFL. Thielen has recorded 534 catches, 6,682 receiving yards, and 55 touchdowns. Thielen’s Vikings made the playoffs in 2022. Thielen can help the Panthers win games by using his veteran experience.
Carolina signed Tight End Hayden Hurst to a three-year deal worth $21 million. Hurst received $13 million guaranteed. Hurst played in the AFC Championship game with the Bengals. Hurst has recorded 177 catches, 1,718 receiving yards, and 14 touchdowns. Hurst can block in the run game and catch passes when targeted.
Carolina also acquired Lions receiver D.J. Chark. Chark signed a one-year deal worth $5 million. Chark received $5 million guaranteed. Chark has recorded 177 catches, 2,544 yards, and 18 touchdowns. Chark’s route running, and talent should help Carolina’s passing game.
Miles Sanders signed a four-year deal worth $24 million. Sanders received $13 million guaranteed. Sanders had a fantastic season with the Eagles. For his career, Sanders has carried the ball 739 times. Sanders has accumulated 3,708 rushing yards and scored 20 touchdowns. Sanders just went to the Super Bowl and can share his experience with the Panther’s locker room.
Carolina needed to add offensive personnel. Carolina’s offense ranked 29th in the NFL in 2022. Carolina averaged 306.2 yards per game and scored 20.4 points per game.
Any Other Significant Moves?
Carolina added Ejero Evero as defensive coordinator. Evero was a candidate for head coaching jobs. Evero was the defensive coordinator for the Denver Broncos. Denver’s defense ranked seventh in the NFL. Denver allowed 320 yards per game and 21 points per game. The Panthers will be switching to a 3-4 defense this season.
