NFL Team Needs: Carolina Panthers Team Needs

The Carolina Panthers went through some coaching changes this offseason, but still feel they are only a few team needs being filled from making another Super Bowl run.

Cam Newton will be back for another run with the Carolina Panthers and is hoping to get a little more help this season. Carolina went out and added some weapons last offseason, but might they still need more.

The Panthers will have around $17 million in salary cap space to play with in the free agency period. They also have 8 draft picks including two picks in the 3rd and 7th rounds. That $17 million isn’t much to work with so a lot of their upgrades may need to come via the draft.

One issue for the Panthers is that they have a lot of money tied up in Matt Kalil. Most had an issue with the Panthers decision to giving that contract and Kalil has not lived up to the price tag. It’ll be interesting to see if the Panthers go out and target another left tackle or just try to survive another year with Kalil.

Below are the Carolina Panthers top-3 needs:

1. Wide Receiver

Devin Funchess has developed into a solid receiver, but is nowhere near a No. 1 target. The rest of the receiving corps is unproven including Curtis Samuel whose rookie season was cut short with an injury.

More from With the First Pick

• 2024 NFL Draft: Prospect Viewing Guide for Week 0
• 2024 NFL Draft: All Eyes On NFL Draft Defensive Prospects
• Player Spotlight: USC Safety Calen Bullock
• 2024 Senior Bowl Watchlist Announced
• 2024 NFL Draft: Florida State is Loaded with Prospect in 2023

Carolina needs to add more playmakers on the outside to help out Cam Newton. His group of pass catchers struggle creating separation which makes every throw difficult. This year’s draft has a lot of interesting receiver prospects who will likely come off the board in the 2nd round.

Someone like SMU’s Courtland Sutton or Colorado State’s Michael Gallup would make a lot of sense for the Panthers.

2. Pass Rusher

Both Charles Johnson and Julius Peppers are at the end of their careers and may not be back with the team. This would leave Mario Addison and Wes Horton as the team’s top two pass rushers. Obviously, finding a young edge rusher should be a priority for the Panthers.

3. Defensive Tackle

Star Lotulelei is a pending free agent and appears unlikely to return to Carolina. The Panthers salary cap situation is just too tight to justify paying Lotulelei and Kawann Short big money. Carolina has too many other needs across the roster to tie up so much money in one position.

Losing Lotulelei would leave a big gap in the middle of the Panthers defense. They would need to find another big-bodied space-eater to take his place.