Running the Carolina Panthers Offseason in GM Mode

I took control of the Carolina Panthers in GM Mode and focused on creating cap flexibility while strengthening the roster through targeted signings and a balanced draft class.

The offseason centered around major restructures to open cap space and strategic additions on both sides of the ball.

The Big Picture

• Starting Cap Space: $10.3M
• Final Cap Space: $33.7M
• Contracts Restructured: 9
• Free Agents Signed: 5
• Draft Picks: 8
• Overall Grade: B

Carolina created over $23M in additional cap space while improving depth across the roster.

Restructures (9)

Jaycee Horn — +$10.6M
Robert Hunt — +$9.8M
Derrick Brown — +$10.1M
Trevon Moehrig — +$5.9M
Taylor Moton — +$5.7M
Tershawn Wharton — +$5.4M
Damien Lewis — +$4.9M
Chuba Hubbard — +$2.7M
Bobby Brown III — +$2.1M

These restructures created the financial flexibility needed to add talent in free agency while keeping the core intact.

Free Agency Additions

Five players were signed in free agency to reinforce both the offense and defense.

Tyler Linderbaum (IOL) — 2yr / $13.2M APY
A major addition to strengthen the interior offensive line.

Nakobe Dean (LB) — 1yr / $11.0M APY
A high-upside linebacker added to the defensive front seven.

Jaelan Phillips (EDGE) — 1yr / $7.6M APY
A pass rusher brought in to boost Carolina’s edge pressure.

Jalen Coker (WR) — 1yr / $1.0M APY (Re-signing)
Emerging young receiver retained.

Brycen Tremayne (WR) — 1yr / $1.0M APY (Re-signing)
Developmental depth receiver retained.

Draft Class

Carolina added eight players through the draft, focusing heavily on defensive talent and offensive depth.

Round 1 Pick 19
Peter Woods (DL3T) — Clemson

Round 2 Pick 51
Jadarian Price (RB) — Notre Dame

Round 3 Pick 83
Dani Dennis-Sutton (EDGE) — Penn State

Round 4 Pick 119
JC Davis (OT) — Illinois

Round 5 Pick 157
Taurean York (ILB) — Texas A&M

Round 5 Pick 158
Devon Marshall (CB) — NC State

Round 6 Pick 200
Josh Cuevas (TE) — Alabama

Round 7 Pick 234
Jeremiah Wright (OG) — Auburn

Final Take

Carolina’s offseason focused heavily on cap flexibility and roster depth. Strategic restructures opened up cap space while new signings and a strong draft class helped improve the roster across multiple positions.

With $33.7M in cap space remaining, the Panthers positioned themselves well for future roster moves.

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