Carolina Panthers Depth Chart 2019 Panthers Depth Chart

Offseason Moves

As with any team, the Panthers have had an offseason filled with signings, resignings and releases. Let’s take a look at some of the moves they made from January on. Securing TE Chris Manhertz for another two years will certainly help this offense out the offensive side of things as the Panthers are no stranger to the two TE offense. Manhertz recorded 1 TD and had two receptions on 5 targets playing 344 snaps last season (32.51%). Resigning RB Cameron Artis-Payne is a good move as he’s been a solid guy for the Panthers to have in their depth chart since 2015. He’s rushed for 50 yards and 1 TD on 16 attempts against New Orleans on 12/30 last year.

The Panthers were forced to part ways with T Matt Kalil after he spent all of last season on the injured reserve with a knee injury. He had originally signed a 5 year contract in 2017. The Panthers were able to add highly-coveted DT Gerald McCoy in free agency which will help to spruce up the defense. LB/DE Brian Burns, drafted 16th overall, was a smart pick for the Panthers. The Panthers’ struggling defense certainly needed a playmaker and Burns is just that. Later in the draft, the Panthers selected QB Will Grier (third round, 116th overall), RB Jordan Scarlett (fifth round, 154th overall), T Dennis Daley (sixth round, 212th overall), and WR Terry Godwin (seventh round, 237th overall). Jordan Scarlett will be RB2 behind McCaffrey and Will Grier will back up the currently questionable Cam Newton, provided Newton is healthy to start the season.

Looking Ahead

The Panthers’ high-hopes of going to the playoffs in 2018 were squandered with the fall of Cam Newton’s health, but that doesn’t mean one should count them out for this season. As mentioned before, the defense struggled putting pressure on opposing QBs last year. Adding hybrid defensive-end Brian Burns to the roster will certainly help. Gerald McCoy will also make a great addition to Carolina’s D-line, helping to put more pressure on teams and force more big defensive plays. If by the time September comes around the Panthers are able to put a defense on the field even marginally better than it was last year, they will be a force to be reckoned with in the NFC South.

That being said, I think the defense that’ll take the field opening day against the Rams will be much better than it was last year. I have to applaud GM Marty Hurney on seeing a need and going all in on fixing it. Drafting a defensive player in the first round isn’t as glamorous and exciting as taking, say, Kyler Murray, but when Burns is making big play after big play when the season rolls around, I don’t think anyone in Carolina will mind. As Newton continues the rehab-process into mini-camp, much of the Panthers 2019 story-line will fall on whether or not he’s able to fully recover strength and precision in his right shoulder. I’m not completely counting Newton out from pulling a Rookie of the Year and being stronger after his injury, we’ll just have to wait and see.

Coming off a career season last year, Christian McCaffrey will be a highlight of Carolina’s offense in 2019. Expect to see him to most if not all of his work on the ground, as in 2018 he recorded just one reception on one attempt. With a strong WR/TE core going into the season, if Newton is able to get his shoulder ready we can expect to see huge production from the Carolina offense with threats in the air and on the ground (Newton and McCaffrey).