NFL power rankings: Vikings, Eagles fight for top spot
By Joe Schiller
10. Carolina Panthers
Disappointment is often something that’s been associated with the Carolina Panthers. Throughout the course of the franchise, the ultimate success has been so close but they’ve let it slip through their hands. Super Bowl appearances in 2004 and 2015 proved just that. But Ron Rivera’s team is a very talented group in the NFC and had a decent free agency period to go along with it.
Cam Newton’s versatility as a dual-threat option at quarterback has often relied on too much in the Panthers’ offense. Drafting Christian McCaffrey and the continuing the development at wide receiver was a start but Newton still needed plenty of help. The Panthers subsequently filled that hole, adding two veterans in Torrey Smith and Jarius Wright. The trade for Smith was a bit of a head-scratcher because Marty Hurney traded away a promising cornerback in Daryl Worley but it fills a hole nonetheless.
The loss of Star Lotulelei was offset by signing Dontari Poe to a three-year, $27M deal. He’s a huge plug on the interior of the defensive line, teaming up with veteran pass rusher Julius Peppers, who returns on a one-year deal.
Getting rid of Jonathan Stewart officially makes it McCaffrey’s backfield. If the passing attack can elevate to the level of the run production, there could be a lethal offense coming out of Carolina next season.