2018 Key Additions: Another offseason and the Carolina Panthers are still tweaking their wide receiving corps. They added wideout Jarius Wright, who was let go by the Minnesota Vikings this offseason. They also dealt for veteran speedster Torrey Smith – courtesy of the Philadelphia Eagles. And speaking of former University of Maryland products, Ron Rivera’s squad used the 24th overall selection on D.J. Moore. On the other side of the ball, the secondary has a slew of newcomers in veterans Ross Cockrell (New York Giants) and Da’Norris Searcy (Tennessee Titans), as well as rookies in cornerback Donte Jackson (2-LSU) and safety Rashaan Gaulden (3-Tennessee).
Offseason Review: It’s been a year of massive change for a club that has reached the playoffs four of the past five seasons. Gone are veterans such as defensive end Charles Johnson, as well as running back Jonathan Stewart and safety Kurt Coleman. And the free-agent defections of guard Andrew Norwell (Jacksonville Jaguars) and defensive tackle Star Lotulelei (Buffalo Bills) can’t be downplayed. But this is a franchise that has found a way to get the job done the last few years in terms of reaching the playoffs. This despite the fact that the Panthers have not posted back-to-back winning seasons in the team’s brief history which dates back to 1995.