Fansided

NFL free agency 2019: Grades for every team

By Kevin Parvizi

PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 25: Odell Beckham #13 of the New York Giants yells prior to the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on November 25, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 25: Odell Beckham #13 of the New York Giants yells prior to the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on November 25, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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TAMPA, FL – DECEMBER 30: Atlanta Falcons defensive end Bruce Irvin (52) during the second half of an NFL game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Tampa Bay Bucs on December 30, 2018, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. (Photo by Roy K. Miller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) (Photo by Roy K. Miller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL – DECEMBER 30: Atlanta Falcons defensive end Bruce Irvin (52) during the second half of an NFL game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Tampa Bay Bucs on December 30, 2018, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. (Photo by Roy K. Miller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) (Photo by Roy K. Miller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Carolina Panthers

Key Additions: C Matt Paradis, EDGE Bruce Irvin

Key Departures: C Ryan Kalil (retirement), WR Devin Funchess, LB Thomas Davis

Grade: B-

The Carolina Panthers had a relatively quiet free agency, but they did see the departures of two franchise icons in Ryan Kalil and Thomas Davis. While Kalil retired, as planned, upon the conclusion of his 12th regular season, Davis, who remains a quality starter at the age of 36, will play significant snaps for the Los Angeles Chargers in 2019. It’s an end of an era for two Panthers greats, as both men were two of the best players at their respective positions and unspeakably influential leaders in the locker room.

That said, the Panthers found a perfect replacement for Kalil in Matt Paradis, who is a standout at the center position. Protecting Cam Newton is even more important now than ever, especially since the NFL frustratingly seems disinterested in making sure Newton isn’t subjected to grotesque, unpunished hits. Newton’s season-ending injury looms large, but, when he’s at his best, he’s an MVP player and a top-five quarterback in this league.

Though the Panthers didn’t do anything to help Newton and the offense aside from signing Paradis, it’s not like losing Devin Funchess will be a huge blow. Funchess, despite his talent, barely showed up for Carolina last year, and the offense already has talented pieces in Christian McCaffrey, DJ Moore, Curtis Samuel, Greg Olsen, Ian Thomas, Torrey Smith, and Jarius Wright.

Bruce Irvin adds some spice to the Panthers pass rush, and he’s a big addition to a talented front seven. If the Panthers can add some much-needed talent at cornerback, they could be in business after flashing in 2018 before a late-season collapse dropped them down to 7-9.

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