The Carolina Panthers had an odd season of making the playoffs despite having a losing record and now the team comes back looking to get better and players like Jeremy Maclin, Torrey Smith or Bryan Bulaga could be potential free agent targets and this comes as Greg Hardy may be allowed to walk in free agency after his legal issues from the past year.
The Panthers won the NFC South with a losing record and the team won over the Arizona Cardinals before losing to the Seahawks in the playoffs. Cam Newton could be in line to get a new contract now before he is up and the team has some decisions to make on other free agents. According to SB Nation, the team may look at WRs on the free agent market to pair with Kelvin Benjamin, as they did not really replace Steve Smith after letting him go.
The WR position has a number of solid names out there past players like Jeremy Maclin and Torrey Smith, as Randall Cobb, Hakeem Nicks, Cecil Shorts, Eddie Royal, Wes Welker, Nate Washington, Michael Crabtree, Kenny Britt, Miles Austin, Torrey Smith, Denarius Moore and Jermaine Kearse are on the market. Nicks played ball at UNC and could be interested in heading back there after playing for the Colts this season.
The Panthers may also look at names like Randall Cobb, Bryan Bulaga, Torrey Smith, Jeremy Maclin or Cecil Shorts in free agency, as they need some help on the offensive side of the ball. Shorts could be a cheap option after coming off of an injury season with Jacksonville, while Cobb could be an interesting option if he plays hardball with the Packers. Bulaga is also a target according to Cat Scratch Reader at SB nation, as the team could use a boost on the offensive line.
According to ESPN.com and Pro Football Talk, GM Dave Gettelman spoke to Jonathan Jones of the Charlotte Observer about next year and the contract situation surrounding Cam Newton, saying that he wants Newton in Carolina for the long term. Gettelman called Newton the "franchise quarterback" and with his fifth year option coming up, the Panthers may try and work out an extension or a new deal with Newton.
The report from the Charlotte Observer writes that the team has $14.667 million going to Newton in his fifth year and if the team uses the franchise tag after next season, Newton will cost close to $20 million. Gettelman said he understands what it means to have a franchise QB and that is why he expects Newton to be with the team for the long haul.
The Panthers ranked 19th in the league in passing yards per game last season and Newton had just 3100 yards passing. Adding a player like Smith or Maclin could make a huge difference, as the Panthers have a fantastic young receiver in Kelvin Benjamin. The Panthers once again should be the favorites in the South along with the Saints and Falcons, while the Bucs are terrible.