The Carolina Panthers may part ways with DeAngelo Williams for 2015 and Greg Hardy will likely be allowed to walk in free agency and this comes as the team may target players like Randall Cobb, Torrey Smith, Jeremy Maclin, Bryan Bulaga and CJ Spiller on the free agent market for quarterback Cam Newton.
The Panthers are coming into the offseason after making the playoffs with a losing record and they are expecting to bounce back with a better record in 2015. The team has a number of concerns on both sides of the ball, as the team likely wants to add a receiver next to Kelvin Benjamin and they also have to decide if they want to bring back Greg Hardy. The team likely will not bring back Hardy despite what happened in his court case and that could lead him leaving in free agency.
According to Pro Football Talk, the Panthers did not talk much about Hardy at the NFL combine, with Dave Gettleman avoiding any comments on the DE. Hardy had a huge season two years ago and had back to back double digit sacks in 2012-13, but he likely will be gone from the Panthers. Gettleman said that the team has had "minimal" contact with Hardy and his reps and that is never a good sign. Hardy also could be suspended by the league for the start of the season.
The Panthers also will be looking at the running back position this offseason, as they have DeAngelo Williams as a potential salary cap cut. PFT reports that Williams getting released can save the team $2 million and he will be 32 years old in March, which is a bit over the hill for running backs. Jonathan Stewart is five years younger and he led the team in carries at running back and likely is ready to be the main starter.
Williams has been a solid player for his career in Carolina, but last season he was injured and had his lowest total yards in his entire career. Williams had only missed one game in the previous three seasons, but last year he played in just six games and had 219 yards rushing. Stewart had a strong season after dealing with injuries the previous two years, playing in 13 games and rushing for 809 yards, his highest total since 2009. The Panthers appear ready to go with Stewart and they also could look at names like Shane Vereen, CJ Spiller and Mark Ingram on the market.
The Panthers could look at a player like Jeremy Maclin or Randall Cobb on the market, as they need a receiver to compliment Benjamin. Cobb is coming off of a career season and according to ESPN reporter Rob Demovsky, there is a chance he could leave GB if he asks for too much money. ESPN reports that Cobb wants $9 million per season and that would put him in line with Jordy Nelson, who signed an extension with the Packers last season. Cobb had 91 catches and is an explosive player and could be a target for numerous teams. The SB Nation Panthers website also adds that Bryan Bulaga could be a potential target for the teak on the offensive line.
