MHS831

6 hours ago, csx said:

Why do people keep chicken littling about the schedule? Its the same (technically tiny bit easier) than last season.

And there are a lot of teams that fluctuate from year to year.   For example, the Lions disappointed, and the Bears and Pats overachieved.  But your stats demonstrate the point.  At the bottom 10 of the SOS (toughest schedule) for 2025, the Texans and Rams are the only teams to have winning records. In the top 10 of the SOS (weakest schedules) only the Browns and Cowboys had losing records.  So, it seems that if you have a top 10 SOS (toughest), you have an 80% chance of having a losing record.  If you have a top 10 easiest schedule, you have an 80% chance of having a winning record.  I am not seeing your point, based on these charts.  

This article (ESPN) got me thinking and I think on paper.  Thought I would share.  This thinking involves realistic cap analysis, needs, the draft, and free agency.  I think it realistically addresses Edge and LB fairly well.  OL (not 2026 so much, but 2027 and beyond looks good).  The free agent S has deep range and coverage skills, something that killed us on third downs last year, imo.  Beyond Edge, LB, S, and OL depth, that is about it.  I took a flyer on DT and WR depth late in the draft, but at CB (Horn, Jackson, Smith-Wade, and Thornton), QB, RB, TE, etc. we are going to rely on undrafted free agents.  No cap room left.

EDGE:  In the $7m per year range, the edge from Atlanta Ebiketie got pressure at a high rate in reduced snaps. With Atlanta adding 2 edge rushers as rookies who seemed to do well (Pearce is one of them--*) but he got pressure in limited snaps at a high rate 16.9% (one in eight pass rush).   He is 27 and played in 384 snaps.  PFF Score of 74.9.  had 2 sacks.  If he had a normal workload, based on his limited play, he would have had about 5 to 6 sacks and about 60 pressures.  However, it is likely he would be rotational here, logging about 500 snaps.  

A lot of this decision depends on how we feel about Princely.  If they like his development, you probably do not draft an Edge in round 1 or maybe even 2 for several reasons (and many may disagree with this logic, but a good GM has long-term vision):  1. That would give you 3 Edge contracts to negotiate in 3-4 years.  2.  Edges take time to develop.  They would peak around 2028.  The Panthers are in "win now" mode, I think.

Mafe (Seahawks, PFF 69.2) is another option, but he is more along the lines of Scourton and Jones II.  He would command a contract in the $10m range.

Kwity Paye (Indianapolis, PFF 68.7) He is about 28 and is expected to sign a deal around $18m per season.  I am not that impressed, but he is considered "above average."  I'd rather have Ebiketie from Atlanta for $10m per season less.

Center:  The center position in the draft is looking better.  There are some short armed OTs (like Parker, Duke, et al) who will project inside (G,C). Personally, I like the Center position in this draft--let Mays walk.  Re-sign Corbett, and draft a C in round 3.  

Linebacker:  I am not sure what we should do here.   I think Morgan will fall in love with Cincinnati's Golday, and we would take him at #51.  Rodriguez (Texas Tech) in round 3 could be a steal.  However, I am not sure that I see value after Styles in round 1.  I think Devin Lloyd will want elite meny and he is not elite--he is good.  He will ask for $15m per season.  Leo Chenel (KC, 75.1 PFF, est. $5m) is a much better option.

Safety:  I think Kam Curl would be a great fit here. (Rams, 2 Ints 87 tackles) he is very versatile. Expected to get between $10m and $12m per year, however.  In the draft, I think they like Bud Clark who should be there in round 4.  Are Moehrig, Ransom, and Simmons enough?  Tony Adams (63.7 PFF) a deep safety known for his range.  He is expected to get a 3-year, $20m deal on the market.

Based on what I am seeing here and the way I am thinking right now on 2/21, here is what I might do:

Free Agency

CAP: I am going to assume we can clear about $50m by restructuring the contracts of Horn, Lewis, Hunt, and Brown and cutting AShawn Robinson.  We could (bold move) extend Ickey Ekwonu--considering his situation, it could be beneficial to him long term, and his guaranteed salary could be spread over the next 3 years or so.

Re-sign veterans:  OL:  Corbett ($3m), Nijman ($4m), Christensen ($2.5m--2 years $5m), Jake Curhan ($1.4m-2 years, $3m).  BC may be ready around mid season, Curhan has experience at RT and G, and played well.  He has played LT in preseason.  There is NOTHING in free agency at LT--most sucked in 2025 and/or are old.  WR: Jalen Coker ($8m--4 years, $32m), LB: Rozeboom ($3.5--2 years, $7m) Cherelus ($1m)  ST: Isiah Simmons ($1.5m).  TOTAL:  Approx. $25m

New Free Agents: 

Linebacker:  Leo Chenal (KC, age 26) estimated $5m.

Safety:  Tony Adams, (NYJ, age 27)  estimated $7m

Edge: Arnold Ebikete (Atl, age 27)  estimated $7m

Draft:

Round 1:  Cashius Howell, Edge Texas AM (This pick gives the Panthers a situational edge rusher to pair with Princely while Ebikete and Scourton start.  Jones II could be cut to save about $4m in cap room.

Round 2: Caleb Tiernan, LT, Northwestern (Good pass protector who needs work in run blocking.  I wanted Golday LB here, but if we sign Chenel, the need is lessened at LB if we re-sign Rozeboom. Tiernan is solid).

Round 3:  Jake Slaughter C, Florida (Groom behind Corbett for a while, but Slaughter is an impressive C who should be ready by 2027).

Round 4:  Demetrius Crownover, RT Texas AM (This guy can develop as a backup until Moton decides to leave)

Round 5:  Aiden Fisher, ILB Indiana (could be a nice fit in this system.  Smart, with special teams ability)'

Round 6: Ty Montgomery, WR John Carroll Univ.  (very productive with good size and hands.  a gamble, but worth a sixth)

Round 7:  James Thompson Jr.  DT, Illinois (was a beast at the Shrine bowl practices and game.  For some reason, there have been a lot of undrafted free agents and day 3 DTs succeed in the NFL.  This could be one.)

https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/47958363/2026-nfl-offseason-ranking-positions-free-agency-draft-class-deep-thin

this basically says we should add an edge (draft or free agency) and a free safety (free agency).  It discourages me from wanting an OT in this draft because he calls them (after the top 2) developmental, and I see it.   Frankly, this changes my strategy for the draft.  To get the best bang for the buck, we need to go ILB or edge in round 1, imo.  

so much depends on the draft and free agency.  At this point, considering the schedule, I would not bet that we win over 6 games.  

30 minutes ago, Navy_football said:

OL, DL, pass rush or off-ball linebacker. No 1st round offensive weapons in this draft. I'm a BPA guy, but that dog won't hunt when the oline or dline is getting manhandled after one injury. So, everything EXCEPT the #1 target from this list. 

Explain your thinking on DL---I am interested in hearing more opinions about it.

Had a dream that we signed Cooper Kupp to a 1-year deal.  I know.  My therapist told me.

On 2/18/2026 at 8:40 PM, jfra78 said:

I think former players are justified in using the term we when referring to former teams, especially when they spent their whole career with them

Devil's advocate:  I played for Winterfield in Pop Warner.  I do not call them we.  

Seriously:  I had the same thought,

17 hours ago, PleaseCutStewart said:

Right now, I would say doubtful he even plays next season. A ruptured achilles is about one of the worst injuries you can suffer in the NFL and at Oline, as it really impacts your ability to get that explosive burst forward when the ball is snapped.

I'd be thrilled if BC recovers 100% and plays like he did before the injury, even if he doesn't play a snap next year while rehabbing.

He was a good sub, and the first year after this injury--especially for the bigguns--I do not expect much even if he can return mid season

If the price is right, I think you have to have him back.  However, I am fairly confident that his agent knows the system.  Would a good rookie be better?  I really like the second round level rookies in terms of pass pro--not run blocking, however.  I could live with that, if better than Nijman.  Rookie OTs struggle--even the first rounders, so I would make sure we have some backup options.  With Christensen's injury,  I do not see the Panthers getting out of free agency without Nijman, frankly.  Free agency is not loaded w  starting LTs.

3 hours ago, Davidson Deac II said:

I don't think its quite that high, but that is funny.  

I was using the metric system.  Seriously, I thought he retired...

1 minute ago, Davidson Deac II said:

Beginning to thing that JJ Jansen will be able to get his social security check by the time he retires.  

thanks to this one guy, we have the oldest roster in the NFL--48.4 years.  Without him, we are at 25.6.  Go figure.

17 hours ago, strato said:

 twitch type fast WRs are more prone to diva jerk personality disorder. Why the hell is that? Rhetorical…. Generally high strung is my guess. Just running on a different clock. 

Steve Smith was that way---but not the extreme of some of these guys---they get worse when you pay them too.

And at left tackle...

11 hours ago, Aussie Tank said:

Or atleast be releasing Robinson for some FAs 

Unless he renegotiates,  this has to be the plan

1 minute ago, Aussie Tank said:

Hill won't be in play but I definitely see us discussing Chubb 

I could see it.

the trend in Carolina is not to sign veterans on the back ends of their careers.

Madden players do not think about the locker room much.  Real world situations?  Locker room is very important.

6 minutes ago, Navy_football said:

WR is absolutely a priority. Don't need a high draft pick WR, but a speedy, quick twitch WR is needed here. That guy can be picked in the 4th round and later. Most teams have a couple on their practice squad. So might make more sense to pick up a vet (2 or 3 years) that's buried on someone else's depth chart. Smaller, quicker version of Brycen Tremayne. Maybe Jimmy Horn steps into that spot next season. Remember he's a 6th rounder. Really wanted Tez there, but...

yeah, we have to assume XL is trash and hope for the best.  We need (considering Bryce) a YaK guy

2 hours ago, shaqattaq said:

Hell no! I don't trust anyone who doesn't eat Dukes!

I am a miracle whipster myself.  Born and raised in the south too.  Just evolved.

Since you all have been sending me Emails, texts, phone calls, telegrams, and smoke signals, I will provide you with a tidbit of a prediction.

Yes, the Utah OTs are studs.  Both could be gone by 19.  Slightly lesser well known is this:  The Texas A&M OTs are studs as well, only not as good at run blocking (as a duo).  

Prediction:  We will draft, at some point, an OT from Utah or (more likely) Texas A&M.  Round 3.

Prediction #2:  Morgan will fall in love with LB Golday (Cincinnati).  Round 2?

Prediction #3:  I am not a Tex A&M fan, but I think we will have a Panther Aggie or two on our roster in late April.  Cashius Howell is not as big as Scourton or Jones III, but he has a first step that makes him a needed pass-rushing specialist.  Clemson Edge TJ Parker could be the first Tiger taken in Carolina--since our first rounders are commonly from the carolinas, it seems, of late.  If we don't bring in a veteran edge in free agency, I see one of these two becoming Panthers--if we don't take a tackle--in round 1.  Lotta IFs, but it is February, dammit.

Prediction #4:  We could draft a player who played OT in college but was found to have short arms at the combine to be our future C.  Parker (Duke), Bowry (BC) are possible day 3 additions who could transition from OT to C.

That is all.  I have spoken.  

12 minutes ago, shaqattaq said:

I think we bring in vets at WR and Edge, re-sign Rozeboom & Mays (and/or Corbett) for depth, and draft OT, ILB, and C in the first 3 rounds (as long as there's someone available who isn't too much of a reach) .

That makes sense to me....I am def on the same page.

On 2/12/2026 at 2:40 PM, strato said:

Bryce relied on him so much and there are young guys that need to develop and Bryce needs to learn to use them. He looked for AT all the time.  
Security blanket. Comfort zone. Training wheels are nice and safe. Time for the QB to progress and incorporate the new guys.  
 

I am looking for the right analogy but let’s say you always choose something and I want you to do something different. I take your safe choice away, you have to do something different. 

It is like when you go to da buffet at da Golden Corral and dey have all dis food and you get the same thing every time.   There is probably something you would like more, but you go to da same ol racks and get da same ol food every time.  Not sure why I am writing in trailer park dialect, but hey, watcha gonna dooo.

14 minutes ago, strato said:

I understand that some people want WR. I am solidly against using yet another high pick there. Coker is pretty good and we used No picks on him. 

What I think we really need at WR is a little bit of a Smitty lite. It is ridiculous to say let’s get a Smitty because you just can’t do that, but someone not tall and long striding but more in his mold. I think we’d have a pretty well rounded group. 
 

Looking at tackle, with replacing Moton looming, it just seems like the no brainer.  You fill in Icky short term. Depending on how he recovers, and how the new guy plays, you go from there.

A tackle at 19 is most likely either a LOT, a ROT, or a big talented guard, at worst. We will need all three in the next couple of years. 

I would love to have a stud ILB be there at 19 but the OL is the responsible thing to do I believe. 

If we don't go OT, we will regret it.  What bothers me?  Are we going to get a starting-caliber OT at 19?  I think the draft is solid at OT, and the more I read up and watch video, the more I watch Lomu, the more I want him.   I see Freeling as a RT who needs some work in run blocking (since we need to run first, maybe not a good fit) and I see Proctor ending up as a Guard.  After Lomu (assuming Mouigia and fanu are gone), I think we wait until round 2.  In round 2, there are about 3-4 I like (Zuhn--good pass blocker and VERY underrated right now; Tiernan is a very good pass blocker as is Miller from Clemson, but both are not good in the run game.  Max Ixxxxx from Ariz St is impressive too---technically, there is not a of difference in these second tier guys--good in pass pro, need work in the run game.  

If we wait until round 2 for an OT, we probably need to sign Nijman and start him early.  

I almost think this is what we should do if Lomu is gone.  There is a big dropoff after him, imo, and I think we'd get better value if a stud ILB or edge is there.  Someone like TJ Parker Clemson makes sense. If Lomu is gone, trading back might be the play.

some of yall know this, but he has been my favorite panther since we signed him. 

17 hours ago, strato said:

I don’t know what the team is thinking but I tend to agree on LOT. I have said before that it pushes the upgrades we hoped to make all down a rung on the priority ladder. 
 

It feels like… you have this great vacation planned and right before you are about to go, you lose your job. You still gonna take that vacation or are you going to pay bills? 
 

I think most Huddlers think we should go LT and I think one of the top 4 will be there at 19.  I could make an argument to go Edge, ILB, and get this....WR again (with XL's play and TMac's performance, if a top 2 WR falls to us, we could do it.)  We need free agency first--that will tell us all we need to know.

I say this--

1. LT

2. Edge

3. ILB

4. C

5. WR

Of course, I am thinking we can add 2 needs via free agency, but until then, you don't know your top three needs and it is pointless to talk about the draft based on needs before free agency in March.

 We could splurge at Edge, but I think we could simply add a situational pass rusher like Reddick (Tampa Bay, former Panther) for a season and draft an edge in round 2.  I think Jones and Scourton are a pretty effective as bigger pass rushers who can hold the edge, but I think they play both sides.  If the Panthers had a pure designated pass rusher (Princely could develop; Reddick is one) Jones and Scourton could play to their strengths on the strong side more.  (Hard to describe the OLBs in Evero's system).   I do think the second round is where to shop if you already have Jones II and Scourton with Princely rotating in.  Last year, Wonnum, Jones were out and we had 2 rookies--I expect growth.