Panthers Free Agency Re-Cap and grading

[Zod]

Here we are after a week of free agency. IMO, the Carolina Panthers improved their roster by a good amount. 

 

Picking up two new good starters on the offensive line has to be the top story so far. The right side of the line now looks as good as it ever has. A LT is still needed as Brady Christensen is likely playing left guard this season. 

Signing D'Onta Foreman makes a CMC trade more likely, imo. Foreman is a starting caliber RB in this league. 

Locking up DJ Moore, who could be an elite WR in this league if ever given a good QB was a solid move. 

Reddick is gone, but Luvu and Haynes are back. Both these guys have an insane motor. While they may not hit Reddick numbers, the drop off isn't as much as you would think. 

I really like the Xavier Woods signing. Woods showed his potential with the Vikings last season after having an up and down career with the cowboys. 

Sleeper move is the Matt Ioannidis signing. Getting pressure on the QB from the middle of the defensive line has been lacking for the Panthers. This move will make Brian Burns job easier. 

Here is a recap of what all transpired:

• Agreed to terms with LB Cory Littleton
• Agreed to terms with CB Donte Jackson
• Signed WR DJ Moore to contract extension
• Signed G/C Bradley Bozeman
• Agreed to terms with P Johnny Hekker
• Agreed to terms with DT Matt Ioannidis
• Agreed to terms with LB Damien Wilson
• Agreed to terms with unrestricted free agent G Austin Corbett
• Agreed to terms with unrestricted free agent RB D'Onta Foreman
• Agreed to terms with unrestricted free agent S Xavier Woods
• Agreed to terms with unrestricted free agent WR Rashard Higgins
• Released DE Morgan Fox
• Re-signed WR Brandon Zylstra
• Re-signed DE Marquis Haynes Sr.
• Re-signed S Sean Chandler
• Released CB A.J. Bouye
• Re-signed K Zane Gonzalez

 

So, if you had to grade week 1 what would you give it? 

Personally, I think it is a solid B. Still need a LT or QB. 

[therealmjl]

Have been pleasantly surprised with the approach to FA. We are sitting pretty for the draft.

That said, we still don’t have a QB so our ceiling is pretty low.

[DaveThePanther2008]

The only thing about this I don't like are all the one year deals.  Seems they always play well and we end up losing them.

Overall, I agree B should be the grade.  Depending on the draft it could go to an A.

[unicar15]

The Johnny Hekker signing was actually huge. Our punting has been bad recently and if you combine that with our offensive inefficiency it’s a miracle our defense has been as good as it has. 
 

I think this was an off-season that 100% showed were committed to time of possession, running then ball, and defense. 
 

I think the next moves that follow this line of thinking is trying to get a 1st round pick for CMC, drafting an OT in the top 10, and taking a rookie QB in the 20s (maybe with the Bills pick).

[Smittymoose]

Better than a B because of the volume of quality moves. I’d say A- right now. Slight knock for a little overpay on Donte Jackson, plus the failure to address QB so far. I’ll be disappointed if they don’t add at least one vet there, whether it’s bringing back Cam due to his familiarity or taking a stab at someone with more upside like Mariota.

[kungfoodude]

21 minutes ago, unicar15 said:

The Johnny Hekker signing was actually huge. Our punting has been bad recently and if you combine that with our offensive inefficiency it’s a miracle our defense has been as good as it has. 
 

I think this was an off-season that 100% showed were committed to time of possession, running then ball, and defense. 
 

I think the next moves that follow this line of thinking is trying to get a 1st round pick for CMC, drafting an OT in the top 10, and taking a rookie QB in the 20s (maybe with the Bills pick).

Hekker is easily the best signing. Honestly not even close.

[kungfoodude]

I really have no idea how to feel about it. On paper it seems a lot less dumb than last offseason but I just have a generally hard time being excited because of the Tepper/Rhule Effect.

If I completely ignore that, B-ish. 

Edited March 21, 2022 by kungfoodude

[Panthers Rhule]

So, this is what actually having cap space looks like. Nice

[section543]

Not exactly sure how to grade FA so far- but the mood on the Huddle is 200% more positive than last week.

so that’s worth an A

Edited March 21, 2022 by section543

[TheCasillas]

The fact that foreman is on a 1 year deal makes me less confident that CMC will be traded. I think the team is gonna keep him unless someone offers a solid package.

 

aa I said before, we are not desperate or in need of selling CMC. Fitt doesn’t seem like the type that would buy high and sell low

Edited March 21, 2022 by TheCasillas

[BurnNChinn]

I like some moves, but hate all the one year deals. That’s how we lose guys like Reddick. I definitely don’t think that one year deal for Foreman means CMC is traded. 

[KSpan]

Foreman is a Mike Davis-level signing who has never factored into a passing game and is most definitely not a full-time starting option. He will not he replacing CMC on the roster, and if CMC were to be moved Carolina would be stuck without a receiving back on the current roster.

Other than that, reasonable assessment IMO.

[kungfoodude]

8 minutes ago, section543 said:

Not exactly sure how to grade FA so far- but the mood on the Huddle is 200% more positive than last week.

so that’s worth an A

The Huddle always gets too excited about offseason moves. We've hung more offseason banners than seasons we've existed.

[LinvilleGorge]

Just now, TheCasillas said:

The fact that foreman is on a 1 year deal makes me less confident that CMC will be traded. I think the team is gonna keep him unless someone offers a solid package.

 

aa I said before, we are not desperate or in need of selling CMC. Fitt doesn’t seem like the type that would buy high and sell low

Given the recent injury issues I just gave no idea what his value is. I'm sure we listened to any offers and probably made some calls to try to drum up some. But at the end of the day I'd much rather hang onto him and hope he can overcome the injury issues than basically give him away for a mid-round pick.