David Newton's Panthers Free Agency Preview Dancy Party

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Top priority

The Panthers' top offseason priority isn't actually an unrestricted free agent. It's locking in wide receiver Jalen Coker for the long term.

Biggest dilemma

Left tackle. There's a good chance Ikem Ekwonu, the sixth pick of the 2022 draft, misses part or all of the 2026 season after suffering a ruptured patella tendon in his right knee against the Rams. 

Rest of the O-line

The interior with Hunt and Lewis is set, as is right tackle Taylor Moton, who is under contract through 2027 after signing an extension in August. So re-signing center Cade Mays becomes a priority.

[TheSpecialJuan]

https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/47766983/nfl-carolina-panthers-rico-dowdle-free-agents-jalen-coker

[TheSpecialJuan]

Rico Dowdle

 

CARRunning Back#5

ESPN’s David Newton believes that unless Rico Dowdle “wants to return at a bargain price, he appears headed to his third team in three seasons.”

Dowdle was notably down on how little he was used in the regular season finale and in the playoffs, where he rushed a combined 12 times for 19 yards, and said that would be a “factor” in his free agency. Dowdle’s fantasy stock could take a big upturn if he wound up being the obvious lead back on a new team this offseason. The Chiefs, Saints and Texans come to mind as (our speculation) possibilities. Chuba Hubbard’s stock would similarly rebound if Dowdle took off to greener pastures.