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David Newton's Panthers Free Agency Preview Dancy Party

TheSpecialJuan
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TheSpecialJuan Grand Master

TheSpecialJuan

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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.

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TheSpecialJuan Grand Master

TheSpecialJuan

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Carolina Panthers Primary LogoCARRunning 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.
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hepcat Grand Master

hepcat

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1 hour ago, mrcompletely11 said:

I dont disagree but saying that now feels like we are in bizarro world.  Can you imagine typing that back in August?

I’ll be honest I didn’t even know who Nijman was in August

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rebelrouser Mentor

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21 hours ago, TheSpecialJuan said:

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. 

Good chance? He will miss part of the season guaranteed and may never get back to his previous level.  That makes LT a really big hole.  

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TheSpecialJuan Grand Master

TheSpecialJuan

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16 hours ago, hepcat said:

I am in favor of re-signing Cade Mays but it seems like he will test free agency. Re-signing Nijman is the top priority. 

I think Dan will look to upgrade from Nijman. A cap casualty like Jawaan Taylor or a guy who sat out all last year in Jedrick Wills would be better options. 

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hepcat Grand Master

hepcat

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5 hours ago, TheSpecialJuan said:

I think Dan will look to upgrade from Nijman. A cap casualty like Jawaan Taylor or a guy who sat out all last year in Jedrick Wills would be better options. 

The LT is a tough call. It depends how much they want to spend on what might be a 1 year rental, or potentially a long term solution. Personally I prefer signing Nijman and drafting a first round tackle with Moton getting up there

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MHS831 Grand Master

MHS831

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On 1/30/2026 at 9:38 PM, hepcat said:

I am in favor of re-signing Cade Mays but it seems like he will test free agency. Re-signing Nijman is the top priority. 

Nijman and BC will cost between $7 and $8m.  Mays will be around $10-12m.  If we are not going to upgrade at LT, we probably need to at C---but I am high on Mays.

 

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shaqattaq Grand Master

shaqattaq

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On 1/31/2026 at 2:19 PM, TheSpecialJuan said:

Jedrick Wills

Hmmm, he should be available on a short-term, low cap hit contract coming off an injury that sidelined him for a year and a half. Maybe with incentives if he plays a high percentage. I still would recommend re-signing Nijman as a safety blanket.

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