The Carolina Panthers aren’t exactly strapped for cash heading into free agency, but they aren’t exactly loaded with it either. So, how can they inch closer to the latter situation?
Here are four potential cap casualties for this offseason:
CB Donte Jackson
Potential savings: $5.9 million
Jackson, who returned from tearing his Achilles tendon in the middle of the 2022 campaign, had himself a relatively solid season. He played in 16 of a possible 17 games, notched a career-high five tackles for a loss and earned a 66.6 grade in coverage from Pro Football Focus—his highest of the last three years.
But is “relatively solid” solid enough to pass up on nearly $6 million of cap space? While Carolina’s lack of depth at the cornerback position may work in Jackson’s favor, he hasn’t exactly lived up to the three-year, $35.1 million pact he inked two springs ago.
C Bradley Bozeman
Potential savings: $4.3 million
After endearing himself to fans on and off the field in 2022, Bozeman had himself a rough 2023.
The sixth-year hog molly struggled in protecting rookie quarterback Bryce Young. He posted a 48.9 pass-blocking grade—allowing the most sacks (eight) and third-most pressures (32) amongst all centers.
TE Ian Thomas
Potential savings: $2.2 million
Props to Thomas for getting himself paid with a three-year, $16.9 million extension in 2022. But that decision by the Panthers is even more questionable than it was when it went down, even if they valued him for his blocking.
Since signing his new deal, the former fourth-round pick has reeled in all of 26 passes for 253 yards and no touchdowns over 29 games. In fact, he hasn’t scored since Week 4 of the 2020 season.
WR Terrace Marshall Jr.
Potential savings: $1.4 million
It’s not a good sign when your head coach literally forgets that you exist. But even with a new guy leading the squad, Marshall Jr.’s time in Carolina certainly seems up.
Formerly a highly-touted second-round snag, the LSU product simply hasn’t found his footing in the NFL. He’s amassed 64 receptions for 767 yards and one touchdowns in three seasons.
The fact that he was inactive for five of the six games Frank Reich didn’t coach is also telling, especially considering how desperate the Panthers were at the wide receiver position.
