Although the Carolina Panthers have just over $6 million in remaining salary-cap space according to Over the Cap, that won't stop Dan Morgan and Brandt Tilis from adding to their options if the right opportunities come along. This is an ongoing evaluation from the new regime, who need to determine what they have and decide what more is needed as they look for improvements in 2024.
Carolina's churned over its roster throughout a busy offseason so far. Some established defensive pieces departed for one reason or another. Morgan decided to invest heavily in quarterback Bryce Young after his rookie struggles. Whether it has the desired effect remains to be seen, but hopes are high if this rookie draft class manages to hit the ground running.
The Panthers aren't being perceived in a great light right now. That will change when results improve, but convincing veteran free agents to join their ambitious project is a tough sell unless they overpay or guarantee them extended involvement.
It's a difficult proposition, but not impossible by any stretch of the imagination. With this in mind, here are three free agents the Panthers should consider signing before the team's mandatory minicamp in 2024.
Carolina Panthers should sign Charles Harris
Looking at the Carolina Panthers roster as it stands, they are desperately thin of reliable pass-rushing options. Jadeveon Clowney and D.J. Wonnum should help, but the depth behind the projected starting duo isn't up to the required standard unless someone makes significant strides during the preparation period.
It would be a surprise if Dan Morgan didn't bolster their options at some stage before Week 1 at the New Orleans Saints rolls around. Charles Harris is still on the market and although he isn't a world-beater, the edge presence boasts proven production as a rotational piece throughout his career.
Adding Harris provides the Panthers with another veteran piece that looks well-suited to Ejiro Evero's creative 3-4 base system. This is also unlikely to cost much financially, which is something else those in power must consider as part of their long-term planning.
Carolina Panthers should sign J.C. Jackson
It's no secret that the Carolina Panthers have some concerns at the cornerback position. Dan Morgan seems confident that the options available can step up, but there is obvious trepidation among the fanbase.
If Jaycee Horn misses more time through injury, it won't take long for this unit to become a significant weak link. The Panthers are banking on their best outside coverage presence to stay on the field and emerge as one of the league's best shutdown options. Anything less could see legitimate complications emerge.
Speculation linking the Panthers with a move for Stephon Gilmore seems to have died down. The one-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year was reportedly keen on returning to the franchise, but he also knows his worth and won't be taking a hometown discount to play in familiar surroundings.
This could leave the Panthers exploring alternatives. Getting someone in quickly to smooth the transition would be prudent. Looking at those available on the market, taking a shot at J.C. Jackson wouldn't be the worst idea in the world if the money works for all parties.
Jackson rapidly emerged as an elite-level performer during his time with the New England Patriots. This earned him a big-money move to the Los Angeles Chargers, but things didn't go according to plan due to an unfortunate injury after just five games.
The former undrafted free agent remains on the proverbial scrap heap after spending the second half of last season back in New England. Jackson might be waiting around for a contending team to come calling. That said, the Panthers could offer him a chance to start and form a potentially productive partnership with Horn in Ejiro Evero's system.
That might not be enough to convince Jackson, but it wouldn't hurt the Panthers to try. Either way, Morgan needs to do something in pursuit of strengthening the cornerback room before the regular season begins.
Carolina Panthers should sign Connor Williams
After spending vast financial resources on signing Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis, the Carolina Panthers have a starting offensive guard tandem that represents a substantial upgrade on anything they churned out in front of Bryce Young last season. However, those in power are taking a big risk by switching Austin Corbett to the center spot.
Corbett's spent the entirety of his career at the right guard position. He's been given chances to win center jobs during his previous stops but failed. The former second-round selection is also coming off two serious knee injuries in consecutive seasons, so it's not hard to see why this is a huge gamble by the Panthers.
Brady Christensen has reportedly been taking backup reps over early workouts. Undrafted free agent Andrew Raym is the only specialist center on Carolina's roster currently. Therefore, it might be wise to pick up another in pursuit of keeping complications to a minimum.
Connor Williams is still on the market. There is one big reason why. The veteran missed eight games last season due to injury, but his production remained on the impressive side when on the field.
Williams tore his ACL in December, which is a major red flag. Just how much he'll be able to feature in 2024 is anyone's guess, so much will depend on his medical assessments before the Panthers or anyone else makes their move.
If Williams was healthy, this is a no-brainer. He'd also be on a new team by now.
Perhaps the Panthers will ride things out with Corbett in the hope he can flourish with these newfound responsibilities. Williams wouldn't be a bad contingency plan by any stretch, but whether he'll make much of a difference is dependent on his recovery from a serious injury issue.
In truth, it's a gamble the Panthers don't have the luxury for right now. But if Corbett fluffs his lines and Williams is still looking for employment down the road, it's a different story.
