The Carolina Panthers have nowhere to go but up next season. Dave Canales and Dan Morgan boast a collective vision they believe can take the franchise forward, but it needs smarter decisions and sound fundamental football to make their dreams a reality.
Morgan's implemented significant roster alterations as expected. The Panthers needed this after a two-win campaign that plunged the organization to rock bottom. Now, the onus is on Canales' staff to get them on the same page before Week 1 at the New Orleans Saints.
Choosing a 53-man roster is always a thankless task. Good players will miss out. There will be a few surprises along the way. Everyone is getting a clean slate to impress, but there's always a chance those who don't quite make the grade can stick around on the practice squad if they don't land on another team beforehand.
With this in mind, here are four players the Panthers can't risk sneaking on the practice squad in 2024.
Harrison Mevis - Carolina Panthers K
There is a kicking controversy brewing where the Carolina Panthers are concerned. Eddy Pineiro's absence from voluntary organized team activities became a notable topic of discussion among the fanbase. The fact he didn't offer Dave Canales a courtesy call to explain his reasons behind the decision adds more mystery to this intriguing offseason storyline.
Harrison Mevis was acquired in undrafted free agency and wasted no time catching the eye. The kicker's been outstanding since joining the Panthers, displaying accuracy during practices and booming leg strength on deep attempts. If nothing else, it's given those in power plenty to think about as Pineiro looks set to return for Carolina's mandatory minicamp.
Pineiro and Mevis will battle over the summer for a roster spot. It is not a done deal by any stretch, so it'll be interesting to see how things play out before final cuts arrive.
If the Panthers plan on placing Mevis on the practice squad in this scenario, it's a risk. Teams around the league are always looking for upgrades to their kicking spot. Something the former Missouri star might become if he builds on his early momentum.
Raheem Blackshear - Carolina Panthers RB/KR
Things are heating up in the Carolina Panthers running back room. Dave Canales and Dan Morgan wanted to ensure more competition for places across the board. The head coach is also looking to implement a run-first offense to make life easier for quarterback Bryce Young after his torrid rookie exploits.
To accomplish this feat, the Panthers need several running backs capable of stepping up. Chuba Hubbard looked the part last season and could thrive further in a contract year. Things look less promising for Miles Sanders, who went through prolonged struggles in 2023 following his high-profile switch from the Philadelphia Eagles in free agency.
Second-round selection Jonathon Brooks and veteran Rashaad Penny raised the urgency in no uncertain terms. The Panthers also extended Raheem Blackshear after he caught the eye during limited involvement during the previous campaign.
Blackshear has a lot of qualities. He's got good field vision and can exploit gaps when they arise. The former undrafted free agent is also an asset catching passes out of the backfield. This is something Young needs in pursuit of making a better go of things next time around.
Another way the Panthers could deploy Blackshear cannot be overlooked when determining his future. The new NFL kickoff rules favor the return teams as those in the league office aim to make this part of the game more exciting. Considering his proven production on kick returns, it's something those in power should exploit alongside Ihmir Smith-Marsette.
This might ensure Blackshear gets a roster spot, but it's no guarantee. The running back room is crowded, so anything less than thriving throughout the summer could see the Panthers go in a different direction.
If the franchise prefers others and plans to place Blackshear on the practice squad, so be it. But don't be surprised if his production and the new kickoff changes lead another team to claim him off waivers.
Jalen Coker - Carolina Panthers WR
The Carolina Panthers traded up to No. 32 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft for Xavier Legette. He was the only wide receiver acquired during the selection process, but it didn't stop those in power from adding to their pass-catching options when the undrafted free-agent frenzy commenced.
Those in power had a particular target in mind. The Panthers spared no expense to get Jalen Coker into the building, handing him a three-year, $2.85 million deal with $250,000 guaranteed.
This deal was hefty for those unfortunate not to hear their names called. Therefore, those in power must feel like Coker could force his way into the team's plans with a smooth transition.
Coker's lack of top-end speed went against him. It was a deep wide receiver draft class and he fell through the cracks. Despite the disappointment of not being drafted, Carolina represents a good landing spot for the former Holy Cross standout.
The Panthers have plenty of underachieving performers in their wideout room. Jonathan Mingo and Terrace Marshalll Jr. need to up their respective games considerably under Dave Canales. If they don't, someone like Coker could make the team.
According to those in attendance, the Panthers are utilizing Coker on special teams in addition to the offensive rotation over early workouts. This is the best way to get noticed. The more strings to the bow he has, the better his chances will be.
There is momentum building around Coker, which is promising. Whether this continues throughout the summer remains to be seen.
Coker needs to take advantage of every target coming his way in the preseason. Anything less could see the Panthers cut ties and potentially look to stash him on the practice squad. This gives the pass-catcher more time to familiarize himself with the schematic concepts and work on problem areas of his game.
Interest was reportedly high in Coker before the Panthers pounced. If he hits the waiver wire, it would be surprising if another team didn't put in a claim.
Amare Barno - Carolina Panthers OLB
Dan Morgan and Dave Canales molded the roster as they saw fit this offseason. However, the Carolina Panthers have some significant concerns that could prevent them from making strides in 2024.
The edge-rushing options come with potential problems attached. Carolina traded Brian Burns to the New York Giants. They lost Yetur Gross-Matos and Frankie Luvu in free agency. Time will tell if the new power couple did enough to fill this gaping void.
Jadeveon Clowney and D.J. Wonnum will be the starting 3-4 outside linebacker tandem. Hopefully, they can form a productive duo and generate pressure consistently. Anything less would completely expose the Panthers' lack of depth.
Unless one of their young players makes substantial strides throughout the summer, the Panthers need dependable options behind their starting duo. If either Clowney or Wonnum misses time through injury, it will be disastrous to their chances of being competitive on defense in 2024.
Amare Barno is still around and looking to carve out a role for himself next season. The edge rusher didn't register a sack from 20 percent of the team's defensive snaps in 2023. However, there was a lot to like about his special teams contribution.
This is the niche Barno can carve out for himself to make the 53-man roster. He's got enough explosiveness and speed for a man his size to impact this key discipline. It's whether he can do the same on the defensive rotation that remains an unknown.
As with most players this offseason, Barno will get the chance to prove himself. There's also a window of opportunity if he outperforms the likes of K'Lavon Chaisson, D.J. Johnson, and Eku Leota throughout the summer.
Waiving Barno to put him on the practice squad represents a gamble. His newly acquired special teams prowess alone indicates teams will look closely at his credentials. One or two might lure the player away from the Panthers with a claim.
