In the fifth of a 32-part series, we are featuring all National Football League teams with a prediction of where each team will finish within their division, key off-season acquisitions and their top fantasy stars. Here are the Carolina Panthers.
Key Off Season Acquisitions
The Carolina Panthers made significant changes to high profile offensive positions in 2023. Among the players they acquired via free agency were wide receiver Adam Thielen of Detroit Lakes, Minnesota (three years, $25 million), running back Miles Sanders of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (four years, $25 million), tight end Hayden Hurst of Jacksonville, Florida (three years, $21.75 million), and wide receiver DJ Chark of Alexandria, Louisiana (one year, $5 million). You can also not forget who the Panthers took with the first overall pick in the NFL Draft–quarterback Bryce Young of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania out of the University of Alabama.
In 2022, Thielen had 70 catches for 716 yards and six touchdown catches for the Minnesota Vikings. Sanders had 259 rushes for 1269 yards and 11 touchdowns, along with 20 catches for 78 yards for the Philadelphia Eagles. Hurst had 52 catches for 414 yards and two touchdowns for the Cincinnati Bengals. Chark had 30 catches for 502 yards and three touchdowns with the Detroit Lions.
On defense, the Panthers signed safety Vonn Bell of Chattanooga, Tennessee to a three-year deal worth $22.5 million and defensive tackle Shy Tuttle of Winston-Salem, North Carolina to a three-year deal worth $19 million. Bell had had 77 combined tackles (52 solo tackles and 25 assisted tackles), four tackles for a loss, four quarterback hits, four interceptions for 56 yards, eight pass deflections, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery with the Cincinnati Bengals. Tuttle had had 49 combined tackles (26 solo tackles and 23 assisted tackles), three quarterback hits, one tackle for a loss, five pass deflections and two sacks with the New Orleans Saints.
The Panthers also have a new head coach. Frank Reich of Freeport, New York, who has coached the Indianapolis Colts since 2018, takes over from Steve Wilks.
Fantasy Stars
Sanders is ninth among NFL running backs in fantasy. He has the potential of having a breakout season on a Carolina squad that has been known for its rushing yards over the last few years.
Projected Finish
The Panthers made a significant number of changes to their offense, and may take time to gel. There is no doubt that Carolina will be in contention for a wildcard spot, but I like the New Orleans Saints a little bit more. I am picking Carolina to finish second in the NFC South.
