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A playoff berth in ‘17 has been followed by three straight losing seasons.
Very similar to their division rivals from Atlanta, the Carolina Panthers have had a rough three-year stretch. Like the Falcons, this club also last made the playoffs in 2017. And in ’18, the club was off to a 6-2 start before Cam Newton suffered a shoulder injury and the franchise hasn’t really been the same since. All told, the Panthers are a combined 11-29 in their last 40 games.
Of course, Newton is no longer with the organization and either is coach Ron Rivera – now in Washington. First-time NFL head coach Matt Rhule took over this past season and while the club finished 5-11 for the second straight year, there was progress made. Now it will be interesting to see what direction this team is headed going forward.
The team has already parted ways with veterans such as defensive tackle Kawann Short and safety Tre Boston. And reliable tackle Taylor Moton was given the franchise tag (via NFL.com). So what other moves could this team make in the coming weeks as the Panthers have a bit of cap room to play with? Are they looking for more (via Spotrac)?
3. DT Zach Kerr
He has certainly bounced around the league in recent years but always turns in a solid performance. Defensive tackle Zach Kerr earned strong grades from Pro Football Focus (subscription required) for his play in 2020. The Panthers were his fourth stop in seven seasons and he played in 13 games for Matt Rhule’s club – making four starts. He finished with 32 tackles, a pair of sacks and a forced fumble.
But this franchise used all seven of its 2020 draft choices on defense and youth will continue to be served throughout the club. Despite a solid showing this past year, he could be cut loose eventually.