CHARLOTTE — March gets everybody all excited. Your team of preference hasn't lost a game in months, the hope created by the draft is out there on the horizon, and the promise of immediate help is right there in front of you.
And a media economy built on noise for attention is happy to provide enthusiasm, whether it's real or deserved.
But the right way to attack free agency is far different than what many people seem to believe, or want to believe.
You can get a bunch of fans excited about a Tee Higgins or a Joey Bosa or some recognizable name. But that's not the best way to do business unless you get paid per social engagement. In a perfect world, teams would only use free agency to fill in a blank or two a year, and if you're close to making a push for a Super Bowl, a splash for a name brand can make sense. But in the spot the Panthers are in, you can still spend money; you just have to do it differently.
Few people had Robert Hunt or Damien Lewis on their wish lists last spring, much less both of them. But those two made a difference in the Panthers, well, as big as they are. Dropping $150 million worth of contract on 650 (ish) pounds of guard was a big move designed to solve a big problem. The Panthers used seven left guards and eight right guards in 2023, and allowed 65 sacks. So a big move was needed.
But signing a 27-year-old Dolphins guard and a 26-year-old Seahawks guard were examples of the right way to do it, if you have to do it at all. Find the young ones who have starting experience, that's the sweet spot. Find the ones that fill immediate needs in a big way. (If they're literally big, that also helps.)
And it seems reasonable that the Panthers are going to target some big ones next week, at least one. General manager Dan Morgan promised at the combine last week that he planned to address their defensive issues the same way he attacked the offensive line problem a year ago. So imagine a new starting defensive tackle to park next to Derrick Brown. And a safety, and maybe a pass-rusher.
But you can't do it with all names. The Panthers have tried that before. That star-studded defensive line of 2000, with Reggie White, Chuck Smith, Sean Gilbert, and Eric Swann? Yeah, that was more South of the Border than Mount Rushmore (10.5 sacks all year between them). When they needed a receiver in 2006 to replace Muhsin Muhammad, they went out and signed Keyshawn Johnson. Seemed like a great idea at the time, and he was entertaining, but the thing he was best at turned out to be annoying teammates.
Dipping into free agency strategically can make a huge difference, of course. The Panthers got to the NFC Championship Game in their second season thanks in large part to unrestricted free agents Wesley Walls, Kevin Greene, and Eric Davis. They went to their first Super Bowl in 2003, thanks in large part to spring acquisitions Jake Delhomme, Ricky Proehl, and Stephen Davis. They went to their second Super Bowl, thanks in at least some part to Kurt Coleman and Charles Tillman, among others.
Eventually, you become stable by replacing free agents with draft picks (Justin Hartwig was good, but Ryan Kalil was better). But before the current Panthers can do that, they will have to spend on veterans. And if this year's splashes work out as well as last year's, they might someday get to a point where the money they spend is on more second contracts for their homegrown stars.
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Hi Darin! Good episode on Cart Talk with JJ Jansen. I've seen some asking for the front office to create more cap room - an example is Taylor Moton's contract. Is there any way to do that without using it just as "borrowed' cap space? Like the Moton cap number is high right now exactly because cap room was created on years before doing exactly that, right? If that's the case, what's the point of doing this on a team/roster that's still collecting talent?
Wouldn't it be more prudent to have a lot more space in the next few years when we hopefully can spend on extensions for the young good players that we hopefully have now? The way I see it, the time to pay the bill on the cap always comes (just ask the Saints). I remember listening to Dan Morgan talk about it and (that) they'd prefer not to do a lot of restructuring. I hope that's the case, really. Thanks! — Fernando, São Paulo, Brazil
Fernando gets it. Sometimes, when you hear about restructurings, it's a guy taking a pay cut, and nobody likes to talk about that (especially the guy on the wrong end of the scissors). But generally, it is an accounting trick, pushing money into future years to create current room. And if you don't have to do it, you shouldn't, for the reasons Fernando accurately established.
Since Morgan and Brandt Tilis took over last year, there's been a deliberate effort to do less of the can-kicking. Morgan said in Indy that they're comfortable with Moton's deal as is, but they could always revisit it. Also, most of last year's free agents came here on short-term deals, which were also designed to maintain future cap flexibility.
You can still do it if you need to (the cap's only going to keep going up), but minimizing the amount of amortization is the sound strategy, so you have it when you need to sign cornerstone players.
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After the NFL Combine, Dan Morgan and Dave Canales emphasized rebuilding the Panthers' defense, which struggled historically last season, while also hinting at flexibility in free agency and the draft. With limited cap space and multiple defensive holes—particularly at edge rusher, defensive tackle, and safety, how do you see the Panthers balancing the pursuit of high-profile free agents, like a top safety or an edge rusher, with their apparent interest in a versatile defensive prospect like Jalon Walker at Pick No. 8, especially if they're also considering trading back to accumulate more picks? — Brent, Tega Cay, SC
You always want to fill in the blanks on your depth chart in free agency so you don't go into the draft with big blank spaces that have to be covered. And it's too soon to zoom in on any one player in terms of the eighth pick. We have weeks to get to that.
The idea of "limited cap space" is kind of misleading, though. They're in the middle third of the league in space, enough to make the moves they want to make in the coming weeks. You never want to have too much cap space because that means you don't have many good players. But they have a sufficient amount and can clear up more with some moves that could be coming in the next five days.
The big needs are in the defensive front seven and at safety (since there's only one on the roster at the moment). And there's sufficient space to get a few of those taken care of.
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Do you see the Panthers operating in the draft/FA as if Bryce Young's improvement is genuine enough that they can address other areas as if they have their answer at QB? Thanks for your time. Longtime admirer of your work. — Bob, Whitehouse Station, NJ
They kind of have to for three reasons. One, this is not the year to be looking for a quarterback, especially when you're picking at No. 8. In free agency, the big name at the position is Sam Darnold, and no matter how much I admire Sam for his grace and humor and artistic talent, I don't think they're revisiting that project.
Two, they have to prioritize defense this offseason, and it needs a good bit of work. They set an all-time NFL record for points allowed, were second all-time in yards allowed, and third all-time in rushing yards allowed. This is not the time for Jaxson Dart.
But mostly, they trust Young's improvement because it did appear genuine. The Bryce we saw the second half of the year looked like the Bryce we were promised coming out of Alabama. A smart distributor of the ball who wasn't necessarily reliant on the talent he had on the outside in college (compared to the 34-year-old Adam Thielen, journeyman David Moore, and two rookies he was throwing it to here). He showed that when protected (unlike 2023), he could anticipate, throw with accuracy, and move it downfield.
All that's great to hear for a team that turned over quarterbacks too often in recent years. Nothing against any of the guys they tried; there were simply too many of them. (Speaking of, while in Indy, I had a nice chat with the new quarterbacks coach of the Calgary Stampeders, a former CFL teammate of Panthers legend Armanti Edwards. He was discussing his newest acquisition, a Mr. Phillip Walker. Best of luck to PJ and the Stamps this year.)
But we digress. Listen to Dave Canales talk about building the offense with Bryce, and you can tell he sees a future in it. And for being so polite about it, Bob, I'm making you this week's Friend Of The Mailbag and getting the appropriate honorarium on the way to New Jersey soon. It's probably too cold to wear it out without a quarter zip or something, but warmer days are ahead.
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I've been out of the Mailbag for a bit, so I'm gonna rapid fire some questions to make up for it: Where should expectations be for this season? Are we really contenders for the NFC South, or am I delusional? Can Bryce Young become a top 10 QB? What player do you want us to grab in the draft and why is it Jalon Walker? Or trade down? Should we expect a big-name free agency signing or smaller names across the defense? Where are we going to play when the Bank gets renovated? And finally, with new rules in the NFL, can we add a blue alternate helmet? Pumped for '25. Wish everyone a happy spring and a safe year. — Miles, Chicago, IL
Miles out here trying to be a one-man lightning round, brought to you by the patron saint of the lightning round Jeff from Fuquay-Varina. I'll cut him some slack because he's young. So to answer his questions, in order:
Better. Maybe (on both counts). Moving in that direction. You seem to have made up your mind, but there's a lot to like. They need to find starters, so a reasonably-sized name seems right. Same place. And as discussed in a recent 'Bag, helmets are one of those things that take years to change.
Whew. One question next time, Miles.
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Hi Darin! I love reading this column so I figured I would try and get some wisdom from the old guy himself! I have been a Panthers fan since I started watching football; I unluckily had the misfortune of being born and raised in New York, but I have always wanted to visit the Carolinas. As my family was planning our vacation this year, I was able to convince (rather easily, too) everyone that we should check out Carolina Beach. How far of a drive is that from Charlotte, and are there any must-see places I should check out when on vacation? (besides the obvious of trying Bojangles for the first time ever!) — Garrett, Ithaca, NY
Less than four hours away, so you're in luck. And yes, Bojangles, always (sorry if you miss Bojangler season, always get it on a biscuit instead of a bun). But I can't vouch for the scenery in between Charlotte and Carolina Beach. Nothing against the fine people of Wadesboro, Lumberton, and Whiteville, but that particular stretch of 74 is not our most scenic.
But Carolina Beach is great. Very relaxed. Old school boardwalk. Britts Donut Shop is legendary. They also have a great dive bar there called the Fat Pelican, which has a sign outside instructing hippies to use the side door and also cheap cold beer. My kind of place.
We accept friends from all corners of the globe. You just have to promise that when you inevitably move here, you won't lecture us on how to drive during our annual blizzard.
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Hi Darin, I really appreciate your coverage of the Panthers and all the insights you provide throughout the season. As we look ahead to the upcoming year, what do you see as the team's biggest priorities this offseason when it comes to building a more competitive roster around Bryce Young? Are there specific positions, player traits, or even coaching strategies the front office is focusing on to help him take a significant step forward in Year 2? Additionally, how much emphasis do you think will be placed on improving the offensive line and receiving corps to better support his development? And with the draft approaching, are there any specific prospects you believe the Panthers should target with their early picks to fill key needs? Thank you. — Harris, Lorton, VA
I think acquiring the aforementioned multiple good players on defense will help Bryce as much as anything.
The offensive line is always going to be a priority, and that's not going to change as long as Morgan's the GM. (Bringing back Cade Mays on Friday was an affordable, reasonable step, and they're far from finished.) But I could see them working the edges of the market to find some options in the passing game, they still need to add at tight end and receiver, just based on numbers. Having a few guys with straight-line speed would help since that's a commodity the current group doesn't have as much of.
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Hey, old guy. As a FOTM it's been some time since I've written in. The family and I settled in Utah. Don't ask. Anyway, I felt like the last time I wrote in, I was salty and frustrated with the way Carolina couldn't win, couldn't stop a nosebleed, and seemed destined for more years of being at the bottom of the barrel.
I will eat crow because the tide has changed in Carolina. Love Canales and what he's about. Bryce could be HIM. I have a lot of ties to the PNW, so I'm hoping DK can make it to Carolina and give Bryce a legit WR1. I don't have a question this time, but I owe my Panther nation an apology for the bad energy! — Jeff, Zion, UT
No apologies are needed. Vent when you need to vent. Better out than in.
Also, no need to apologize for Utah, ever. Utah is amazing, but that state is either hiding on purpose or terrible at PR. I snuck over to Arches and Canyonlands during the bye week last year, and immediately came home and asked Brady Christensen where they've been hiding all that. He hit Utah's five big national parks with his family during the pandemic, and that's an amazing use of idle time. The whole state looks like the Road Runner is about to come around the corner, chased by an anvil-toting, super-genius coyote on Acme rocket skates. It's unlike anything I've ever seen in my life.
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And on that note, let's go lightning round, brought to you by the patron saint of the lightning round Jeff from Fuquay-Varina, to close it out this week.
You think Carolina signs a new backup running back for Chuba Hubbard? — Garrett, Spruce Pine, NC
Or drafts one. They need to add to the room, regardless of what happens with Miles Sanders. Chuba is a volume runner, but they drafted Jonathon Brooks for a reason, too. It takes depth.
Do you think Shaq Thompson lands somewhere? — Will, Rock Hill, SC
I hope so. Shaq's a good linebacker when well, and good people. He came by the stadium Friday to say goodbye to some folks, and brought cakes (plural) for the staffers in the weight room, athletic training room, and equipment room. And not just some grocery store sheet cakes, either. The man went to Villani's, one of the best bakeries in the city. He is a gentleman of taste, and we hope for the best for him.
It's Rick Rubin, not Rick Ross, who produced the final Cash records. — Ben, Chapel Hill, NC
Of course it was; who's the idiot who said otherwise? Oh, me. Fixed now, but that's a fairly inexplicable mistake to make (especially since I have Rubin's book on my nightstand). Although a Rick Ross/Johnny Cash collab would have been amazing. Just a couple of cats who knew about the hustle. My apologies, and now I'm going to listen to the Beastie Boys, Tom Petty, Rage, and Public Enemy as penance.
Hello Darin! Who is Tim Biakabutuka, the guy we drafted eighth in 1996? — Zach, Charlotte
That would be Tshimanga, an amazingly talented running back with poor injury luck, who chose to go by the full spelling of his given name once he got here. (Apparently we're better spellers than Michiganders. Also, better at football, as ASU proved years later.) Biakabutuka once had 123 yards and three touchdowns in a quarter, and George Seifert benched him for Fred Lane because he wanted to rotate. George did strange things sometimes. The postgame presser that day featured a legendary back-and-forth with Harold Johnson, "The Big Guy" from Channel 9. No one who saw it will ever be the same.
Back to Biakabutuka's real name. Once, on a local radio station, I challenged Panthers legend Frank Garcia to a spelling contest, and to give him a chance, I told him I would only ask him the names of his teammates. After Steve Beuerlein and Tshimanga Biakabutuka, it was over. And just to make sure you don't suffer the same fate, maybe you GET BACK TO CLASS, ZACH.
I just wanted to say I saw your Cart Talk with JJ and absolutely loved it. Good job! Keep up the good work! — JP, Yadkinville, NC
Driving the cart was a career achievement. It's not as impressive as playing 260 NFL games, but I'm pretty pleased by it. Not only did JJ identify all 21 kickers and punters he's snapped to (I figured he might forget Justin Medlock), but we also determined that this franchise has had fewer long snappers (six) than coaches (nine, including interims). Plus, we did the jersey swap.
