So far in free agency, the Panthers kept one of their own and acquired a newcomer -- both with the intention of strengthening the offensive line. Right tackle Daryl Williams, a former second-team All-Pro coming off a season-ending knee injury, returned to Carolina on a one-year deal, and former Broncos center Matt Paradis signed a three-year contract to fill opening created when Ryan Kalil retired.
But what about the teams Carolina will do battle against in 2019? Here's a look at how offseason moves have impacted the opposition.
SAN FRANCISCO
The upstart 49ers made several notable additions in free agency as they aim for their first winning season since 2013. San Francisco traded for Dee Ford, one of the league's top pass rushers with Kansas City last season. And the 49ers signed two established playmakers from the NFC South – former Falcons running back Tevin Coleman and former Buccaneers linebacker Kwon Alexander. The 49ers also added linebacker David Mayo, a special teams contributor for Carolina each of the past four seasons.
L.A. RAMS
The NFC champions added six-time Pro Bowl safety Eric Weddle to its secondary. Defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh remains a free agent, and Los Angeles will have a new center after declining the option on veteran John Sullivan.
SEATTLE
Some big losses for the Seahawks with safety Earl Thomas, nickel Justin Coleman and guard J.R. Sweezy signing elsewhere. Seattle did manage to keep defensive end Frank Clark (franchise tag) and linebackers K.J. Wright and Mychal Kendricks. The Seahawks also addressed the guard spot by signing D.J. Fluker and Mike Iupati.
ARIZONA
Former Arizona State star Terrell Suggs is returning to the desert after 16 decorated seasons in Baltimore. And the aforementioned Sweezy signed on with the Cardinals, Seattle's division rival that finished with the worst record in the NFL last season.
JACKSONVILLE
The Blake Bortles era in Jacksonville is over and the Nick Foles era is set to begin. The backup turned Super Bowl hero for Philly will get his chance to lead a Jaguars team looking to bounce back after a disappointing 2018 campaign.
TENNESSEE
A Titans team that barely missed out on a second consecutive playoff berth got some reinforcements for a running game that was clicking at the end of the season by adding standout guard Rodger Saffold and looked to inject some life into the passing game with slot receiver Adam Humphries. Defensively, they're hoping Cameron Wake still has something in the tank coming off his lowest sack total since his rookie year in 2009.
HOUSTON
The Texans lost the Honey Badger (Tyrann Mathieu signed with Kansas City), but they found a former division rival to replace him, signing safety Tashaun Gipson away from Jacksonville in addition to picking up former Broncos cornerback Bradley Roby. Oh, and the Texans used the franchise tag on defensive end Jadeveon Clowney.
INDIANAPOLIS
Former Panthers wide receiver Devin Funchess signed a one-year deal with the Colts, who believe the big target is a missing piece in an offense rejuvenated by Andrew Luck's triumphant return last year.
GREEN BAY
The Packers had a reputation for being notoriously quiet during free agency. That wasn't the case this year. Green Bay signed edge rushers Preston Smith and Za'Darius Smith, safety Adrian Amos and guard Billy Turner. That said, it'll be strange to see linebacker Clay Matthews and wide receiver Randall Cobb on new teams in 2019. Both remain free agents.
WASHINGTON
Washington made one the biggest splashes of the offseason, signing former Giants safety Landon Collins to a mega deal. The Redskins also acquired quarterback Case Keenum from the Broncos via trade. Keenum is currently in line to be the starter with Alex Smith recovering from a career-threatening leg injury.
NEW ORLEANS
Running back Mark Ingram is now a Raven, but the Saints signed Latavius Murray to be his less expensive replacement and the new complement to Alvin Kamara. New Orleans also signed former Patriots defensive tackle Malcom Brown.
ATLANTA
The Falcons shored up the interior of their offensive line by signing two guards – James Carpenter and Jamon Brown. Atlanta kept defensive tackle Grady Jarrett in the fold by applying the franchise tag.
TAMPA BAY
Tampa Bay signed ex-Cardinals linebacker Deone Buccannon, who knows head coach Bruce Arians and defensive coordinator Todd Bowles from their time together in Arizona. The Bucs lost one wide receiver via trade – Desean Jackson is now back in Philly – and another via free agency – Adam Humphries is now a Titan.
