The Panthers made a critical addition to their roster last week, signing former Saints and Giants cornerback Eli Apple.
At just one year and $3 million, it’s a bargain of a deal. However, that contract took up most of the team’s remaining salary cap space for the year. They now have just a little more than $250,000 left for the 2020 season.
The team-building work is not finished yet, either. While there are 90 players currently on the roster, general manager Marty Hurney told WFNZ last week that defensive tackle and offensive line were the top priorities after adding a veteran cornerback. Now that Apple is in the fold, the team can move on to the last few remaining positions of need.
If they’re going to sign anybody they’ll have to move some money around, though. Here are three ways that Hurney can create some more cap space. (All cap estimates are via Over the Cap).
Cuts: Graham Gano, Mike Davis, Chris Reed
First up, the Panthers can cut some dead weight by releasing these players. There’s no need for two kickers on the roster and Joey Slye happens to be the younger, cheaper option over veteran Graham Gano, who missed the entire 2019 season due to a serious leg injury. Slye may have struggled down the stretch, but he has better range and is worth keeping around. At running back, the arrival of undrafted rookie Rodney Smith should push Mike Davis off the bottom of the depth chart. The team has also loaded up on cheap interior offensive linemen, so Chris Reed is somewhat expendable.
Potential cap savings: $7,225,000
Extensions: Curtis Samuel, Taylor Moton
These moves admittedly won’t save much money for 2020. However, it would lock up two of the team’s best young talents for the long run. Right tackle Taylor Moton is by far Carolina’s top offensive lineman when it comes to pass protection and deserves a long-term deal. Wide receiver Curtis Samuel remains an underrated weapon waiting for the right quarterback to set loose his awesome potential. Hurney should pay them both and not look back.
Potential cap savings: $2,377,065
Restructures: Kawann Short, Matt Paradis
The best way the Panthers can free up money this year is by reworking the most expensive deal on the books. Now that Cam Newton is out of the picture, that title belongs to defensive tackle Kawann Short. Some analysts have suggested Short could be cut, which is ridiculous given the team’s interior defensive line depth right now. Short has earned every dollar of his contract. Spreading it out (saving $8,962,500) is a good idea, though. Carolina can also save some room by restructuring Matt Paradis’ contract (saving $3,817,500).
Potential cap savings: $12,780,000
Obviously, the Panthers won’t be making all of these moves. If they did though, they could save a total of $22,382,065.
