The 2015 salary cap figures in this post are before restructures or pay cuts, which the Panthers certainly could try with a few guys. For now, just looking at the projected numbers, here are 10 of the biggest things that stick out:
- Charles Johnson is due $20 million, an enormous number for a defensive end. Few quarterbacks are worth that much.
- How much is that $20 million? The receivers currently under contract will make a combined $4.8 million. Of course, that also speaks to how little the Panthers invested in wideouts in 2014.
- Including Ryan Kalil’s $11.8 million, the starting offensive line that finished 2014 under contract comes in at $13.5 million. Now the Panthers need to add a left tackle.
- If they part ways with DeAngelo Williams, the Panthers won’t recoup all $6.3 million of his cap hit, but they could get a chunk back. And Fozzy Whittaker, who’s an exclusive rights free agent, won’t cost a ton to bring back.
- Thomas Davis remains the heart and soul of the defense, but the Panthers may look to do something about the soon-to-be 32-year-old’s $9.9 million cap hit.
- The cheaper rookie deals in the current CBA make sense, but they can be wild sometimes. $4 million is a nice bargain for a fourth season of Luke Kuechly.
- Since he finished the season as a special teams guy, Thomas DeCoud looks like a cap casualty candidate.
- Kyle Love is a nice alternative in case the Panthers don’t re-sign Dwan Edwards and/or Colin Cole.
- There’s so much focus on the first round of the draft, but the later rounds are essential for financial flexibility. Kony Ealy, Trai Turner, Tre Boston, and Bené Benwikere — who could all start in 2015 — have cap hits of less than $1 million.
- 23 of the 45 current contracts are set to run out after 2015. With names like Davis, Olsen, and possibly Newton, next offseason could be extremely interesting.
BlackBlueReview If CAR restructures CJ and TD, cuts DW (June 1), and cuts DeCoud, could have ~$28.5m in cap room per http://overthecap.com/calculator/carolina-panthers
BlackBlueReview If CAR restructures CJ and TD, cuts DW (June 1), and cuts DeCoud, could have ~$28.5m in cap room per http://overthecap.com/calculator/carolina-panthers
Would like to see them go ahead and lock up Kuechly long term, but I imagine there are some politics involved. Would they extend Luke before Cam?
Would like to see them go ahead and lock up Kuechly long term, but I imagine there are some politics involved. Would they extend Luke before Cam?
Any chance D – will thinks about retirement. It would work well for us with the cap. Deangelo goes out being a panther legend and on good terms with the team. Like Gross I’m sure Deangelo would hit the ground running ethier in media or doing something crazy with wrestling.
Any chance D – will thinks about retirement. It would work well for us with the cap. Deangelo goes out being a panther legend and on good terms with the team. Like Gross I’m sure Deangelo would hit the ground running ethier in media or doing something crazy with wrestling.
DeAngelo joining the media? Now there’s a great idea. I guess you didn’t notice that he refused to speak to media all year and then wrote a column basically saying athletes should do the same.
DeAngelo joining the media? Now there’s a great idea. I guess you didn’t notice that he refused to speak to media all year and then wrote a column basically saying athletes should do the same.
I did read it.I dont think he refused to talk to the media he was injured all year so maybe thats why you didnt see him as much as usual.im not a reporter so i cant say.but I wasn’t talking about another Joe Person or Steve Newton. I was thinking more like an anaylist or side reporter etc. Regardless my point was that he is very charismatic and should have no problem making a living after football.
I did read it.I dont think he refused to talk to the media he was injured all year so maybe thats why you didnt see him as much as usual.im not a reporter so i cant say.but I wasn’t talking about another Joe Person or Steve Newton. I was thinking more like an anaylist or side reporter etc. Regardless my point was that he is very charismatic and should have no problem making a living after football.
sncsurf True. Maybe Bill could hire him as a contributor to BBR.
sncsurf True. Maybe Bill could hire him as a contributor to BBR.
DT Kyle Love was washed up and out of the league until the Panthers signed him at the end of the season. Love isn’t the answer as the 2015 backup DT.
DT Kyle Love was washed up and out of the league until the Panthers signed him at the end of the season. Love isn’t the answer as the 2015 backup DT.
Bill you are filling a much needed and desired void in Panthers football world. Engaging dialogue on podcast with current subject matters such as the Sr Bowl and Cap conversations with potential team strategies. Keep up the great work.
Bill you are filling a much needed and desired void in Panthers football world. Engaging dialogue on podcast with current subject matters such as the Sr Bowl and Cap conversations with potential team strategies. Keep up the great work.
sncsurf DeAngelo not talking this year had nothing to do with his injuries. He made a point to not talk.
sncsurf DeAngelo not talking this year had nothing to do with his injuries. He made a point to not talk.
SteveLuquire Thank you, Steve.
SteveLuquire Thank you, Steve.
dldove77 that’s an interesting question and it’s something i haven’t asked around about yet. will keep it in mind.
dldove77 that’s an interesting question and it’s something i haven’t asked around about yet. will keep it in mind.