The NFC champions will start their title defense a bit late. And that's precisely what they wanted.

As Carolina coach Ron Rivera explained two days after the Super Bowl, the Panthers asked the league and the NFLPA for permission to extend this part of the offseason. Because his team played five weeks more than most last year, Rivera is trying to buy some rest time for his veterans.

The Panthers will begin their offseason program April 25, a week later than they could have started. Most of the league -- 25 teams -- will get underway on April 18. Six others –– those with new head coaches -- will start April 4 or April 11.

Even when they hit the field in late May for Phase Three of OTAs, the Panthers are planning to give their younger players increased reps. Guys coming off injuries, like receiver Kelvin Benjamin and linebacker Luke Kuechly, are expected to be out there, but in a very limited role.

Cornerback Josh Norman isn't expected to show until training camp, at the earliest. 

 

Panthers Offseason Workouts Schedule

 

First day: April 25

OTAs: May 24-26, May 31, June 1-2, June 6-9

Mandatory Minicamp: June 14-16