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Preview - 2015 Cap & 53 Man Roster

Yesterday we took a look at the Panthers' draft classes from 2008 - 2014 in order to get a better understand of how to 2014 roster came to be. Today, we will take a glimpse at the future cap situation and what the 2015 Panthers will look like. For clarification I am using the cap and contract figures from spotrac.com and may not be 100% accurate.

Currently the Panthers have 39 players under contract for the 2015 season. Those active contracts add up to total of 118 mill in cap space; with an additional 7 million in dead money from Steve Smith and Charles Godfrey, the current total cap for 2015 is 126 million. Roughly 6 million of the remaining cap space is set aside for the rookie pool for the 7 draft selections, bringing the total to 132 million dedicated to 46 roster spots. The project cap for 2015 will be in the range of 140 million, leaving the Panthers with 8 million in cap space to fill 7 roster spots prior to any restructures or cuts. Those of you who had hope that the Panthers would have money to play with in Free Agency can official let go of such beliefs, 2015 will be another year with a tight belt. Lets take a closer look at each position group.

Quarterback- Cam Newton & Derek Anderson

The quarterback position will look very similar next season with both Newton and Anderson under contract. Any thought to replacing Anderson quickly faded early in the season as Anderson played well in his lone start and garbage time. With a healthy Cam, a 3rd QB is unlikely.

Running Back - Stewart, Tolbert, Williams

Currently the Panthers' top 3 backs are all under contract, however this is the year we can cut DeAngelo Williams. #34 has a cap number and a dead money figure of 6.6 million. The team gains nor loses any cap space by releasing DeAngelo. Dave can designate him as a June 1st cut to spread the hit over 2 seasons and open up 3 million for the 2015 cap. With only Stewart and Tolbert on the roster the Panthers will likely add two new running backs next season.

Wide Receiver - Cotchery, KB, Philly Brown

The perfect trio, a big possession receiver, a burner and a veteran. Assuming KB and Philly both grow in the off season, we can rest easy knowing this rookie duo has a fair amount of potential and are ideal scheme compliments. Cotchery will serve as the veteran to help tutor the next group of receivers as the Panthers will add 2 - 3 new receivers in the off season. As JR and the coaches like Bersin, he may return because of the low cap figure he will demand.

Tight End - Olsen, Brockel, Williams

The tight end position remains highly intact, losing only Dickson. Olsen as the #1, Brockel as the run blocker and Williams as the project with potential. Williams appears to have played well in his limited snaps, personally I am growing frustrated with the coaching staff that Williams hasn't been given more opportunities to grow and showcase his insane athleticism. A 4th tight end may be brought in, that decisions will be based on how the coaches feel about Brandon Williams.

Offensive Line- Kalil, Norwell, Turner, Silatolu, Chandler, Kugbila,

The middle of the offensive line is actually in good shape, Kalil at center with rookies Turner and Norwell manning the guard spots. Between Silatolu and Kugbila one is likely retained as depth, while the other is cut, 50/50 on who's future is what. Nate Chandler returns as depth and the only offensive tackle currently under contract. It's likely the Panthers resign RFA David Foucault, as well as bringing in a veteran FA and draft a rookie early. There is a chance Garry Williams may be resigned, he is a solid player and has entered week 1 as the starter twice in his career, but has suffered major injury nearly every season. The tackle spot it wide open for 2015. I'm personally rooting for Roos from the Titans and Collins from LSU with Foucault as the backup.

Projected Moves -

Currently the Panthers will return 17 players on offense. With the projected releases of Kugbila and DeAngelo as well the likely resigning of RFA Foucault, the Panthers can expect to bring in 2 new running backs, 3 new receivers, and 3 new linemen. Totaling the offense's 25 players. Dave Gettleman will likely spend the little cap space the team has on either a tackle or wide receiver, but don't expect a tier 1 guy like Jeremy Maclin or Michael Crabtree.

Defensive Tackle - Star & Short

The Panthers have one of the better DT duos in the league, unfortunately both quality backups Cole and Edwards are both expect to depart in FA. Cole and Edwards have been very valuable backups and finding quality replacements to maintain a strong DT rotation will be high on Dave's priority list. This is a position that may see a surprise early draft pick or surprise money thrown around in free agency. The Panthers could resign either player, but will likely bring in 2 new DTs.

Defensive End - Johnson, Ealy, Alexander, Addison, Horton

The team brings back all 5 of the top defensive ends from 2014. This rotation is likely set with no additions. It is unlikely Hardy returns in 2015. With Charles Johnson under performing this season there is a chance Dave could try and recoup some cap space by lowering Johnson's base salary. Ealy and Alexander will compete for the other starting spot and will likely face a lot of pressure to help the defense return to it's 2013 form.

Linebackers - Kueckly, Davis, Klein, Glanton

The Dynamic Duo of Luke and TD return for another season. Klein holds down the third spot, Glanton, the only Panther I don't know brings up the rear. Like Charles Johnson, TD is a potential candidate for a reduced base salary in order to recoup some cap space. As TD is getting up in age an early draft pick on an OLB is more likely than what most would assume. The team may chose to bring back solid veteran Blackburn or special teamers Jason Williams and Ben Jacobs, one way or another 2 additional linebackers are likely to be added to the group.

Safeties - Harper, DeCoud, Jones, Lester, Boston

This safety group is the Bain of my existence. Both Harper and DeCoud are under contract for next season despite their embarrassing play this season. While DeCoud is cheaper to release, I don't expect Harper to make it back. DeCoud may return as the starting FS, Jones is a value on special teams, Boston and Lester will be given every opportunity to win a starting spot. Boston is a wild card and Lester seems to be limited by his athletic ability. I could see either of them being cut in favor of a different young safety. This position while currently full, is likey to see 2 additional players brought in to compete.

Corners - Norman, Benwikere, White

Josh Norman's light finally came on. While Josh isn't the physical presence and strong tackler the coaches prefer on the field, he is by far the best cover man on the team. Josh will likely enter 2015 as the teams top corner, which is starting to be become a good thing. If Josh can continue to work and grow, maybe put a few pounds on he may become a very good corner. Bene Benwikere has been a delight from the 2014 draft and has a chance to start on the outside, but will probably return as the starting nickle. Melvin White is still under contract and will likely be retained as depth. This position will see at least 2 additions in the off season.

Projected moves -

Currently the defense is returning 19 players, with as many as three additional safeties up for release. With three starting spots in the secondary wide open, the safety position will likely see a shake up in the off season, if not the defense may be in trouble again. Starter quality players in the secondary is the #2 off season priority, behind only the offensive tackle position. Depth for both the defensive line and linebackers is also needed. Despite the offensive struggles, I highly expect Gettleman to focus on the defensive additions in both the draft and free agency. Expect roughly 2 new defensive tackles, 2 new linebackers, and 4 new defensive backs on the 2015 roster to complete the defensive units 25 roster spots.

Special Teams - Graham Gano, Brad Nortman, JJ Jensen

The special teams trio will remain in tact as all three are probowl quality players. Finding a quality punt returner should be on Gettleman's mind throughout the off season.

The Numbers -

7 draft picks (likely a URFA or two) and an additional 11 million to add....

2 running backs

3 receivers

3 offensive linemen

2 defensive tackles

2 linebackers

4 defensive backs

In summary -

The 2015 Panthers will look very similar to the current roster. The team is likely to have 4 new starters(LT, RT, S, CB) who are not currently on the roster, with multiple others contributing to rotation and depth. In total, 16 new players will be added to the 2015 Carolina Panther's roster. 7 as rookies, 3 resigned players, and 6 new veteran additions. Likely only 1 or two starter quality free agents as the team will have roughly 8 million in cap space before cuts or restructures. With Dave's BPA strategy for the draft I feel like a starting LT will be the #1 off season priority and the only clear starter brought in through free agency. Michael Roos, here we come!

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