Offseason Moves the Panthers Need to Make to Go From Worst to First in the NFC South

Things will look a lot different in Carolina by the time the Panthers' 2020 season kicks off. Ron Rivera and Luke Kuechly have already left the team, and given the way his 2019 season ended, Cam Newton could be next.

If Matt Rhule wants to get off to a fast start during his tenure as Carolina's head coach, here are three moves the Panthers should make this offseason as they attempt to go from worst to first in the NFC South.

1. Keep Cam Newton

Cam Newton only played in two games in the 2019 season. / Grant Halverson/Getty Images

If the Panthers want to get back atop the NFC South in 2019, Newton is their best bet. Slated to pick at No. 7, Joe Burrow and Tua Tagovailoa will almost certainly be off the board by then, and Justin Herbert could easily go No. 6 to the Los Angeles Chargers. Though injury issues raise concerns about his long-term future in Carolina, a fully-healthy Newton gives this team its highest-possible ceiling in 2020. Additionally, if the Panthers' don't have to spend draft capital on QB, Carolina can use that flexibility to address some of its other pressing issues, of which there are many.

2. Shore Up the Run Defense

Luke Kuechly retired in 2019, leaving a huge hole in the Panthers' run defense. / Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images

Arguably the most glaring weakness on the team, Carolina's run defense was flat-out terrible in 2019. The Panthers graded out as the league's worst unit against the run, per Football Outsiders' DVOA metrics, and they also surrendered a league-high 5.2 yards per carry last season. Teams ran the ball at will, as the Panthers allowed opponents to rush for 200-plus yards on three occasions in 2019. And with the loss Kuechly, a seven-time Pro Bowler, this unit could be even worse in 2020. Drafting a stud interior lineman like Derrick Brown could help turn things around, though, and Carolina does have $32 million in space this offseason. That's likely not enough to make a real splash, but a savvy signing like Danny Trevathan on a one-year, prove-it deal could pay off. Alternatively, Carolina could target Vontaze Burfict, but the risk in signing the oft-suspended LB should be fairly obvious by now.

3. Shore Up the Offensive Line

The Panthers allowed 75 hurries in the 2019 season. / Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images

Panthers' signal-callers were pressured 75 times last season – the second-worst mark in the NFL, behind only the New York Jets (76). When the Jets are the only other statistical reference point, it's usually a signal that it's time for some sweeping changes. Carolina likely doesn't have the financial flexibility to target a top-tier option like Joe Thuney or Brandon Schereff, but the Panthers could make a more low-key signing in free agency. They could also use a second or third-round pick on a lineman like Austin Jackson or Shane Lemieux. With Daryl Williams and Greg Van Roten both at risk of leaving this offseason, the Panthers' need to make addressing this unit a priority.

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Max Staley is not a FanDuel employee. In addition to providing DFS gameplay advice, Max Staley also participates in DFS contests on FanDuel using his personal account, username mstaley1212. While the strategies and player selections recommended in his articles are his personal views, he may deploy different strategies and player selections when entering contests with his personal account. The views expressed in their articles are the author's alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of FanDuel.