Getting the Carolina Panthers back into playoff contention won’t happen overnight. However, the future looks bright for general manager Scott Fitterer and coach Matt Rhule as they enter the next phase of this ongoing rebuilding project. For one thing, the team is loaded with young, flexibile and talented players, including the two most versatile in the NFL. They also have a relatively strong outlook when it comes to the salary cap situation.
According to an analysis by Pro Football Focus, Carolina has around $186.6 million in effective salary cap space over the next three years. That’s the fourth-most in the league.
“The cap situation is bright going forward, and new general manager Scott Fitterer has brought the old Seattle Seahawks approach of stockpiling draft capital with him to Carolina, which is reflected in their No. 6 ranking for active draft capital. Still, you also should have a good cap situation if your current roster ranks dead last in veteran valuation, which is the case here. Fitterer and Co. can build from the ground up, ideally with new quarterback Sam Darnold turning his career around in a hurry.”
Unfortunately, all of this positivity comes with that Sam Darnold-shaped asterisk, because if he doesn’t work out this team’s ceiling will remain relatively limited, no matter what the cap or draft capital picture looks like.
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