Carolina Panthers training camp capsule
CAROLINA PANTHERS (6-10)
OPEN CAMP: July 25, Wofford College, Spartanburg, South Carolina
LAST YEAR: QB Cam Newton suffered through worst statistical season of career, injury-plagued offensive line failed to protect adequately, and young secondary struggled early against pass. Panthers went from being No. 1 offense in 2015 to 19th, prompting them to spend first two draft picks on versatile RB Christian McCaffrey and WR Curtis Samuel, and add pieces on O-line. Newton played final month of season with partially torn rotator cuff. Concussions ended seasons of two key starters: LB Luke Kuechly and OT Michael Oher. Oher has since been released after failing physical. K Graham Gano missed several big field goals, causing team to draft Harrison Butker to compete. TE Greg Olsen had strong season, clearly team MVP in 2016. Entire defensive line returns along with free agent pickup Julius Peppers. Panthers were second in sacks last season (47) but defense finished out of top 10 for first time in five years.
IMPORTANT ADDITIONS: Peppers, OT Matt Kalil, CB Captain Munnerlyn, WR Charles Johnson, rookies McCaffrey and Samuel, S Mike Adams.
IMPORTANT LOSSES: OT Michael Oher, OT Mike Remmers, WR Ted Ginn Jr., WR Philly Brown, FB Mike Tolbert, defensive coordinator Sean McDermott, GM Dave Gettleman, assistant GM Brandon Beane.
CAMP NEEDS: All eyes will be on Newton, who's returning from right shoulder surgery. He's expected to throw at training camp and should be ready for season opener. Matt Kalil, Ryan's brother, takes over at LT, but RT position up for grabs between Daryl Williams and rookie Taylor Moton. Olsen, LB Thomas Davis up for contract extensions. Team already extended contracts of DT Kawann Short and G Trai Turner this offseason. Kuechly returns after missing last six games in 2016 with concussion.
EXPECTATIONS: Panthers going for it all after finishing 6-10 one season following reaching Super Bowl. They have one of most experienced teams in league, particularly with addition of free agents Peppers, Munnerlyn and Adams on defense. Team added versatile playmakers in McCaffrey and Samuel on offense to take pressure off Newton, whose production dipped significantly last season. Carolina's well positioned to challenge for fourth NFC South title in five years and another conference championship while playing fourth-place schedule.
---
AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP-NFL
-
NFL mock draft: Nick Wright has Bears pair Caleb Williams, Marvin Harrison Jr.
2024 NFL free agency tracker: Signings, updates, best players available
2024 NFL Draft Schedule: How to watch, date, TV channel
-
2024 NFL Draft RB rankings: No clear stars, but deep top 10 prospects
2024 NFL Draft WR rankings: Marvin Harrison Jr. leads stacked top 10 prospects
2024 NFL Draft OT rankings: Scouting the best tackle class in 20-plus years
-
2024 NFL Draft order: Every pick for all seven rounds
2024 NFL Draft CB rankings: 5 first-round grades among top 10 prospects
2024 NFL Draft interior offensive line rankings: Strong group of guards, centers
-
NFL mock draft: Nick Wright has Bears pair Caleb Williams, Marvin Harrison Jr.
2024 NFL free agency tracker: Signings, updates, best players available
2024 NFL Draft Schedule: How to watch, date, TV channel
-
2024 NFL Draft RB rankings: No clear stars, but deep top 10 prospects
2024 NFL Draft WR rankings: Marvin Harrison Jr. leads stacked top 10 prospects
2024 NFL Draft OT rankings: Scouting the best tackle class in 20-plus years
-
2024 NFL Draft order: Every pick for all seven rounds
2024 NFL Draft CB rankings: 5 first-round grades among top 10 prospects
2024 NFL Draft interior offensive line rankings: Strong group of guards, centers