Carolina Panthers

Ron Rivera Hints at Offseason Additions

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 10:19 p.m. ET

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Fansided, Parker Hurley/FanSided via Cat Crave

Ron Rivera was on ESPN’s ‘NFL Insiders’ and he may have given a hint into the Carolina Panthers offseason plans…

Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera answered a plethora of questions involving his team, the Super Bowl, and other things while making an appearance on ESPN’s ‘NFL Insiders’ last week. One quote, in particular, seemed to stand out.

Rivera mentioned that Carolina’s top rusher could not be the quarterback any longer. He also mentioned that he and offensive coordinator Mike Shula discussed more two running back sets and formations that involve an extra tight end.

The clear takeaway is that quarterback Cam Newton does need to be a rushing option as much in the future. Concussion issues and other dings throughout the season led to the not so surprising remarks.

However, Rivera’s mention of two running back sets and an extra tight end could be a hint into what is to transpire during the Panthers’ offseason.

Running back Jonathan Stewart dealt with injury himself last season and some have speculated that this year he could be a cap casualty. However, with only Fozzy Whitaker and Cameron Artis-Payne, two unproven names behind him, many have also speculated a first round running back be Stewart’s replacement. While these quotes hardly dispel a first round running back, they do give a sign that the Panthers may acquire a running back early. However, this would be in addition to Stewart, rather than as a replacement.

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For tight end, Ed Dickson is the current backup and last season played about 29 snaps per game, a little less than half of the teams’ totals snaps. Dickson is a free agent after 2017 and after recording 10 catches and one touchdown last season it may not be a surprise to see the Panthers replace Dickson with a better option that deserves more snaps.

It just so happens that this draft class is very deep in both running back and tight end talent. With Rivera looking to add a running back and get the tight end more involved it is likely Carolina will address these positions.

Time will tell but the early indication is that Rivera tipped his hand and that the Panthers will add depth for both of these positions.

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