Not surprisingly, the Panthers have found themselves a bit busy this offseason. Coming off a year where they finally found some stability under center with former No.1 pick Bryce Young. It seems the Panthers aren’t sleeping on the prospect of better times ahead. Considering their latest decisions to build a strong roster, Carolina could be up to something you know. Maybe not that Super Bowl kind of big, but at least something that could bring them out of the dungeon.
The Panthers have just now announced their decision to place center Cade Mays on a restricted free agent tender. Honestly, Mays deserves it more than anyone else considering how well he helped the Panthers last season. Originally a sixth-round 199th overall (ring a bell, right?) Mays had a brief stint in the Big Apple for the Giants practice squad last year. But when the Panthers suddenly found themselves facing multiple injuries in their O-line, Mays was urgently recalled.
Against all odds, starting center Austin Corbett tore his biceps, which proved to be a season-ending one. From there, Mays admirably stepped up and played 11 games starting 8 of them. Well, his game came against the Falcons where he played 100% of the offensive snaps and finished with an offensive grade of 81.4. Not only that, but he also had a run-blocking grade of 79 and a pass-blocking grade of 84.8. Looks like he saved his best game for last, thereby leaving a lasting impression on the Panthers.
Cade Mays, LaBryan Ray return for 2025https://t.co/yu4GMPCnJ4
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) March 7, 2025
And who knows, maybe that’s why they decided to keep Mays around for another year or so. However, he is not the only one who the Panthers chose to retain this offseason. Moving away from the offensive side of things. The Panthers also chose to exercise their exclusive rights free agent on DE LaBryan Ray. Now, his story is built on perseverance, endurance, and sheer will to keep on playing even though you are not 100%. Although Ray played 627 defensive snaps last season, half of them were with a broken right hand with a huge club on it.
Imagine the pain Ray had to endure just to help his team from the D-line. Truly remarkable. As for the Panthers, their work this offseason ain’t over. If they really want to turn this franchise around, there’s a receiver lingering in free agency whom the Panthers desperately need.
Is DK Metcalf Charlotte bound?
See, the Panthers are of course struggling both offensively and defensively. But they have a chance to sort out their offensive problems with one deal. Trading for Seahawks disgruntled receiver DK Metcalf can offer a huge boost to the Panthers’ offense. Coming from Seattle, Metcalf has not produced a single season less than 900 receiving yards. Considering the level he maintains for himself after two consecutive 1,000-yard seasons, when Metcalf could reach that number this season. It is being considered a down year for him. Just 8 yards away from that 1,000 yards mark, still a down year, like what the hell?
Moving on, the Panthers actually have a real shot in landing Metcalf, you know. Dave Canales used to be a passing game coordinator in Seattle so he has close ties to Metcalf. Maybe he could convince him to join the Panthers against the heaps of competition they are facing. While personal terms won’t be an issue, the financial implications can be a major hurdle.
The Seahawks are expecting a first-round and a third-round pick to trade their star receiver. And there’s also his expectations of receiving a contract of $30M per year. So, let’s see what comes out of this rumor. Canales ties to Metcalf could work, but if the financials are too high, it will probably not.
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