HEADLINES

Carolina Panthers News & Rumors

Minor NFL Transactions: 12/1/23

December 1st, 2023 at 7:51pm CST by Ely Allen

The first minor transactions of December:

Carolina Panthers

Cleveland Browns

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Long gets waived from the Panthers’ roster just a week after starting for them against the Titans. Long, who was claimed off of waivers about a month ago, has not been a regular starter in Carolina but was forced into action due to the injury absences of C.J. Henderson and Jaycee Horn. With both players nearing their return, and the recent waiver claim of Shaquill Griffin, the Panthers decided to bring up Strachan instead holding onto Long. The big-bodied receiver had one catch for 45 yards as a practice squad callup earlier this year.

Woods has received a six-game suspension for an incident that took place this summer in which he violated the NFL’s personal conduct policy, per Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. Woods has already missed the entire season up until now on the reserve/non-football injury list after tearing his Achilles tendon back in April. While the Browns hoped for the possibility of a late-season return, this newest development guarantees that Woods will miss the entire 2023-24 season.

Updated 2024 NFL Draft Order

December 1st, 2023 at 1:46pm CST by Adam La Rose

With Week 13 underway, the picture at the top of the NFL draft board continues to become clearer. Plenty is yet to be determined with respect to the top of the order, however.

The Panthers’ ongoing struggles led to Frank Reich‘s firing, but the Bears own Carolina’s top pick this year due to the 2023 swap which landed Bryce Young via the No. 1 selection. Chicago being able to have the top pick once again – coupled with their own selection landing in the top-10 – would make the Bears a team to watch closely come April. The race for the top two or three slots (and, as such, the ability to draft QBs Caleb Williams and Drake Maye, along with wideout Marvin Harrison Jr.) will also be a key late-season storyline for the Cardinals and Patriots.

The Commanders have lost three straight games, overshadowing a promising season from first-year starter Sam Howell. After deciding to move on from defensive ends Chase Young and Montez Sweat at the trade deadline, the team’s defense has continued to struggle. DC Jack Del Rio is out as a result, and head coach Ron Rivera‘s position is not believed to be on strong footing. A top-five pick could make the job in Washington more attractive presuming a opening arises this offseason.

For non-playoff teams, the draft order will be determined by the inverted 2024 standings — plus a series of tiebreakers, starting with strength of schedule — with playoff squads being slotted by their postseason outcome and regular-season record. Here is an updated look at the current draft order:

  1. Chicago Bears (via Panthers)
  2. Arizona Cardinals: 2-10
  3. New England Patriots: 2-9
  4. Chicago Bears: 4-8
  5. Washington Commanders: 4-8
  6. New York Giants: 4-8
  7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 4-7
  8. New York Jets: 4-7
  9. Los Angeles Chargers: 4-7
  10. Tennessee Titans: 4-7
  11. Las Vegas Raiders: 5-7
  12. New Orleans Saints: 5-6
  13. Green Bay Packers: 5-6
  14. Los Angeles Rams: 5-6
  15. Cincinnati Bengals: 5-6
  16. Buffalo Bills: 6-6
  17. Arizona Cardinals (via Texans)
  18. Denver Broncos: 6-5
  19. Atlanta Falcons: 5-6
  20. Minnesota Vikings: 6-6
  21. Seattle Seahawks: 6-6
  22. Indianapolis Colts: 6-5
  23. Pittsburgh Steelers: 7-4
  24. Houston Texans (via Browns)
  25. Miami Dolphins: 8-3
  26. Detroit Lions: 8-3
  27. Jacksonville Jaguars: 8-3
  28. Dallas Cowboys: 9-3
  29. Kansas City Chiefs: 8-3
  30. San Francisco 49ers: 8-3
  31. Baltimore Ravens: 9-3
  32. Philadelphia Eagles: 10-1

Jim Harbaugh Leaning Toward 2024 NFL Return; Latest On HC’s Potential Destinations

December 1st, 2023 at 1:03pm CST by Adam La Rose

The 2024 coaching cycle will involve at least two openings for full-time positions (Raiders and Panthers), but more vacancies will likely emerge in the coming months. Jim Harbaugh remains a highly talked-about candidate, and indications continue to point to an NFL return in time for the 2024 season.

Harbaugh has been embroiled in controversy this season, but his second three-game suspension served during the campaign – stemming from Michigan’s sign-stealing scandal – is not believed to be sufficient to steer away NFL interest. As a result, he is set to be a notable coaching prospect this winter. Numerous people in league circles believe 2024 will be the year Harbaugh makes his return to the pro sidelines, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports.

The longtime Wolverines coach has routinely been a name to watch during hiring cycles, having interviewed with the Vikings in 2022 and the Broncos last year. His latest commitment to Michigan delayed his next round of interest until at least 2024. While Harbaugh has previously closed the door to future NFL interest, he is regarded as being “less than 50-50” to once again stay in Ann Arbor, per Sportkeeda‘s Tony Pauline.

Pauline’s report details the potential connection between Harbaugh and four teams which could be on his radar. The Chargers reside on that list, which comes as no surprise given the growing belief Brandon Staley is on the hot seat. Los Angeles is one of several potential suitors for Lions OC Ben Johnson, though, and Harbaugh’s conditions for an NFL deal could turn the Chargers elsewhere. The latter is expected to seek an annual salary of $15MM, Pauline reports, a figure more than triple that of Staley’s current compensation.

Especially with interim HC Chris Tabor unlikely to land the full-time Panthers gig, Carolina could be another Harbaugh destination. Pauline adds, however, that the 59-year-old is not enamored with quarterback Bryce Young, whose struggles as a rookie contributed to Frank Reich‘s dismissal. That, coupled with the Panthers’ lack of a 2024 first-round pick and owner David Tepper‘s reputation for meddling and impatience, would make it a surprise for Harbaugh to find himself in Charlotte next season.

Pauline also names the Raiders and Bears as teams to watch on the Harbaugh front. Both Vegas and Chicago have previously been linked to him based on his playing and coaching history, but a path appears to exist for interim Raiders coach Antonio Pierce to earn the full-time position moving forward. After facing several questions about his job security, meanwhile, it remains to be seen if Matt Eberflus will be retained for 2024 and beyond by the Bears.

While Harbaugh will no doubt have numerous suitors should he decide to take an NFL position for the first time since his 49ers tenure ended in 2014, it very much remains to be seen if he elects to entertain pro offers. His attention will be on Michigan’s push for a national title, but regardless of how that plays out, speculation will continue as the coaching cycle takes shape.

NFL Practice Squad Updates: 11/30/23

November 30th, 2023 at 6:33pm CST by Ben Levine

Today’s practice squad transactions:

Arizona Cardinals

Carolina Panthers

Houston Texans

Kansas City Chiefs

New England Patriots

  • Released: WR Mathew Sexton

New Orleans Saints

New York Giants

Philadelphia Eagles

Minor NFL Transactions: 11/30/23

November 30th, 2023 at 6:16pm CST by Ben Levine

Today’s minor moves:

Carolina Panthers

Dallas Cowboys

  • Promoted: TE Princeton Fant

Philadelphia Eagles

Laviska Shenault Jr. missed a handful of games earlier this season thanks to a high ankle sprain, but he was able to avoid an IR stint. He wasn’t as lucky this time around, as a new ankle injury will keep him off the field for at least the next four games. Shenault has hauled in 10 receptions this season for 60 yards, and he’s added another 55 yards on 12 carries. The former Jaguars second-round pick has also returned six kickoffs.

Panthers Claim CB Shaquill Griffin

November 30th, 2023 at 3:19pm CST by Sam Robinson

Shaquill Griffin did not make it past team No. 1 on the waiver wire. Despite the veteran cornerback sitting in free agency for nearly two months between his Jaguars and Texans stays, he generated immediate interest after Houston waived him Wednesday.

The Panthers will use their top waiver priority to claim Griffin, the team announced Thursday. This will mark a return to the NFC for the former Seahawks starter. This is Griffin’s third team this year. In 10 Texans games, the seventh-year defender made six starts. But Houston’s depth improving led the resurgent team to cut bait.

This year has brought an undeniable fall for Griffin, who was one of the top defensive free agents in 2021. The Jaguars gave him a three-year, $40MM contract. A back injury in 2022 led to Griffin being a cap casualty after the season, as no guaranteed money remained on the deal for 2023. It took until May for Griffin to find another home, via a one-year deal worth $3.5MM in Houston, but he made some notable contributions during the Texans’ 6-5 start. The Panthers will be responsible for the remaining $529K of Griffin’s base salary.

Pro Football Focus ranks Griffin 52nd among corners, a middle-of-the-pack placement after his injury-marred 2022. With Derek Stingley Jr. and multiple slot cornerbacks suffering injuries early in the season, the Texans turned to their mid-offseason pickup as a starter. Griffin intercepted a Joe Burrow pass to help the Texans complete an upset victory. With Stingley activated from IR following that game, the Texans demoted Griffin to a special-teamer. He has not played a defensive snap since that Week 10 win over the Bengals.

For his career, Griffin has made 78 starts. Most of them came in Seattle, where the former third-round pick became a regular as the NFC West squad moved on from Richard Sherman. The Seahawks have not shown a penchant, aside from Sherman’s 2014 extension, to give cornerbacks second contracts. Many Pete Carroll-era cogs have moved on; Griffin did so after earning a Pro Bowl invite in 2019 and intercepting three passes in 2020. The 28-year-old defender will have another chance this season — albeit on the NFL’s worst team.

Centering their corner situation on Jaycee Horn, the Panthers are still waiting for the former No. 8 overall pick to break through. Injuries have hounded the South Carolina alum, who has been out since Week 1 with a severe hamstring injury. The Panthers designated Horn for return recently and have until Monday to activate him. The team could activate Horn and keep him inactive, in order to keep the door open for a late-season return. But Griffin will provide some veteran insurance alongside Donte Jackson and C.J. Henderson.

Minor NFL Transactions: 11/29/23

November 29th, 2023 at 7:00pm CST by Ely Allen

Wednesday’s minor moves:

Arizona Cardinals

Carolina Panthers

Denver Broncos

Houston Texans

Miami Dolphins

New York Jets

Tennessee Titans

After missing the Cardinals’ last six games on injured reserve, Wilkinson is now on track to return to his starting left guard post this season. Arizona has used a mixture of Trystan Colon and Carter O’Donnell to fill the spot in the interim.

King found his way to the Texans’ practice squad after being waived by the Steelers and was elevated to game action last week. After starting 25 games for Houston in the 2021 and 2022 seasons, King will be a welcome addition back to the active roster.

Hardee has missed six games with a hamstring injury. The Pro Bowl special teamer returned to practice today alongside quarterback Aaron Rodgers and Schweitzer. Schweitzer was one of several offensive linemen in New York who sustained injuries earlier this year, but after missing the four games required of an IR stint, Schweitzer is working to return, as well.

Panthers To Sign G Gabe Jackson

November 29th, 2023 at 11:00am CST by Sam Robinson

Seeing guard injuries play a key role in their offensive struggles, the Panthers are adding a veteran presence. Following his Wednesday workout, Gabe Jackson will sign with Carolina, Bleacher Report’s Jordan Schultz tweets.

This agreement comes nearly nine months after the Seahawks cut the veteran blocker. Jackson has 130 career starts over a nine-year career. The Panthers have been without left guard Brady Christensen since mid-September and recently saw Austin Corbett suffer an MCL injury that will sideline the right guard for the rest of the season. This will initially be a practice squad deal, ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter tweets.

The Christensen and Corbett setbacks open the door for Jackson, who is now 32. The former Raiders and Seahawks starter was not closely connected to a team during his lengthy free agency stay, but he stands as one of the NFL’s most experienced active guards. While it is far from certain Carolina will look to keep Jackson beyond this season — especially considering the reeling team will hire another new coach in 2024 — but the 1-10 squad represents an opportunity for the longtime first-stringer to play a 10th season and potentially make an effort to better position himself for free agency next year.

Although Christensen has been a multiyear starter, the Panthers had navigated his early-season exit (due to a biceps injury) for a while. But one of Carolina’s replacement options is now facing a season-ending malady. Rookie Chandler Zavala, who has been a starter for much of the season due to the Panthers losing both Christensen and Corbett, is an IR candidate, ESPN.com’s Jeremy Fowler tweets. Zavala, a fourth-round pick, suffered a knee injury in Week 12. Cade Mays left Sunday’s game due to an ankle injury, continuing this positional bloodbath for a team intent on maximizing what is left of Bryce Young‘s rookie year.

The Panthers have used Brett Toth as a fill-in starter; they finished Week 12 with he and rookie UDFA Nash Jensen at guard. This situation could point Jackson directly to a starting role, though given the timing here, the team may wait before such a move. That said, the Panthers have struggled to protect Young this season. While Carolina is buried in the standings and is focusing on another coaching search, the team still has six games of Young development to complete. Installing a veteran to help keep the No. 1 overall pick upright makes sense through this lens.

GM Scott Fitterer had already moved to Charlotte when the Seahawks traded for Jackson in March 2021, but the nine-year starter’s Seattle stay may still help for familiarity purposes. Upon being traded for a fifth-round pick, Jackson started 31 games in Seattle. Pro Football Focus viewed the once-dependable Raider as better in 2021 than he was last year, but given the timing of the Panthers’ latest guard need, pickings are slim.

Although Jackson has never made a Pro Bowl, the Raiders thought enough of him to authorize a $10MM-per-year extension in 2017. Jackson then played two years on a $7.5MM-AAV Seahawks pact. This Panthers agreement likely checks in at or near the prorated veteran minimum.

Bill Belichick Candidate For Panthers HC Job?

November 28th, 2023 at 8:30pm CST by Ben Levine

Since buying the Panthers in 2018, David Tepper has employed six head coaches (including interims). So, with the organization eyeing a replacement for the recently-fired Frank Reich, Tepper surely wants his new hire to stick. So, it shouldn’t be much of a surprise that the Panthers are already connected to the biggest potential name on the HC market.

[RELATED: Panthers Fire HC Frank Reich]

League sources told Chad Finn of the Boston Globe that the Panthers are a team to watch in the upcoming Bill Belichick sweepstakes. The iconic head coach could see his illustrious tenure with the Patriots come to an end following the season, and while Robert Kraft and co. could hold out for trade compensation, Belichick will likely have a say in his next landing spot.

Since most teams would surely welcome in one of the greatest head coaches of all time, you would figure the lowly (and tumultuous) Panthers would be hard pressed to recruit Belichick. However, Finn notes that there are a number of factors that could draw the 71-year-old to Carolina.

For starters, the smaller media market means the curmudgeonly Belichick wouldn’t have to deal with the same headaches caused by the Boston media. Next, the coach would be “far away” from the Patriots and the AFC East, and the Panthers aren’t scheduled to take on New England until the 2025 campaign. Belichick would also be closer to his home in Florida, where he likes to spend parts of the offseason.

Of course, financials could also convince Belichick to join the Panthers. Tepper is the third-richest owner in the NFL, meaning he’d be able to pay Belichick while also spend on a pricey roster. Plus, considering general manager Scott Fitterer‘s uncertain future with the organization, Belichick would probably have carte blanche to run the front office as he wishes.

From the Panthers perspective, a Belichick hire would run counter to recent reports that the organization was eyeing more of an offensive-minded coach. Further, Tepper made it clear that he wants his next coach to be with the organization for the long haul. While Belichick might still have a few years left in the tank, the Panthers would be foolish to expect a long-term commitment from the coach.

Belichick will be one of many coaches connected to the Panthers gig once the season comes to an end. For what it’s worth, interim head coach Chris Tabor might not be included in that grouping of candidates. Tabor told reporters that he was given no assurances that he’ll be considered for the full-time job (per ESPN’s David Newton).

NFL Practice Squad Updates: 11/28/23

November 28th, 2023 at 7:58pm CST by Ben Levine

Today’s practice squad moves:

Atlanta Falcons

Carolina Panthers

Denver Broncos

Green Bay Packers

Houston Texans

Los Angeles Rams

  • Signed: CB Cameron McCutcheon
  • Released: OL Grant Miller

Minnesota Vikings

New England Patriots

New Orleans Saints

Pittsburgh Steelers

San Francisco 49ers

After getting cut by the Patriots this past weekend, Will Grier is back with the organization. Considering the uncertainty surrounding New England’s QB situation, there was some speculation that Grier could get a look before the end of the season, and his addition to the taxi squad leaves that door open. The former Cowboys backup started two games for the Panthers back in 2019, going winless while tossing zero touchdowns vs. four interceptions.

Load More Posts