South Charlotte Today

Since the beginning of the offseason, the Carolina Panthers have signed players to specific contracts, drafted strategically, and navigated the waiver wire with a clear vision. Their focus extends beyond merely fielding a team for 2024; they are also planning for the long term.

Panthers General Manager Dan Morgan emphasized this approach on Thursday. "I think we're looking to upgrade at every turn and just kind of build our roster the right way," Morgan said.

The term "building" is key in understanding their strategy. After a 2-15 season, Morgan prefers to describe their efforts as a "retool" rather than a rebuild. "I think every day there's challenges with the roster, whether injuries or all different circumstances," he stated. "We have a really good core guys that we're excited about."

Morgan highlighted that they are not setting specific expectations for the season but remain confident in their preparations. The Panthers currently have 23 new faces on their roster compared to last year, many of whom are young or on short-term contracts.

At the start of the league year, only 20 players had contracts extending past 2024. Now, after an active free agency period and several waiver claims, there are still only 32 such players — most of them young. This youth provides flexibility for future seasons without heavy salary cap burdens.

Only nine players on the current roster are aged 30 or older, with wide receiver Adam Thielen and outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney being two who are under contract through 2025 or beyond.

Brandt Tilis, Executive Vice President of Football Operations and in charge of salary cap management, noted that even recent waiver claims were made with future considerations in mind. Shemar Bartholomew is contracted through 2026 while Keenan Isaac and Tariq Castro-Fields can be retained inexpensively as exclusive rights and restricted free agents respectively.

"I mean, you saw the guys who we claimed; we claimed younger players with years left under contract," Tilis said. "But ultimately, it's really just about getting the culture right."

Morgan sought bigger corners for more physical defensive play while Tilis appreciated the financial flexibility provided by young players on rookie deals. Their alignment has been crucial in shaping their approach.

"We're more alike than what people would think," Morgan commented on his relationship with Tilis. Both value collaboration and open-mindedness which fosters a positive working environment within the organization.

Striking this balance also involves integrating first-year head coach Dave Canales into their plans as he prepares for his team's opener against the Saints next Sunday. Canales emphasized focusing both on immediate tasks and long-term goals without letting one distract from another.

"This is the most important day," Canales said. He stressed building team culture by adding tough and smart players fitting their profile while staying present-focused.

Throughout this season, Morgan intends to remain proactive in improving their roster using available resources like waiver claims if necessary.

"Not even just today but throughout the season we're going to be active," Morgan asserted regarding potential player acquisitions aimed at upgrading team performance continuously.

Morgan's outlook dismisses fixed expectations focusing instead on daily improvements across all organizational levels from front office operations to player development aiming at overall enhancement each day.