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The Carolina Panthers enter the 2016 NFL offseason with a sour taste in their mouths after suffering a 24-10 defeat at the hands of the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl 50. The performance on Super Bowl Sunday was the team’s worst of the season and will likely lead to some difficult decisions ahead. Here are five bold predictions for what will happen during the Panthers’ offseason.
5. Quiet Free Agency
Credit: Getty Images5. Quiet Free Agency
The Panthers are built to win for a long time as there aren't really any impact players who will be leaving at the end of the season. Josh Norman is the team's biggest free agent, but he can be franchise tagged. Expect the Panthers to largely stand pat in free agency with general manager Dave Gettleman trying to hit home runs with cheaper short-term options.
4. DT Kawann Short Will Get Long-Term Deal
Credit: Getty Images4. DT Kawann Short Will Get Long-Term Deal
Short was the best defensive tackle in football in 2015 as he racked up 55 tackles, 11 sacks and three forced fumbles. 2016 is the last year on Short's rookie deal with the Panthers, but it's a lock that Carolina will give the 27-year-old a long-term deal.
3. Daryl Williams Will Earn Starting RT Job
Credit: Getty Images3. Daryl Williams Will Earn Starting RT Job
Mike Remmers was laughably bad in Super Bowl 50, as he was repeatedly punked by Von Miller and the Broncos' defense. With his lack of mobility at right tackle, Remmers won't be back next season unless it's in a backup role which makes Williams the heavy favorite to be the starter in 2016.
2. RB Jonathan Stewart Will Be Forced To Restructure Or Be Cut
Credit: Getty Images2. RB Jonathan Stewart Will Be Forced To Restructure Or Be Cut
Stewart had a nice year for the Panthers as he rushed for 989 yards and six touchdowns on 242 carries. Unfortunately, he struggled staying healthy again and will turn 29 in March with a cap hit of $9.55 million in 2016. If he doesn't restructure, he won't be back.
1. CB Josh Norman Will Receive Franchise Tag
Credit: Getty Images1. CB Josh Norman Will Receive Franchise Tag
The Panthers don't like to spend a lot of money on long-term extensions which allows them to be flexible when it comes to the salary cap. Norman is the team's No. 1 free agent, but he's already 28 years old and his lone standout season came in a contract year. Expect the Panthers to tag him and see if he can have the same performance next season.
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