Anticipating Carolina’s Moves

Now that the Carolina Panthers are out of the playoffs and back to rebuilding for next season, speculation regarding next year’s roster is abuzz in Charlotte. Yesterday’s blog talked about defensive end Julius Peppers possibly leaving the team, but Peppers is not the only player that could leave the Panthers before next season. A few other positions could see new players next year, as well, and these spots that need beefing up are as follows:

•Defensive end: If Peppers does leave the team, Tyler Brayton will take his place, but the Panthers could look to find another pass rusher or two to make up for Peppers’ absence.

•Offensive tackle: The Panthers put a franchise tag on Jordan Gross this season, but they’ll have to pay him more to get him to stay. Rookie Jeff Otah was iffy this year, missing four games total with injuries. How will he perform next year? If Gross leaves, the only other tackle the team will have is backup Frank Omiyale, who has only started one game in his entire career. Look for the Panthers to stock up on offensive tackles if Gross does leave the team.

•Fullback: 32-year-old Brad Hoover is one of the team’s best players, but is he close to retiring? The Panthers may need to get another fullback on the back burner before he does.

•Quarterback: Jake Delhomme will undoubtedly be back next year, but the QB is also nearing retirement. With backups Matt Moore and Brett Basanez doing little to prove they’re worthy of starting, the Panthers are on the prowl for a young QB they can mold into the next Tom Brady.

•Defensive tackle: Ma’ake Kemoeatu is solid, but another 6’5”, 345-pound defensive tackle would be nice to have around, as well.

•Wide Receiver: Steve Smith and Muhsin Muhammad have it covered for now, but Carolina’s depth (or lack thereof) in the WR pool is thin.

To get Carolina Panthers tickets, go to StubHub.com.