LA Chargers: Getting to know the Week 3 opponent, the Carolina Panthers
By Devon Auriemma
The Carolina Panthers’ offseason additions
The Panthers decided to move on from former MVP, Cam Newton this offseason. To fill that void, they signed former Vikings and Saints quarterback, Teddy Bridgewater, to a three-year, $63 million contract. Former New York Jet, Robby Anderson signed a two-year, $20 million deal with them.
Along with Bridgewater, they also signed P.J. Walker, who was the MVP of the XFL last season. To round out their offensive signings, they agreed to a deal with wide receivers Pharoh Cooper, Keith Kirkwood and Seth Roberts, tight end Seth DeValve and offensive guard John Miller. They also added offensive tackle Russell Okung in a deal with the Chargers.
On the defensive side of the ball, they resigned former Chargers safety Tre Boston. Safety Juston Burris, defensive end Stephen Weatherly and linebacker Tahir Whitehead.
The Panthers draft strategy was solely on improving their defense in the 2020 NFL Draft as they selected a defensive player with all seven of their draft picks. They took three defensive linemen in this draft.
Defensive tackle Derrick Brown was the seventh overall pick, Yetus Gross-Matos was their first second-round pick and Bravvion Roy was their sixth-round selection.
With their other four picks, they took defensive backs. Safety Jeremy Chinn was the team’s other second-round selection, while Kenny Robinson, also a safety, was their fifth-round pick. Cornerbacks Troy Pride Jr. and Stantley Thomas-Oliver III were the team’s fourth and seventh-round selections.
The Panthers also released their head coach, and former Charger’s defensive coordinator, Ron Rivera towards the end of last season. They hired Matt Rhule who made the transition from the NCAA to the NFL after spending the last four years with Baylor University.
Overall their free agency moves were focused on bringing in offensive talent to surround Bridgewater and Christian McCaffrey while their draft strategy focused primarily on defense. This draft received a “B+” grade from Bleacher Report.