ESPN Insider FA grades:
Grade: B
Franchise player: CB Josh Norman (unsigned)
Re-signed: LS J.J. Jansen, LB Ben Jacobs, G Chris Scott, WR Stephen Hill, DE Charles Johnson, QB Joe Webb, FB Mike Tolbert
Signed: C Gino Gradkowski, S Trenton Robinson, CB Brandon Boykin
Lost/cut: P Brad Nortman, DE Jared Allen (retired), DT Dwan Edwards, DT Nate Chandler
The Panthers have not done much beyond re-signing Tolbert and Johnson, two key veteran role players. That was the point after the team spent last offseason re-signing Greg Olsen, Cam Newton, Thomas Davis and Luke Kuechly. The team presumably would like to strike a long-term deal with cornerback Josh Norman, their franchise player. That has not happened.
"I'm convinced this might be the most stable model of success in the NFL right now," Yates said. "My question looking at them is, how many spots are available on the 53-man roster as of the first day of free agency? There are not many. You could say they need to add another target in the passing game, but if you spend there, does it prevent you from getting a deal done with Norman?"
Dominik said the Panthers are probably bracing themselves for next offseason, when defensive tackle Kawann Short will be in line for a new contract. The money Malik Jackson commanded from the Giants had to be eye-opening for other teams with top defensive tackles, although Carolina does have the franchise tag as leverage.
While Yates thought Carolina deserved an 'A' grade, the broader consensus said the grade should be lower simply because the Panthers have not done much -- not that standing pat is bad for a team that has shown it can get good value from lower-end investments such as Michael Oher and Kurt Coleman.
"They have a plan," Riddick said.