Locked On Panthers

Earlier this week, the Carolina Panthers placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on pass rusher Brian Burns as the team and Burns were unable to agree to a new deal prior to the start of free agency. Now that Burns has been tagged, how likely is it that the Panthers will look to trade him prior to the start of the new league year?Texas WR Xavier Worthy made headlines at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis last weekend after he set the record for the fastest 40 time in the history of the event. Should Worthy vault to the top of the Panthers WR big board?While WR is thought to be a top priority for the Panthers this offseason, is CB as big of concern with the impending departure of Donte Jackson looming?Julian Council answers these questions among other listener questions in this week's edition of the Weekly Friday Mailbag. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!eBay MotorsFor parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit at eBayMotos.com. Let’s r

Less than a week away from the start of the new league year, the Carolina Panthers are opening cap space in order to be aggressive once free agency begins. But will the Panthers have enough space to fill all of its needs?Julian Council breaks down the Panthers free agency needs on both sides of the ball, along with potential players who could be donning the black and blue in 2024. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!eBay MotorsFor parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit at eBayMotos.com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply.NissanOur friends at Nissan have a lineup of SUV’s with the capabilities to take your adventure to the next level. Take the Nissan Rogue, Nissan Pathfinder, or Nissan Armada and go find your next big adventure. Shop NissanUSA.com.RobinhoodRobinhood has the only IRA that gives you a 3% boost on every dollar you contribute when you subscribe to Robinhood Gold

The saga of whether the Carolina Panthers would franchise tag star edge rusher Brian Burns ended Tuesday morning as the team announced its intentions to do just that. The tag for Burns became inevitable once it was clear that he and the team could not reach a long-term deal before the franchise tag deadline. The Panthers are utilizing the non-exclusive tag, meaning that Burns can negotiate with other teams and leaving open the small possibility that the Panthers could garner two first-round picks in a trade. Julian Council reacts to the Panthers decision and whether the team has any intention on extending Burns. The Panthers have begun shedding salary as the team reportedly is set to move on from TE Hayden Hurst. Hurst was one of the Panthers big free agent signings from a year ago but failed to produce when healthy then dealt with a concussion that cost him the final half of the season. Julian looks at other players who could become cap casualties over the next week. The free agent WR market continues to dry

The franchise tag waiting game is almost over for the Carolina Panthers and Brian Burns. According to several reports, the Panthers are expected to franchise tag the star edge rusher by the 4 p.m. deadline on Tuesday afternoon. Three questions remain. One, will the Panthers end up extending Burns down the road? Two, will the Panthers use the tag and then trade Burns? Three, will the Panthers utilize the exclusive or non-exclusive franchise tag. Julian Council discusses these three burning questions. One of the Panthers top free agent WR targets is off the board as Mike Evans will remain in Tampa Bay after agreeing to a two-year, $52 million contract extension on Monday morning. Where do the Panthers go from here in their search for a No. 1 WR?ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported on Monday afternoon that the Panthers will be moving on from CB Donte Jackson either by release or via a trade. How does this impact the Panthers CB plans moving forward?Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!eBay MotorsFor parts that fit, he

As the franchise tag deadline approaches, it appears to be a likely conclusion for the Carolina Panthers and Pro Bowl edge rusher Brian Burns that the team will be utilizing the tag. According to ESPN's Dan Graziano, the tag being placed on Burns is a "near certainty." Julian Council reacts to this news and what it means for the Panthers and Burns moving forward. While Burns is expected to be franchise tagged that does not mean that he'll be a Panther in 2024. According CBS Sports' Josina Anderson, the Panthers informed Burns at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis that the team wasn't continuing contract talks with him at this time. Could this lead to the Panthers to tag-and-trade Burns?Plus, other significant intel that could impact the Panthers as free agency approaches. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!eBay MotorsFor parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit at eBayMotos.com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US cus

The Carolina Panthers will need to make a few tough decisions ahead of the start of the new league year later this month. Who are some of the players that are prime candidates to be cut, traded, or extended this offseason? Julian Council plays GM. Mike Evans is seen to be among the top candidates to fill the role as WR1 in Carolina. But is his age a concern?Julian Council answers these questions among other listener questions on this week's edition of the Weekly Friday Mailbag. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!eBay MotorsFor parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit at eBayMotos.com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply.NissanOur friends at Nissan have a lineup of SUV’s with the capabilities to take your adventure to the next level. Take the Nissan Rogue, Nissan Pathfinder, or Nissan Armada and go find your next big adventure. Shop NissanUSA.com.BetterHelpThis episode is spon

After a disastrous 2023 season, the Carolina Panthers are in need of playmakers around QB Bryce Young heading into 2024. This week, the Panthers and the rest of the NFL have been able to get a closer look at some of the top NFL Draft prospects at the Combine in Indianapolis. Which WR prospects could be a good fit for the Panthers at 33rd overall? Julian Council breaks down a few WRs that he believes the Panthers should have their eye on this weekend in Indy. The NFLPA survey is out and Panthers owner David Tepper didn't receive a favorable grade. How did the rest of the organization grade?Plus, is a new practice facility on the way in Uptown Charlotte?Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!eBay MotorsFor parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit at eBayMotos.com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply.NissanOur friends at Nissan have a lineup of SUV’s with the capabilities to take yo

Carolina Panthers general manager Dan Morgan and head coach Dave Canales took to the podium on Tuesday afternoon in Indianapolis as the two attended the annual scouting combine. Morgan offered several updates on the Panthers plans for free agent EDGE rusher Brian Burns and linebacker Frankie Luvu as well as how the organization plans on rebuilding this offseason.While Dave Canales provided insight into his plan for Bryce Young as improving the situation around the second-year quarterback is the focus of the team's offseason.Julian Council provides his takeaways from an informative afternoon at the Combine.Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!eBay MotorsFor parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit at eBayMotos.com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply.NissanOur friends at Nissan have a lineup of SUV’s with the capabilities to take your adventure to the next level. Take the Nissan

The Carolina Panthers will need to improve their run game in 2024 after finishing 22nd in rushing according to Expected Points Added, or EPA. In 2022, following the dismissal of head coach Matt Rhule, the Panthers leaned on a downhill rushing attack to turn around their season. In 2023, the Panthers were unable to establish an offensive identity and struggled to find consistent success in the run game. In particular, Miles Sanders underachieved after joining Carolina from Philadelphia, where he had a Pro Bowl season in 2022. Now that the offensive staff that signed Sanders is gone, what is his future in Carolina?During Sanders struggles, Chuba Hubbard emerged as the Panthers lead back down the stretch. Entering into the final year of his rookie deal, is Hubbard primed to be the workhorse back for Carolina this fall?The Panthers haven't drafted a running back since Hubbard in 2021. After whiffing on the Sanders signing, will Dan Morgan and Co. look to the draft to fill out the backfield?Support Us By Supportin

The Carolina Panthers and the rest of the NFL were provided some good news on Friday afternoon when the league announced that the 2024 salary cap would rise $30.6 million to record $255.4 million per team. This announcement frees up several teams to be more aggressive as the calendar inches toward March. Julian Council discusses how the cap increase impacts the Panthers.On Friday, it was announced that the Cincinnati Bengals will be placing the franchise tag on WR Tee Higgins. Had Higgins made it to free agency he would've been a potential target for the Panthers as the team looks to build around Bryce Young this offseason. Instead, it'll come at a price in the name of draft capital if a team is going to pry Higgins out of Cincinnati. Should the Panthers be willing to part ways with draft picks to bring Higgins to Carolina?The NFL Scouting Combine begins this week in Indianapolis. While the Combine is a time for NFL teams to scout the upcoming draft class, it's always where future trade deals get done. How ac

The Carolina Panthers have until March 5th to either sign Pro Bowl outside linebacker to a new deal or place the franchise tag on him. While the tag appears to be a likely ending to this two saga, is Burns a "must sign" player for the Panthers? Or would the team be better off focusing on repairing its offensive roster even if that means depreciating the defense to do it?Last year, Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson became the sixth quarterback to be given the non-exclusive franchise tag, allowing the other 31 teams in the league to negotiate a deal with the two-time MVP QB. If Jackson had agreed to a deal elsewhere, the Ravens could've either opted to match or allow Jackson to leave and then receive two first-round picks in return. Could the non-exclusive tag be an option for the Panthers if they're unable to come to terms with Burns?The Panthers will be in the market for a top WR this offseason. Could the team look to the Pacific Northwest to find its solution? Would a trade for DK Metcalf, sending Brian Burn

Since the departure of Greg Olsen, the tight end has become an endangered species in Carolina. The Panthers have failed to find a successor and have utilized its tight ends the least in the NFL since 2020. Can new Panthers head coach Dave Canales finally get this position group to be a consistent part of the offenses receiving game?One player that was expected to be that for the Panthers in 2023 was Hayden Hurst. Hurst arrived from Cincinnati after posting career-highs in several statistical categories but failed to live up to expectations after a strong debut in Week 1. Now, Hurst enters the new league year under a new coaching staff. Will the Panthers cut Hurst?In the final 8 games that Hurst missed due to the effects of a concussion, Tommy Tremble flashed as a receiving option for Bryce Young. Entering the final year of his rookie deal, can Tremble finally break out as a consistent receiving threat?The Panthers are likely to target for Seattle Seahawks during free agency. Could either Colby Parkinson or No

In 2023, the Carolina Panthers surrounded their No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young with the worst collection of receiving talent in the NFL. This is evidenced by the Panthers finishing 2-15 in 2023 and Young landing at the bottom of nearly every major statistical category amongst his peers. This offseason the Panthers need to do right by Young and provide him with true difference-makers at the position. Julian Council looks at the top free-agent wide receivers that should be on the Panthers radar.The franchise tag is likely to complicate the Panthers search for a No. 1 WR as Cincinnati Bengals receiver Tee Higgins and Indianapolis Colts WR Michael Pittman Jr. are both candidates for the tag. If tagged, how much should the Panthers be willing to give up to garner their services?Mike Evans and Calvin Ridley are set to test the market. At 30, is Evans worth the Panthers paying him $20 million per year? Or would the younger Ridley be the better investment?Plus, which Panthers WR will be back in Carolina?Support Us By

Beginning on Tuesday at 4 p.m., teams across the NFL can begin designating franchise and transition players. One likely candidate to be placed with the franchise tag is Carolina Panthers outside linebacker Brian Burns. After being named a Pro Bowler in 2021 and 2022, Burns was seeking a long-term deal before the 2023 season but contract negotiations stalled right as the season began. Now, the Panthers have a decision to make, tag Burns, sign him to a long-term deal, or let him test free agency.Julian Council presents the case for and against the Panthers tagging Brian Burns.Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!eBay MotorsFor parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit at eBayMotos.com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply.NissanOur friends at Nissan have a lineup of SUV’s with the capabilities to take your adventure to the next level. Take the Nissan Rogue, Nissan Pathfinder, or Ni

Dave Canales and the Carolina Panthers announced his final staff hirings on Thursday afternoon. In total, 8 of Canales' 19 full-time assistants spent time with him in Seattle with the Seahawks. Considering the staff's extensive background in the Pacific Northwest, could the Panthers target several Seahawk free agents this offseason?Julian Council looks at offensive and defensive free agent targets departing Seattle this offseason.Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!eBay MotorsFor parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit at eBayMotos.com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply.NissanOur friends at Nissan have a lineup of SUV’s with the capabilities to take your adventure to the next level. Take the Nissan Rogue, Nissan Pathfinder, or Nissan Armada and go find your next big adventure. Shop NissanUSA.com.BetterHelpThis episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Make your brain your friend,

The Carolina Panthers number one task this offseason is building a team around Bryce Young. Last year, the Panthers failed spectacularly in this endeavor by putting Young behind a leaky offensive line and surrounding him with the worst WR group in the NFL. Should the Panthers focus on building through the draft or free agency this offseason?The Panthers offensive line was seen as a strength heading into the 2023 season. The unit showed signs of struggles during the preseason then those concerns came to fruition throughout the season as the offensive line was ravaged by injuries. Should the Panthers consider giving the starting unit another shot or is it time for a complete teardown?Donte Jackson enters 2024 with the second-highest cap number on the roster and numbers that don't back up the Panthers keeping him at that rate. Can Jackson's spotty production be attributed to the absence of Jaycee Horn?Julian Council answers listener mailbag questions on this episode of Locked On Panthers.Support Us By Supporting

Carolina Panthers DT Derrick Brown is coming off of a career year. In 2023, Brown set the mark for the most tackles by a defensive lineman in NFL history. That led Brown to earn his first Pro Bowl appearance. Now, Brown is set as a foundational piece for the Panthers rebuild under Dave Canales. Julian Council explains why the Panthers need to extend Brown to a new contract his offseason.The Panthers were aggressive in building the defensive line through free agency last offseason as the Panthers signed veterans Shy Tuttle and Deshawn Williams. Unfortunately, both Tuttle and Williams were unimpressive as the Panthers finished last in run defense according to EPA. Julian looks at whether the two can bounce back in 2024 and if it's time for the Panthers to move on from either player.While the veteran free-agent signings left a lot to be desired the Panthers were able to get solid contributions from young players in 2024. Should the Panthers embrace a youth movement of the defensive line in 2024?Support Us By Sup

Amid a tumultuous 2-15 2023 season, Frankie Luvu emerged as one of the bright spots for the Carolina Panthers. Luvu posted career-high numbers in tackles and snaps last fall. Luvu now approaches free agency with a chance to get paid. How much will it take for the Panthers to retain Luvu? Can the team afford to let him test free agency?The Panthers linebacker room took a hit in Week 2 when Shaq Thompson went down for the season with a fractured leg. Thompson remains on the roster heading to free agent and possibly under his fourth coaching staff in Carolina. Will Shaq stick around for another rebuild?Since drafting Shaq Thompson in 2015, the Panthers have failed to identify a long-term starter at linebacker through the draft. Will the Panthers be able to reverse those fortunes this spring?Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!eBay MotorsFor parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit at eBayMotos.com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available

The Carolina Panthers are full steam ahead into the offseason as the countdown to free agency is on. The Panthers will have several decisions to make when it comes to its cornerback room. Carolina currently does not have a single corner signed past the 2024 season. One player who could see his contract extended past that point is Jaycee Horn. Horn, a former first-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, has struggled to stay healthy through his first three seasons as a Panthers. The Panthers have until May 2 to decide whether to exercise Horn's fifth-year option for the 2025 season. Will the Panthers take a chance on Horn and keep him around beyond 2024?Donte Jackson has spent the past six seasons as a starting CB in Carolina. Jackson approaches this offseason with the second-highest cap hit on the roster. Is Horn a potential cap casualty?The Panthers will likely need to assess their CB options via the NFL Draft. Who are the top CB prospects that could end up in Carolina?Julian Council discusses the state of the Pan

Now that the Super Bowl is over and the 2023 NFL season has concluded all eyes are on the NFL offseason. For the Carolina Panthers, the offseason began in early January and has already seen the team name a new head coach (Dave Canales) and general manager (Dan Morgan). Now, the team's focus is on building its roster for the 2024 season.The Panthers have 21 unrestricted free agents, including Brian Burns, Frankie Luvu, and Jeremy Chinn. Julian Council discusses which of those free agents the Panthers should prioritize and who the Panthers should move on from.Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!eBay MotorsFor parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit at eBayMotos.com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply.NissanOur friends at Nissan have a lineup of SUV’s with the capabilities to take your adventure to the next level. Take the Nissan Rogue, Nissan Pathfinder, or Nissan Armada and g