The Carolina Panthers were stuck perusing the NFL's bargain bin in free agency last offseason.
According to Panthers GM Dave Gettleman, that won't be the case this year.
Looking to build on a season that saw them eke their way into the NFL's postseason party, escaping with a Wild Card round victory over the quarterback-less Arizona Cardinals, Gettleman and the Panthers may be planning a big splash or two come free agency.
"Last year we were shopping at the dollar store. This year, we're able to move up in class," Gettleman said at a press conference Tuesday, according to Bill Voth of Black and Blue Review.
Those potential free agent splashes may start with adding some athleticism to the Carolina roster.
Both Gettleman and head coach Ron Rivera noted the need for increased speed on the Panthers team. With a healthier cap situation than last season, when they paid to cut wide receiver Steve Smith - a decision that cost them more than simply keeping him would have, as Darin Gantt of NBC Sports noted - they're now free to pursue whatever free agents they desire to fill the various holes on their roster.
As Gantt noted, the team needs upgrades along the offensive line, a pass-rusher/replacement for Greg Hardy and the aforementioned injection of speed, specifically at the wide receiver position.
There are a number of free agents available at each position, but the ranks will thin as team's take care of their own in-house business ahead of the market actually opening in March.
Green Bay's Bryan Bulaga and San Diego's King Dunlap are good options at the tackle positions. And while players like Dallas' Dez Bryant and Denver's Demaryius Thomas probably won't ever reach free agency, Green Bay's Randall Cobb and San Francisco's Michael Crabtree could be available.
The Panthers will have to be careful with how much money they allocate to outside resources though as quarterback Cam Newton is also entering the option year of his rookie contract and, with Gettleman reiterating his feeling that Newton is a franchise quarterback, likely looking at a hefty raise in the not too distant future.
