Leading up to the start of Training Camps in July, we are taking a team-by-team tour with fantasy previews for each NFL squad. We'll detail the key offseason moves, position battles to watch, and other things to keep an eye on as the clubs prepare for the season ahead.

Notable Offseason Moves: The Panthers surprised a lot of people by releasing Keyshawn Johnson this spring. A number of critics stated at this time last year that Johnson was the missing piece to the puzzle, but the team opted to develop their younger receivers. Johnson has essentially been replaced by rookie clone Dwayne Jarrett. They are built the same, attended the same college, and are widely regarded as slow, possession receivers.

The Panthers signed free agent quarterback David Carr back in March. The former Texans starter had offers from other teams to compete for starting jobs, but he selected the Panthers in part because he felt that it would have been too damaging to his career if he had started for another losing team. He has accepted his position as Jake Delhomme's backup this season and fantasy owners should not expect much controversy this summer

Position Battles: Contrarily, the fight between DeAngelo Williams and DeShaun Foster over the starting running back job should be a good one. Foster was handed the job last year, but he'll be forced to hold off his second-year understudy this summer. New offensive coordinator Jeff Davidson has installed a zone-blocking scheme that caters to the strengths of Williams. Our money is on Williams to get the starting nod. That being said, neither running back has established himself as a workhorse, so we expect Foster to take carries in what will likely be a timeshare.

Although the Panthers clearly consider Dwayne Jarrett a younger version of Johnson, there's no guarantee head coach John Fox will hand the rookie a starting job. In fact, speedster Drew Carter has been penciled in as the starter opposite Steve Smith. Fox is high on the oft-injured Carter, but this battle is too close to call at this time.

Keep an Eye On: The Panthers have some glaring holes on the defensive side of the ball, particularly at the safety position. Starter Mike Minter has already announced that this will be his final season, and the other starter, Nate Salley, is unproven to say the least. The safety shortage fueled speculation that the Panthers were going to use their first-round pick to bring in a defensive back who could step in and start. Instead, they selected linebacker Jon Beason to serve as insurance for repeatedly concussed starter Dan Morgan. The Panthers are once again deep at linebacker, but they could still be in the market for safety help this summer. There are also rumblings that team officials is still trying to trade overweight defensive tackle Kris Jenkins.

 

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