The Offense

QUARTERBACK:
Starter — Jake Delhomme (IR). Backups — Matt Moore, Brett Basanez (IR), David Carr.
RECAP: The Panthers quarterback situation was a mess in 2007, but the Panthers hope things will change when Delhomme returns next season. He’s in the midst of rehabbing from major elbow surgery, but all signs point to him making a full recovery. Moore showed he has some great intangibles and won two of three starts down the stretch and will compete with Basanez for the No. 2 spot. Carr, you would have to think, will be released after posting a quarterback rating of 58.3. It’s pretty clear his teammates lack confidence in his ability. Vinny Testaverde has retired.
OUTLOOK: Could the Panthers sign a veteran to replace Carr? It’s possible. But Moore may have shown enough to warrant the backup spot. Don’t expect the Panthers to draft a quarterback high — that goes against team philosophy. There isn’t much out there in the way of experienced veteran QBs other than Daunte Culpepper and Josh McCown.

RUNNING BACK:
Starters — DeShaun Foster and Brad Hoover. Backups - DeAngelo Williams, Nick Goings (IR), Alex Haynes.
Foster had another disappointing season, failing to hit 1,000 yards while limited to 3.5 yards per carry. Although he has two years left on his current contract, his future remains up in the air. Williams showed enough to warrant a shot at the starting lineup, averaging 5 yards per carry. He also displayed more big-play ability than Foster, breaking off two long TD runs to close the season. Goings is coming off his third career concussion and while he’s very well liked among coaches, the Panthers could look in another direction. Hoover is an unrestricted free agent, but is expected to be retained.

OUTLOOK: Is it possible the Panthers could add a running back this off-season? Yes, especially if you can find an impact player like Adrian Peterson in the draft. Michael Turner is the top back in free agency, but Julius Jones, Chris Brown, Justin Fargas and T.J. Duckett might be available. Marion Barber and Derrick Ward are RFAs, but will be re-signed.

WIDE RECEIVER:
Starters — Steve Smith and Drew Carter. Backups — Keary Colbert (IR), Ryne Robinson, Dwayne Jarrett, Jason Carter, Travis Taylor.
Smith set a goal for 2,000 yards receiving but was humbled after barely making it to 1,000 this season. Still, he’s a dynamic player and should return strong in 2008 with Delhomme back at the helm. The other receiving spot is up in the air so look for the Panthers to bring in some help here. Carter and Colbert are free agents and both could leave. Carter is the more likely of the two to re-sign, but don’t count on it. Dwayne Jarrett needs to get his act together and quick. Robinson showed some flashes toward the end of the season. Look for this unit to see at least two new players this year.

OUTLOOK: John Fox is on the record saying the team needs to add more than one playmaker on offense. The top free agents receivers on the market are Randy Moss (good luck getting him away from New England), Bernard Berrian, Patrick Crayton, Bryant Johnson, Andre Davis, Justin Gage, Devery Henderson, D.J. Hackett and Doug Gabriel. Others include Terrance Copper, Antonio Chatman, David Patten and Samie Parker.

TIGHT END:
Starter — Jeff King. Backups — Dante Rosario, Christian Fauria.
King had a decent season finishing second on the team in catches with 46. Rosario, however, has a good chance to replace him in the starting lineup after finishing strong and showing some big-play capability. Fauria is not likely to return and could retire. It’s been said before, but the Panthers really could use a tight end to stretch the field and take some pressure off Smith. Maybe they can find one in the draft.

OUTLOOK: I would think the Panthers would like to add a tight end to the mix and there are some pass receivers out there like L.J. Smith, Eric Johnson, Bryan Fletcher and Ben Troupe. Others like Jermaine Wiggins, Marcus Pollard and Stephen Alexander are getting up there in age.

OFFENSIVE LINE:
Starters — LT Travelle Wharton, LG Mike Wahle, C Justin Hartwig (IR), RG Geoff Hangartner, RT Jordan Gross. Backups — G/T Jeremy Bridges, OT Frank Omiyale, C Ryan Kalil, OT Evan Mathis.
There is a lot of uncertainty as to what will happen on the offensive line. Gross and Wharton are unrestricted free agents. The Panthers will probably re-sign Gross, but it’s unclear if they can afford to pay Wharton, too. Bridges or Mathis could always play tackle. Hartwig had a decent year at center but the team drafted Kalil in the second round last year for a reason. The Panthers benched Bridges for Hangartner at right guard. Wahle has a big cap figure, but is still a very effective player and a leader on the line. John Fox said the Panthers won’t blow up the line, but clearly there could be a couple of changes — and that might be a good idea.

OUTLOOK: In my opinion it’s time for the Panthers to land a big-time lineman. Flozell Adams and Max Starks are the top tackles available, although he will probably re-sign. Among the top guards due to hit the market are Ruben Brown, Alan Feneca, Floyd Womack and Jake Scott.

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