The Carolina Panthers have begun the process of trimming their roster to create cap space ahead of free agency. Veteran cornerback Dane Jackson has been released, yielding over $3 million in cap relief, signaling that more cuts are expected. Among the prime candidates is running back Miles Sanders, whose performance has dipped following a Pro Bowl season with the Eagles. Releasing him could free up over $5 million. The Panthers are also considering cuts for defensive linemen Shy Tuttle and A'Shawn Robinson, both of whom could offer significant cap savings. However, cutting established players like Jadeveon Clowney or Adam Thielen seems less likely due to the impact they have on the team’s performance.

The Carolina Panthers continue to struggle with their pass rush, recording a league-low 27 sacks in 2023 and only slightly improving to 32 the following year. This inconsistency has raised concerns, especially with their top sack leaders, Jadeveon Clowney and A’Shawn Robinson, both achieving just 5.5 sacks. The team lost a key player, Brian Burns, who was traded to the New York Giants, where he totaled 8.5 sacks last season.

Looking ahead, the Panthers may focus on enhancing their pass rush in the upcoming draft. Analysts suggest the team could draft Kyle Kennard, a promising pass-rusher from South Carolina who had an impressive season, accumulating 11.5 sacks and demonstrating explosive physicality. Kennard's performance signals potential improvement for the Panthers' defensive front if selected.

The Carolina Panthers are facing critical decisions regarding their defensive roster as they look to improve an underperforming unit. While Jaycee Horn and Derrick Brown are seen as essential components of the defense, the rest of the players may be expendable following a disappointing season.

A'Shawn Robinson, the team's top interior defensive lineman, has emerged as a potential trade candidate. Although he was the most effective player on a struggling defense, his performance has not justified a long-term commitment. The Panthers might benefit from a trade that would not only save cap space but also allow them to pursue younger talent in the upcoming draft.

The Carolina Panthers are facing a critical offseason, particularly in enhancing their edge rush unit. Currently, the team has a moderately effective duo in Jadeveon Clowney and DJ Wonnum, but both players will be free agents after the 2025 NFL season. The overall depth behind them is a cause for concern, as evidenced by A'Shawn Robinson tying Clowney for the team lead with only 5.5 sacks last season, indicating a pressing need for improvement.

In light of this, a recent mock draft by Jacob Infante from Pro Football Network suggests that the Panthers should utilize their first-round pick to secure the top edge rusher available. They are projected to select Mykel Williams from the Georgia Bulldogs with the eighth overall pick. Williams, who stands at 6-foot-5 and weighs 265 pounds, is lauded for his elite size, length, and power, making him a prototypical edge rusher in this draft class.

Williams has showcased his potential during his college career, recording 14 sacks and 23 tackles for loss over 40 games. Despite his strengths, including run defense and agility, he needs to enhance his gap discipline and initial quickness off the line. The Panthers face the challenge of possibly missing out on Abdul Carter from Penn State, who is regarded as the best edge defender in this draft. Given their position outside the top five picks and Carter's exceptional playoff performance, drafting Williams may be their best option.

The Carolina Panthers will head into Week 18 without their standout cornerback, Jaycee Horn, who has been ruled out due to a hip injury. Horn, the only Panthers player selected for the Pro Bowl this season, did not participate in practice throughout the week and also missed the previous game. Despite his absence, Horn's impressive 2024 season included 68 combined tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 13 pass defenses, and 1 interception, marking a significant milestone in his career.

With Horn sidelined, the Panthers will likely rely on cornerbacks Michael Jackson and Caleb Farley during their matchup against the Atlanta Falcons on January 5. The Panthers have also listed four other players as inactive for the game, including linebackers Amare Barno, DJ Johnson, and Josey Jewell, along with cornerback Lonnie Johnson. Notably, Jewell has been a key player for the Panthers, starting 12 games and recording 97 combined tackles this season.

As the Panthers prepare for the crucial game against the Falcons, they face additional injury concerns. Offensive tackle Robert Hunt is questionable due to a knee injury, while fellow offensive tackle Taylor Moton and defensive tackle A'Shawn Robinson are also uncertain after limited participation in practice. However, running back Miles Sanders has returned to full practice and is also listed as questionable.

The Falcons, needing a win to secure a playoff spot, will face the Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. They must win and hope for a loss from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to clinch their first postseason berth since 2017. The game is set to kick off at 1 pm ET, coinciding with the Buccaneers' matchup against the New Orleans Saints.