The Carolina Panthers are now focusing on free agency and the upcoming draft after concluding their season. Key decisions need to be made regarding several players, and predictions are being made about which pending free agents will remain with the team.

Quarterback Andy Dalton, who played a vital mentoring role for Bryce Young, is expected to depart. Tight end Ian Thomas, known for his blocking skills, is predicted to re-sign. Similarly, Tommy Tremble is anticipated to stay, contributing as a solid backup tight end. Versatile offensive lineman Brady Christensen may be let go, while Austin Corbett, despite injury concerns, is likely to re-sign due to his leadership. Linebacker Shaq Thompson is also expected to re-sign, providing essential guidance on defense.

On the other hand, safety Xavier Woods is predicted to leave, while punter Johnny Hekker is expected to remain if he wishes to continue his career. However, kicker Eddy Pineiro may not reach a new agreement with the team. Other notable free agents include wide receiver David Moore and safety Jordan Fuller, among others.

The upcoming matchup features the Denver Broncos (9-5) visiting the Los Angeles Chargers (8-6) on Thursday night. The Chargers are favored by 2.5 points. The Broncos, having recently defeated the Indianapolis Colts 31-13, aim to secure their first playoff appearance since 2016. Meanwhile, the Chargers are looking to bounce back after a heavy loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Key players include Broncos linebacker Nik Bonitto, who has been impressive with consecutive defensive touchdowns, and Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey, who is returning from injuries. The game will highlight the battle between Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert and the formidable Broncos pass rush, led by Bonitto.

Injuries may impact both teams, with notable absences expected for the Chargers. Historically, this series has been competitive, with recent games often decided by a single score.

The Carolina Panthers missed a significant opportunity this offseason by not pursuing star safety Budda Baker, who has now signed a three-year extension with the Arizona Cardinals. With the Panthers struggling in the secondary, the absence of Baker leaves them with a pressing need for a quality safety.

As Xavier Woods heads into free agency after a disappointing season, the Panthers must now explore other options to bolster their defense. Potential targets include Justin Reid, Tyrann Mathieu, and Jeremy Chinn, among others.

Greg Olsen, a former Carolina Panthers player, had the opportunity to call a game at the stadium he once played in, but it ended in disappointment as the Panthers fell to the Dallas Cowboys. The game was marred by penalties, including a controversial call against Panthers safety Xavier Woods for a hit on CeeDee Lamb.

Olsen defended Woods, arguing the hit was clean and criticizing the inconsistency of officiating in similar situations. He emphasized the need for clarity in NFL rules regarding player safety and penalties.

CeeDee Lamb of the Dallas Cowboys is playing through a sprained AC joint in his right shoulder, yet continues to perform at a high level. In a recent game against the Carolina Panthers, he recorded nine catches for 116 yards and a touchdown, showcasing his resilience despite the injury.

Lamb acknowledged that opponents are targeting his shoulder but remains unfazed, stating that they will need to hit harder to take him down. He has now achieved over 1,000 receiving yards in four of his first five NFL seasons, a record for the Cowboys.