The Carolina Panthers seemed to be on their way up in 2022 with a record of (7-10), which is better than the previous year with (5-12). There is a mix between familiar groups and new additions, which will likely be shaken up after the draft. Here is a look at projected starters for the Carolina Panthers in 2023.
Quarterback
Former Saints QB Andy Dalton (14) – Stephen Lew/USA TODAY Sports
The Panthers signed Dalton to a two-year, $11 million contract in March. The general consensus is that there are things to work on, but there is potential for the veteran quarterback. He had an average of 205.1 yards per game with The Saints last season, which was his highest since the 2019 season. This could be the move that the Panthers need to form a successful team in 2023.
Offensive Line
Panthers C Bradley Bozeman (56) and LT Ikem Ekwonu (79) – AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman
LT Ikem Ekwonu
RT Taylor Moton
LG Brady Christensen
RG Austin Corbett
C Bradley Bozeman
All five of these players are expected to return as starters to the Panthers in 2023. Center Bradley Bozeman is excited to continue to build off of the momentum from last season. There is a chance that Austin Corbett may not be healed from his torn ACL in time, but he is supposed to return for the regular season. Overall, the OL starters should remain the same, which is a good opportunity to build.
Running Back
Former Eagles RB Mike Sanders (26) – Kate Frese/Phillyvoice
The Carolina Panthers signed Sanders in March after he spent four seasons with the Eagles. He ranked fifth in the NFL in rush yards, rushing for 1,269 yards and 11 touchdowns. The Panthers will likely benefit from this addition to the lineup.
Wide Receiver
Former Vikings WR Adam Thielen (19) – Stacy Bengs/AP Photo
Adam Thielen
D.J. Chark
Terrace Marshall Jr.
Since D.J. Moore is in Chicago, the WR starting lineup could change with a draft pick. Thielen is a solid slot here, as he signed with the Panthers on a three-year deal.
Tight End
Former Bengals TE Hayden Hurst (88) – Wesley Hitt/Getty Images
Hurst seems to be a good choice for TE starter. He had single-season highs with 56 receptions, 571 yards, and six touchdowns in 2020. However, due to an ankle injury, he only played 13 games in 2021. Hurst then signed with the Bengals in 2022, securing 141 yards on 13 catches with two touchdowns in Cincinnati’s run to the AFC Championship game. This should be an exciting watch for Panthers fans.
Defensive Line
Former Saints DL Shy Tuttle (99) – Gerald Herbert/AP
DeShawn Williams
Derrick Brown
Shy Tuttle
With the new 3-4 front, the defensive line should be interesting. The addition of Tuttle is a powerful one. As far as the projected starters go, Tuttle seems to be the most hyped.
Linebacker
Panthers LB Jeremy Chinn (21) – Bruce Kluckhohn/AP Photo
Brian Burns
Shaq Green-Thompson
Frankie Luvu
Jeremy Chinn
Chinn could really work here since he is a versatile player. This move could allow some experimentation in the linebacker and safety areas.
Safety
Former Bengals S Vonn Bell – Joseph Maiorana/USA TODAY Sports
Bell signing with the Panthers is not only a good decision for the safety position but for Chinn. Since Chinn thrives when put closer in, this should benefit all involved. Even if this did not affect Chinn for whatever reason, the seven-year veteran is a great choice. Bell had 77 tackles, four interceptions, four quarterback hits, and two forced fumbles for the Bengals last season.
Cornerback
Former Dolphins CB Eric Rowe – Miami Dolphins
After the recent signing of Eric Rowe, the projected starters for cornerback changed from what I originally thought. I project that Rowe will replace what once would have been Donte Jackson. Rowe has spent the last four years with the Miami Dolphins. Rowe with his eight-year career, seems to be a sound choice.
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