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Denver Broncos cornerback Chris Harris (25) forces Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) to run out of the pocket during the third quarter Sunday, November 12, 2012 at Bank of America Stadium. John Leyba, The Denver Post
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Carolina Panthers have to make push for Cam Newton

Matt Verderame News NFL

The Carolina Panthers are at an interesting intersection in Cam Newton’s career. At 29 years old in May, Newton is in the prime of his career. We’ve already seen what he’s capable of, accounting for 45 touchdowns in 2015 when he led the Panthers to a 15-1 record as the league’s MVP.

Now, after two seasons that have come and gone without a playoff victory, the Panthers need to make a move. Newton is at the peak of his considerable powers, but he is surrounded by a group of weapons that doesn’t inspire much confidence. Tight end Greg Olsen is a top five player at his position, but after breaking his foot and missing nine games in 2017, can the 33-year-old bounce back to his previous form?

On the outside, the Panthers are among the worst in the league. Carolina traded away Kelvin Benjamin a year ago, leaving a large void. This offseason, general manager Marty Hurney added Torrey Smith via trade with the Philadelphia Eagles, but he’s more role player than reliable yardage. On the other side, Devin Funchess represents the most hope. Only 23 years old, the former Michigan standout caught 63 passes for 840 yards and eight touchdowns last year, all career bests.

So, Funchess, Olsen and Smith make up the core on the outside, with Christian McCaffrey behind Newton. The departures also matter, with Jonathan Stewart and guard Andrew Norwell moving on.

With free agency cooling, Hurney has to continue exploring avenues to improve the offense. With the potential of Dez Bryant being released by the Dallas Cowboys, the Panthers should be hot and heavy in this pursuit should it come to pass.

Bryant isn’t the player he once was. The 29-year-old has not enjoyed an 1,000-yard campaign since 2014, but did lead the Cowboys with 69 catches and 838 yards. The Panthers could use Bryant to help roll coverage away from Funchess, all while providing Newton with a veteran target who can make the contested catch downfield.

If Carolina is going to make a power move in the NFC, it needs to continue building. The defense is in solid shape, albeit with a questionable secondary. If Hurney can be aggressive in the draft, perhaps the Panthers could land another playmaker to put around his prized quarterback. Calvin Ridley would be a terrific find if he slips to Carolina at No. 24. The same can be said for Courtland Sutton out of SMU or James Washington of Oklahoma State.

After finishing 11-5 in the brutal NFC South a year ago, the Panthers are close to making another Super Bowl. Helping out Newton over the next month could make all the difference.

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