NFL Free Agency: Breaking Down Each Team’s Biggest Offseason Need

By Peter Panacy | Mar 5, 2017

Sep 14, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) reacts after the game against the Minnesota Vikings at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

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Dec 11, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera on the sidelines in the third quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Dec 11, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera on the sidelines in the third quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

Carolina Panthers

Projected Cap Space: $36,548,761

Biggest Need: Cornerback

We shouldn’t say the Panthers’ 2016 struggles were entirely due to letting cornerback Josh Norman walk. But that decision surely didn’t help matters either.

Carolina is still hurting within the secondary, and this has to be a major area of focus in both free agency and the NFL Draft this offseason.

A.J. Bouye will be one of the more sought-after cornerbacks on the open market this offseason, but the Panthers have enough cap space to make it happen. At least now. For some cheaper options, Carolina might look at corners Morris Claiborne or Coty Sensabaugh.