Niner Noise
FanSided

NFL power rankings: Final post-Super Bowl LII standings around the league

By Peter Panacy

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 04: The Philadelphia Eagles celebrated defeating the New England Patriots 41-33 in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on February 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 04: The Philadelphia Eagles celebrated defeating the New England Patriots 41-33 in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on February 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
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NEW ORLEANS, LA – JANUARY 07: Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers walks off the field after his team was defeated by the New Orleans Saints during the NFC Wild Card playoff game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 7, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA – JANUARY 07: Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers walks off the field after his team was defeated by the New Orleans Saints during the NFC Wild Card playoff game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 7, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /

87. . . Previous: . Carolina Panthers. 7. team

The Carolina Panthers made some interesting front-office moves over the course of 2017, parting ways with long-time general manager David Gettleman and offensive coordinator Mike Shula — the latter happening after the season’s conclusion.

Norv Turner replaces Shula as coordinator, which is a smart hire. Turner is one of the more brilliant offensive minds, so we’ll be entertained how he incorporates the combo of quarterback Cam Newton and running back Christian McCaffrey.

One of the key questions, though, is what to do about pending free-agent, guard Andrew Norwell, who’ll likely be one of the more sought-after linemen on the market.

The Panthers have just over $20 million in cap space, so bringing him back isn’t out of the question. It’s just going to be difficult when evaluating other needs.

A big-bodied wide receiver would be nice to pair with Devin Funchess and to replace Kelvin Benjamin, who was dealt midway through the regular season. Secondary should be a top need too.

The NFC South is still a stacked division heading into the new year, and the Panthers will have to stay ahead of the curve to remain a serious contender.