Of course, we as fans, want every big name we can get as we chase that elusive Super Bowl. However, the reality is the best teams keep their own.  After tagging Josh Norman, the Panthers are about $27M under the cap.  But we must use our funds wisely if we are to keep our core together for the long haul.  In the next few years, we will have to pay KK Short, Star Lotulelei, Trai Turner, Andrew Norwell and others.  So keeping that in mind, here are three guys that I would love to see Gettleman go grab in the coming weeks that may not break the bank.

Robert Ayers-  

Here’s a guy that Gettleman has a history with.  At 6’3 and 275 lbs, he’s a good size DE that could be a very good compliment to Kony Ealy.  Ayers has 26.5 career sacks with 9.5 of them coming last season.  He would be a solid replacement to Charles Johnson and can probably be had for $7M- $8M per season in my estimation.

Leodis McKelvin-  

Here’s a guy that could be a really good compliment to Josh Norman and may come at a decent price.  He’s been injured much of the last two years and is now 30.  He was released to save $4M in cap space, so if we can get him for $2M or so, then he would add great depth. This could be a sleeper pick.

Kyle Love-  

Yes, he is one of our own, but I feel strongly that he needs to be back.  With Dwan Edwards gone, we need depth, and I was impressed with how he played.

Love played in 15 games for us this year and had three sacks.  Not staggering numbers, but he is great depth for a team that needs it.  $2M per year should be the targeted number.

Other honorable mentions would be Quinton Coples who we met with, Eric Weddle who has been mentioned as a Panthers target and Jason Pierre-Paul, who may come at a two-finger discount.  Too soon?  Sorry.  But Free Agency is going to be fun.  Buckle up.

-Mel

AKA @PanthersDrafter