But head coach Ron Rivera, a constant in a sea of change, sees the sky as the limit.
“I’m in a great spot right now with the team that we have, the organization that we have,” Rivera said. “Yeah, there’s a little bit of flux right now, but the things that are in place – the infrastructure – it’s ideal, and we’re trending up.
“We’ve got players that we like and a terrific coaching staff. Working with (general manager) Marty (Hurney) again has been terrific, and the people around him are outstanding. What’s not to love?”
The Panthers are undergoing an ownership change, all three of Rivera’s coordinators are preparing for their first season, and free agency brought significant losses on both sides of the line of scrimmage with left guard Andrew Norwell and defensive tackle Star Lotulelei finding new homes.