ORLANDO, FL- Ron Rivera is preparing for his eighth season as the Panthers head coach, but it’s pretty clear he’s never had an offseason quite like this. From two separate NFL investigations, some big free agency losses and gains, and an impending team sale, the Panthers head coach hasn’t had much of a slow period with just four weeks left before the 2018 NFL Draft.
“It’s kind of been go go go. I’d like to get a little bit of a break and kind of just enjoy being with Stephanie and seeing family,” Rivera said.
This week, he’s joined by Panthers General Manager Marty Hurney and COO Tina Becker at the NFL Owner’s meetings.
“I’ve been very pleased with the way things are, the way things are coming together. The excitement now is going to start building towards the draft and it’s really going to be exciting. I look forward to it and I think if we are fortunate and the right player is there I think we can really help this football team,” Rivera said.
THE DEFENSE
The Panthers have taken care of some of those needs during free agency. They lost AP All-Pro guard Andrew Norwell and Star Lotulelei, but resigned last year’s sack co-leader Julius Peppers.
“I wish I could have had him on our team sooner. I would have loved to be able to bring Pep back sooner, be part of our team and who knows what could have happened, but it’s been a pleasure having him around. He’s everything I believed he would be as a player and as an athlete, but man he’s really a special person too,” Rivera said.
Peppers decision to return and sign a one year deal came after some reflection this offseason. Rivera said the Panthers didn’t pressure him for an answer, but the star defensive end approached them a few weeks after having his shoulder surgery.
The Panthers did take a hit in free agency though when a deal with cornerback Bashaud Breeland fell through after he failed a team physical.
“It was a little bit of a step back initially because we really liked who he is. We think he’s a heck of a football of a football player. Unfortunately, he had some situation when he was on vacation and had to have it taken care of, so who knows. But we went out and found Ross Cockrell, a guy we think can play corner for us. He’s got a terrific skillset he’s had success in this league,” Rivera said.
Cockrell is entering his fifth season In the NFL, after spending time with the Giants, Steelers and Buffalo. He played college football at Duke and joins former North Carolina standout Da’Norris Searcy as a free agent signing.
“He’s had success. Both of those guys are Carolina guys. One at Duke, one at North Carolina so it’s a little bit of a natural rivalry but it’s good to have guys like that on your football team,” Rivera said.
THE OFFENSE
It’s been a quiet off-season so far for the Panthers quarterback, but Rivera says despite the lack of social media presence Cam Newton has been busy.
"We visited a little bit. He’s doing a lot. He looks great, is in great shape. He’s been doing stuff with his foundation. He’s been with his family and been doing a little bit of traveling, but he is in good shape,” Rivera said.
“He’s excited about being with Norv (Turner). He understands coach’s reputation. He knows of the players that he’s helped develop and the guys who have had success under him, and I think he’s pretty excited."
After a season where the Panthers felt Newton may not have had the help he needed, they’ve worked this off-season to get him some of the weapons he needs.
“It’s been exciting seeing some of the new guys we’re bringing in. We’re trying to create more opportunities for our quarterback and trying to create a better situation for him, that’s been a thrill,” Rivera said.
They’ve added veterans like wide receiver Torrey Smith and former Vikings receiver Jarius Wright to help with that.
“I think it’s going to be interesting, because we got speed and quickness. The best part is Norv was with them, and he understands what the slot position takes and that’s what we’ve got,” Rivera said.
The off-season moves have filled some of the holes the Panthers had headed into the draft, leaving a little flexibility when good players are still on the board in April.
“I think we’re set up for the draft. Where we can sit there and look at the board, and if there’s three or four guys up there, we can take the best one… I like that formula. So going forward, I’m excited. I can’t wait for the draft to be over, and quite honestly I can’t wait to start coaching again.”
