The Panthers have tendered four exclusive rights free agents for the 2018 season, issuing tenders to punter Michael Palardy, wide receiver Damiere Byrd, tight end Chris Manhertz and offensive linemen Tyler Larsen; exclusive rights free agents are players whose contracts have expired and has three or fewer tenured years in the league. Had the Panthers not tendered offers to these players by March 14, as the team chose to do with offensive lineman Dan France, they would have been able to negotiate with other teams as unrestricted free agents.
Palardy, who replaced Andy Lee during the 2016 season and won a training camp competition this August to become the Panthers’ full-time punter, his first full season as a punter for a single team; Palardy set the franchise record for net punting average (42.4) and placed 25 punts inside the 20-yard line. Manhertz, a converted basketball star from Canisius University, is still growing into his role as a football player, and he is currently the second tight end on the roster behind Greg Olsen.
Tyler Larsen, who started 15 games at center over the past two seasons while Ryan Kalil nursed injuries, has the versatility to add depth across the offensive line and will almost certainly get a chance to compete for the starting left guard position if Andrew Norwell chooses to leave in free agency. Byrd, who flashed multiple times throughout last season, including two touchdowns in the Week 14 game against Green Bay and a return for a score the next week before suffering a season-ending lower-leg injury on the second half kickoff. Byrd is expected to be a contributor next season and is clearly a part of the Panthers’ offensive plans next season as they transition to Norv Turner’s offensive scheme.
All four players are expected to make less than $800,000 next season, although the exact cap figures have not been released quite yet. The team has decisions to make on their restricted free agents, most notably wide receiver Kaelin Clay, before the March 14th deadline as well.
