2019 ScheduleAll times ET

2019 Schedule
7-9, 2nd in NFC South

David Newton ESPN Staff Writer 

For Panthers Pro Bowl linebacker Luke Luechly the offseason has been about improving a pass rush that finished 27th in the NFL in sacks last season. So far, with the move to a 3-4 front and the additions of Gerald McCoy, Bruce Irvin and Brian Burns, Carolina seems headed in the right direction. Deciding on a free safety is the biggest question facing the defense heading into training camp.

David Newton ESPN Staff Writer 

Cam Newton.threw deeper downfield to moving targets Thursday on the last day of the Panthers' mandatory three-day minicamp. He never participated in team drills and coach Ron Rivera still hasn't revealed the next step in the quarterback's rehab from shoulder surgery when the team reports to training camp on July 24, but all signs have been positive thus far.

Newton makes kids' day at Panthers' training camp (2:11)
5d

Carolina On Our Mind

Mina and SB Nation's Charles McDonald discuss whether the Falcons (6:35), Saints (19:55), Bucs (38:57), and Panthers (48:09) will be better or worse next year. Plus, who from The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz could Mina beat in a race (34:47)?

David Newton ESPN Staff Writer 

Cornerback James Bradberry, the Panthers' 2016 second-round draft pick, is entering the last year of his contract. He's started 45 of a potential 48 regular-season games and has five interceptions during his first three seasons. Coach Ron Rivera admits a decision on whether to extend Bradberry's contract before ths season is way above his pay scale. But, Rivera added, “He is a guy that I do hope we keep around. He is important to what we've done. We've kind of shown you've got to keep that kind of a corner around.''

David Newton ESPN Staff Writer 

Panthers quarterbacks coach Scott Turner has put a lot of effort into improving Cam Newton's footwork and upper body mechanics when throwing to take stress off the quarterback's right shoulder and improve his accuracy. It was working until Newton's shoulder became an issue after a 6-2 start last season and the 2015 NFL MVP went back to old habits. Much of the focus during this offseason and Newton's rehab is to make the throw more "compact and closed off,'' to get Newton from throwing off his back foot as much. Turner likes what he's seen during minicamp camp as far as muscle memory Newton has retained.

David Newton ESPN Staff Writer 

Cam Newton did a little more on the second day of the Panthers' mandatory three-day minicamp. He expanded his range from 15 to about 20 yards and threw a handful of passes to moving targets as opposed to stationary. He still did not participate in team drills.

AP Photo/Nell Redmond
6dDavid Newton

Panthers pleased as Newton throws at practice

Panthers QB Cam Newton, coming off surgery this offseason, was throwing passes to stationary targets, none further than 15 yards, during minicamp Tuesday.

David Newton ESPN Staff Writer 

New Panthers defensive lineman Gerald McCoy lined up at left end in the 3-4 scheme with Dontari Poe at nose tackle and Kawann Short at right end. In the 4-3 scheme McCoy lined up inside at tackle next to Short with Bruce Irvin and Mario Addison at end. McCoy jokingly says he can play everywhere but safety. He got a break in the heat as the normal June humidity was non-existent. "It don't feel like it's 110 degrees and humid,'' said the former Tampa Bay Buccaneers star, who signed a one-year deal last week. "In Tampa, you can see your soul walking on the field while you're still practicing.''

David Newton ESPN Staff Writer 

Panthers coach Ron Rivera said he was ‘'very pleased'' with what he saw out of Cam Newton throwing today and how the 2015 NFL MVP responds after practice will determine how much he throws on Wednesday.

David Newton ESPN Staff Writer 

Cam Newton threw five passes during initial quarterback drills - not including another five or so into a net during warmups - on the first day of the Panthers' mandatory three-day minicamp. None were longer than about 15 yards as the 2015 NFL MVP continues to rehab from shoulder surgery. Newton's first pass to a teammate and one of only a couple to a target on a route but stationary at the time of the catch was to running back Christian McCaffrey. He did not participate in team drills as third-round pick Will Grier was first up among the backup quarterback. Newton later threw more to stationary targets in quarterback drills.

David Newton ESPN Staff Writer 

Panthers signed free agent linebacker Sione Teuhema, who participated in the team's rookie camp. They waived defensive tackle T.J. Barnes.

David Newton ESPN Staff Writer 

Cam Newton to Panthers owner David Tepper as both scramble for the first of a mandatory three-day minicamp in which the franchise quarterback will throw publicly for the first time since offseason shoulder surgery: ‘'All thé heavy hitters are here.'' Don't expect a heavy dose of throwing from Newton.

David Newton ESPN Staff Writer 

Panthers wide receiver Torrey Smith recently took a $2 million pay cut to help improve the roster with additions such as Pro Bowl defensive lineman Gerald McCoy. That also allowed Smith to remain on the roster and be a part of projects such as the one introduced on Monday when the Panthers awarded grant fundings totaling more than $300,000 to several non-profit organizations. One that was dear to Smith's heart was Project B.O.L.T (Building Outstanding Lives together), headed by Gemini Boyd, who spent 20 years in jail for drug conspiracy and his part in a shooting at Myers Park High. Boyd called it a "Match made in Heaven'' pairing him with an NFL player who has opened doors he normally couldn't have entered and widened his audience as the two fight social injustice.

7d

Schefter Podcast: J. Winston, S. Shepard Look Ahead To 2019

Adam Schefter talks to Jameis Winston about his budding relationship with Bruce Arians, how he's matured recently, Gerald McCoy going to Carolina & more (:39). Plus, Giants WR Sterling Shepard on filling the OBJ void (13:45) and your #AskAdam questions (27:10).

David Newton ESPN Staff Writer 

Panthers cornerback Ross Cockrell had to learn to walk again after a suffering a broken leg in a gruesome injury last year in training camp. He still hasn't watched the video of the injury. He's focused on being a viable part of the team this year.

David Newton ESPN Staff Writer 

Panthers quarterback Cam Newton will throw during quarterback drills during a three-day mandatory minicamp that begins on Tuesday. It will be the first time he has thrown in drills since undergoing offseason shoulder surgery. "This is all part of the rehab process," head athletic trainer Ryan Vermillion told the team website. ‘'Cam has worked extremely hard this offseason with his rehabilitation and his preparation. He's going to continue the throwing program Tuesday and we'll advance it as we monitor his progress. He's achieved every milestone we've set out for him so far in preparation for this."

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Team Stats

Passing Yards239.816th
Rushing Yards133.54th
Points For23.5Tied-14th
Points Against23.919th