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3 Moves Matt Rhule Should Make Right Away to Change Culture in Carolina

By Scott Rogust

Matt Rhule was hired to change the culture of the Panthers, here are three ways they can do so.
Matt Rhule was hired to change the culture of the Panthers, here are three ways they can do so. / Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images

The Carolina Panthers just made a major splash in their coaching search, calling up one of the hottest names from the college ranks. Baylor Bears boss Matt Rhule, who was also linked to the New York Giants, opted to sign with the Panthers, who offered him a seriously lucrative deal.

Owner David Tepper hired Rhule because of his success of turning Baylor and Temple into respectable football programs. Not only that, but Rhule's plan to change the culture in Carolina is what swayed him to bring out the checkbook. With that in mind, here are three moves Matt Rhule should make right away to help turn the tide for the Panthers.

3. Get a Premium Offensive Lineman in Free Agency

The Panthers desperately need to build the offensive line.
The Panthers desperately need to build the offensive line. / Wesley Hitt/Getty Images

The main catalyst for the Panthers' failures this season was the lack of a quality offensive line. A proverbial turnstile led to the injury to Cam Newton and the struggles of Kyle Allen; Luckily for Rhule, they have $27 million in cap space, which would allow them to make a play for a top lineman. Players like Jack Conklin and Andrew Whitworth could help the Panthers in protection and help mentor the younger linemen on the roster.

2. Sign Chris Jones to Fix Rush Defense

The Panthers struggled against the run, and Chris Jones would solve their woes.
The Panthers struggled against the run, and Chris Jones would solve their woes. / Jamie Squire/Getty Images

The Panthers had one of the worst run defenses in the league, ranking 29th against opposing rushing attacks (143.5 yards/game). Carolina needs a premium player in the middle of the defensive line. Enter Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones. By adding the 26-year-old in free agency, Rhule can instantly fix that problem with one signing. Particularly given his mere 25 years of age, the Panthers would have themselves a worthwhile investment.

1. Moving on From Cam Newton

The best way to change the culture is for Matt Rhule to move on from Cam Newton and take his own QB.
The best way to change the culture is for Matt Rhule to move on from Cam Newton and take his own QB. / Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

The fastest way to change up the culture of a team is by making a quarterback change, and Carolina appeared to be preparing for life without Cam Newton this season due to the numerous injuries the former first overall pick accumulated in recent years. Now, holding the No. 7 pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, Matt Rhule has the chance to pick his own QB in a stacked class containing the likes of Justin Herbert and Jordan Love. Considering Newton would account for just a $2 million dead cap hit, moving on from him on the last year of his contract actually makes sense.