5 Panthers on Thin Ice Heading Into the NFL Draft

5. Eddy Pineiro - K

Eddy Pineiro is on an expiring contract and made only 86.2% of his kicks in 2023. That's a solid but unspectacular number and he missed three of his 20 extra points as well. His accuracy took a step back as he dealt with an injury, and the Panthers aren't tied to him long-term if they want to get a fresh face at the position.

Carolina is Pineiro's sixth NFL team and he's running out of chances to prove he sticks in the league. Considering the Panthers need to show marked improvement under a new regime, every point matters. If Pineiro struggles in training camp or early in the season, don't expect loyalty from Dave Canales or Dan Morgan.

His most notable moment of the season was that missed 59-yard try against Chicago, which was likely an unfair position to put him in to begin with. Nonetheless, it's a memory that lives in Panthers fans' minds as a lost opportunity.

Carolina may even choose to draft a kicker with a late-round pick or sign an undrafted player to give Pineiro some competition. This coaching staff will feel both the freedom and pressure to field the best team possible to maximize Bryce Young's rookie contract and Pineiro was brought in under the former special teams coordinator.

I think he'll get a chance to win the job, but it won't be handed to him. Thus, he's our final player on thin ice entering the 2024 NFL Draft.

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