Panthers analysis: Is Jonathan Stewart’s time up? And if so, how will he be replaced?

While new Carolina Panthers offensive coordinator Norv Turner was brought in to help make quarterback Cam Newton a more effective passer, Turner also might want to look for ways to make Newton less involved in the running game.

The Panthers finished fourth in the NFL in rushing offense in 2017 with 131.4 yards a game, a stat bolstered by a career high in carries for Newton (139).

While Jonathan Stewart slogged through his worst statistical season, Newton led the Panthers in rushing for the first time since 2012 and was the only Carolina back to crack the top 25 on the NFL’s individual rushing chart.

Stewart’s downward trajectory would have made him a likely cap casualty if Dave Gettleman were still the Panthers GM. It will be interesting to see what Marty Hurney does with a running back he gave a big contract to in 2011.

Three things to know

▪  Stewart’s status: Armchair GMs have been trying to get rid of Stewart for years. But Stewart took a pay cut last offseason when he signed a one-year contract extension, leaving him with a reasonable $5.2 million cap figure this year. Plus, if the Panthers cut Stewart, they’d have to draft or sign a physical back to replace him.

▪  Another strong crop: Christian McCaffrey was part of a deep group of running backs in last year’s draft, many of whom had major impacts as rookies. This year’s RB class might not be as deep but it’s loaded at the top, starting with Penn State’s Saquon Barkley.

▪  Turner’s philosophy: Offensive coaches like ex-Panthers coordinator Rob Chudzinski had just brought the zone read to the NFL when Turner’s stint as the Chargers coach was ending. And while Turner incorporated quarterback runs into his playbook for Teddy Bridgewater in Minnesota, it’s hard to envision Newton approaching 139 carries again with Turner calling the shots.

On the roster

▪  Jonathan Stewart: Stewart posted career lows for a season in which he has played at least 10 games. He averaged just 3.4 yards per carry, and was an afterthought in a couple of games down the stretch. The Panthers would gain $3.7 million in cap savings by cutting Stewart, who turns 31 next month.

▪  Christian McCaffrey: Run CMC averaged just 3.7 yards per rush as a rookie, in part because Mike Shula insisted in running McCaffrey up the gut a few times a game. McCaffrey would benefit by bulking up this season, but he wasn’t drafted eighth overall to be a between-the-tackles runner.

▪  Cameron Artis-Payne: The back known as “Cap” is the only other power runner on the roster besides Stewart. Artis-Payne averaged 5.3 yards per carry in limited action in 2017, and has yet to get a true shot to shine in Carolina.

▪  Also: Fullback Alex Armah didn’t get many reps as a rookie, mainly because TE Ed Dickson often lined up in the backfield as an extra blocker. But Armah should see his playing time increase, particularly if Dickson is not re-signed.

Free agent possibilities

▪  Darren Sproles: At 34 and coming off an ACL injury last season in Philadelphia, Sproles’ best days are behind him. But his connections to Turner and Ron Rivera in San Diego can’t be ignored. And if the Panthers can sign him to a short, team-friendly deal, Sproles would serve as a valuable teacher and insurance for McCaffrey.

▪  Dion Lewis: RBs Rex Burkhead and Lewis are both set to become free agents in New England, which typically does not overpay its backs. Lewis had a terrific 2017 season in which he tallied more than 1,100 yards from scrimmage, so he’s going to attract plenty of bidders. Lewis makes sense for the Panthers only if they release Stewart.

▪  Zach Line: While it’s tempting to think free agent fullback Mike Tolbert could return (after all, the Panthers and Bills keep swapping players), the Tol-Dozer will be 33 by the end of next season. Line, 27, is a younger option at fullback, having opened holes for Alvin Kamara and Mark Ingram last season in New Orleans.

Draft possibilities

▪  Nick Chubb: Sony Michel, Chubb’s backfield mate at Georgia, has more speed and wowed scouts with an impressive Rose Bowl showing. But Chubb is the stronger of the two backs and could make it to the second day of the draft, when the Panthers would be more likely to pounce if they’re going to take a back.

▪  Jaylen Samuels: Scouts haven’t figured out quite where to list the N.C. State playmaker, who was officially an H-back for the Wolfpack. Samuels. N.C. State’s leading receiver with 76 catches last year, is the kind of versatile weapon the Panthers went after last year with McCaffrey and Curtis Samuel.

▪  Kalen Ballage: The Arizona State back gained attention at the Senior Bowl with a physical, downhill running style reminiscent of Stewart. The 6-2, 222-pounder could be an intriguing Day 2 pick, whether Stewart’s still on the roster or not.

The bottom line

The decision that Hurney makes with Stewart will shape the Panthers’ plans at the RB position. Even if Stewart returns next season, it would be smart to draft another back to groom behind Stewart – or fill in in the seemingly inevitable event he gets hurt.

Other position analyses

This story was originally published February 21, 2018 at 12:31 PM with the headline "Panthers analysis: Is Jonathan Stewart’s time up? And if so, how will he be replaced?."