The Facts: The Panthers cut then-all-time leading rusher DeAngelo Williams three years ago in part to clear $2 million in salary-cap space and in part because he was viewed as an aging back coming off a subpar season. Could the same thing happen to Stewart, who last season passed Williams as Carolina’s all-time leading rusher?

Diehards Line: According to ESPN.com's David Newton, whether the Panthers move forward with Stewart, who turns 31 next month, after an underachieving 2017 season or release him to clear $3.7 million in cap room will say a lot about the direction of the offense under new coordinator Norv Turner. Remember, the Panthers ranked fourth in the NFL in rushing this past season with 131.4 yards per game, but that was in large part due to quarterback Cam Newton averaging a career-best 47.1 yards per game. Take Newton out of the equation and Carolina’s run game was mediocre at best. Stewart averaged a career-low 3.4 yards per carry and produced only two 100-yard rushing games and had none in the first nine. He didn’t get his first rushing touchdown until the ninth game and had only two all season. If the Panthers are going to move forward with a running game that doesn’t depend as heavily on Newton to carry it, they’ll need upgrades.