Early in the offseason expectations were the Carolina Panthers would be able to keep either offensive guard Andrew Norwell or defensive tackle Star Lotulelei. Both were due for a big pay day and it was likely general manager Marty Hurney would award one for their contributions to the team over the past few seasons.
Eventually, both ending up finding more money elsewhere and neither returned, although, Hurney did sign former Falcons and Chiefs defensive tackle Dontari Poe. It was then that fans expected the selection of a rookie offensive lineman for the future but the NFL Draft passed without adding any such player.