A Season of Lessons and Growth for the Carolina Panthers
The 2024 season was a rollercoaster for the Carolina Panthers, a journey marked by highs and lows, ultimately culminating in a disappointing 5-12 record and a third-place finish in the NFC South, leading to their failure to make the playoffs. The season was particularly interesting due to the development and performance of their 2023 No. 1 overall draft pick, Bryce Young. Young’s early struggles and subsequent benching raised concerns about his future with the team. However, he was given a second chance and showed significant improvement, particularly in the latter part of the season. While it’s too early to call Young a future star, the Panthers can now move forward with him as their quarterback, providing stability and a clear direction for the team’s future.
Key Free Agents and Roster Concerns
The Panthers have several key free agents to address during the offseason. On defense, the team needs to figure out who will return at safety, with both Xavier Woods and Brady Christensen becoming free agents. Woods, in particular, will be a significant loss if he leaves, as he was a solid presence in the secondary. On the offensive line, Christensen and Austin Corbett are also free agents. Corbett’s injuries have been a concern, but his versatility makes him a valuable player. The Panthers will need to decide whether to bring back at least one of these players or start rebuilding the line around Bryce Young. Additionally, the team re-signed veteran quarterback Andy Dalton to a two-year deal worth $8 million. Dalton will continue to serve as a mentor to Young, providing valuable guidance and a reliable backup option.
Addressing Key Needs in Free Agency
The Panthers have several critical needs to address in free agency, primarily on defense. The team is in dire need of an edge rusher, a position that became a weakness after trading away Brian Burns. Finding a player who can generate pressure on the quarterback and disrupt opposing offenses will be crucial. Depth at linebacker is also a priority, considering the injury concerns with Josey Jewell and the free-agent status of Shaq Thompson. On offense, adding a reliable wide receiver to complement the young talent like Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker will be essential. The Panthers have a solid foundation but need to enhance their receiving corps to fully unlock Young’s potential as a passer.
Salary Cap and Potential Cuts
The Panthers are in relatively good shape when it comes to the salary cap, with $24 million in projected cap space, according to Spotrac. This provides them with flexibility to make significant moves in free agency and the draft. However, the team will likely make some cuts to free up additional cap space. Running back Miles Sanders, who has had two disappointing seasons, is a strong candidate for a cut. Defensive tackle Shy Tuttle, who hasn’t made a significant impact, could also be let go, clearing about $3.3 million in cap space. Wide receiver Adam Thielen, despite his strong finish to the season, might be considered for a cut due to his age and the team’s desire to focus on younger talent. However, his value as a reliable slot receiver could lead the Panthers to retain him.
Draft Picks and Potential Targets
The Panthers hold several early draft picks, starting with the eighth overall pick in the first round, along with selections in the second, third, fourth, and multiple fifth and seventh rounds. This gives them the opportunity to address their needs at multiple positions. A versatile safety like Malaki Starks from Georgia could be an excellent fit with the eighth pick. Starks’ ability to play both in the box and in coverage would provide a much-needed boost to the Panthers’ secondary. Additionally, the Panthers should focus on finding a top-tier wide receiver to pair with Young. This position is crucial for the development of their offense and will help Young reach new heights as a quarterback.
Building Around a Bright Future
The Panthers have a core of young, talented players around Bryce Young, including promising rookies like Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker. To take the next step, the team needs to add a true No. 1 wide receiver who can stretch the field and create mismatches. This type of player doesn’t come around often, but the Panthers should prioritize this addition this offseason. Whether through the draft or free agency, finding a reliable X-receiver will be key to unlocking the full potential of Young and the Panthers’ offense. With the right pieces in place, the Panthers can build a competitive roster and return to playoff contention in the near future.
