Carolina Panthers Offseason Needs: Key Areas for Improvement and Strategic Focus
The Carolina Panthers are currently in the midst of their seventh consecutive losing season, having only recorded two years of winning seven games, four years of five wins, and one year with just two wins. This extended period of underperformance has led to growing frustration among fans and raised questions about the future of the team. Under NFL owner Dave Tepper, the Panthers have posted a dismal 31-70 record, with several controversial moves, including the trades of star running back Christian McCaffrey and, more recently, quarterback Bryce Young. These decisions have led many to wonder if Tepper's leadership is hindering the team's potential for success. Despite these ongoing struggles, there may be a glimmer of hope for the Panthers, as signs of progress have emerged following the 2024 season. With the right strategic adjustments, the team could potentially begin to turn things around after years of disappointment.
Bryce Young's Development and Offensive Promise
After finishing the 2024 season with a 5-12 record, many might assume the Carolina Panthers are regressing. However, this was an improvement from their disastrous 2-15 campaign in 2023, especially considering they didn’t even own their own number-one draft pick. Despite a rough start to the season, with former number-one overall pick Bryce Young struggling, the team’s trajectory began to shift. Initially benched for poor performance, Young returned in Week Eight and showcased significant improvement. His yards per attempt rose from 4.4 to 6.6 after his return. Over the remainder of the season, Young accumulated 20 total touchdowns, including five rushing scores, six interceptions, 2,104 passing yards, a 61.8% completion rate, and an 88.9 passer rating. In his final three games, his play reached new heights, with 10 total touchdowns, no turnovers, 612 yards, a 64.8% completion rate, and a stellar 111.6 passer rating.
Defensive Struggles and Historical Deficiencies
On the other side of the ball, the Panthers' defense had an abysmal season, finishing at the bottom in nearly every major statistical category. They set a new NFL record for the most points allowed in a regular season with 534, becoming the worst defensive unit in league history. The struggles began early, as the defense gave up 47 points to Derek Carr and the New Orleans Saints in Week One. By Week Seven, the defense hit rock bottom when Marcus Mariota and the Washington Commanders scored 40 points, even with Rookie of the Year candidate Jayden Daniels sitting out. The futility continued into Week 17 when the Panthers allowed a season-high 48 points to Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Buccaneers also set a franchise record for time of possession against Carolina in that game, further highlighting the defense’s struggles. Throughout the season, the defense, under coordinator Ejiro Evero, consistently failed to stop opposing offenses, ultimately setting an unfortunate record.
Positive Signs Despite Defensive Woes
Despite the glaring issues on defense, the Panthers did see signs of promise with Bryce Young’s development, which suggests potential for the future. The team's offensive improvement, particularly in Young’s play, offers hope for the coming seasons. However, the defense will need significant overhauls if the Panthers are to become competitive again. The franchise will likely focus on rebuilding the defense, given the historic struggles they faced in 2024. With a solid foundation on offense, the Panthers can look ahead to potential improvements in both the draft and free agency to address their defensive shortcomings. It will be critical for the team to balance continued growth in Young’s development with a renewed commitment to defensive stability. While the 2024 season was challenging, it could serve as a stepping stone for the Panthers to rebuild and reestablish themselves as a competitive force in the NFC.
Key Defensive Areas for Improvement in 2025
With the Draft less than two months away, the Carolina Panthers are in need of significant changes on the defensive side of the ball. Since they are keeping defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero, the team’s main focus must be on adding the right players. The Panthers' defense struggled mightily in 2024, particularly along the interior of the line, where the absence of superstar defensive tackle Derrick Brown was felt deeply. This gap led to the Panthers allowing nearly 40 more rushing yards per game than any other team. To address this, the Panthers will need to draft a defensive tackle who can help stop the run and provide consistent pressure on the quarterback, with Michigan’s Mason Graham being their best hope. Additionally, the edge rush rotation needs an upgrade, as starters Jadeveon Clowney and DJ Wonnum will be gone by 2026, and the team ranked near the bottom in sacks and pass rush win rate. They’ll need to focus on a second-tier edge prospect like Georgia's Mykel Williams, although top candidate Abdul Carter will likely be out of their range.
Improving Secondary and Building Depth
On the back end, the Panthers' safety play was equally disappointing, with Xavier Woods and Jordan Fuller consistently out of position and giving up big plays. The Panthers should target both safety spots in the draft and free agency. Georgia's Malaki Starks and USC's Kamari Ramsey are among the top draft targets, while veterans like Justin Reid and Justin Simmons could help solidify the secondary in free agency. In addition to addressing safety and defensive line needs, the Panthers should also focus on bolstering linebacker and corner depth. While the cornerback group, led by Jaycee Horn, Chau Smith-Wade, and Mike Jackson, is relatively set, they still need to draft for depth. Similarly, linebacker depth is a priority, especially with veteran Shaq Thompson likely leaving. By adding quality depth at linebacker and cornerback, the Panthers can solidify their defense for the future and ensure sustained strength across all levels.
