Carolina Panthers: Top 5 breakout candidates in 2020

The Carolina Panthers have gone through a lot of changes this off-season, and some young players are ready to take the next step.

Now that long-time head coach Ron Rivera was relieved of his duties with the Carolina Panthers last season. The organization and their new man at the helm Matt Rhule have decided to go in a completely different direction.

The former face of the franchise, Cam Newton, was released by the Carolina Panthers earlier this offseason. And star defensive player Luke Kuechly decided to retire after eight hugely successful seasons that will surely end up with a place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

With Newton, Kuechly, and many other players no longer on the Panthers’ roster. It opens the door for young players to fight for a starting spot. There are a lot of talented individuals in Carolina with the potential to be great. But whether they can deliver with more responsibility on their shoulders in 2020 is another matter entirely.

The Panthers made it a point to go out and get stronger on offense during a busy free agency period. They didn’t sign many defensive players. And that is why a lot of second-year pros will get a chance to make a real name for themselves when competitive action gets back underway.

Not only will they get to compete for a starting job, but they will get a chance to become breakout stars. Here are some Panthers players who have a chance to have a big campaign in 2020.