4 Panthers players who haven’t matched offseason hype in 2022

D.J. Moore – Carolina Panthers WR

After three consecutive 1,000-yard receiving years with almost no consistent quarterback play, the arrival of Baker Mayfield was something expected to propel D.J. Moore to greater heights. The former first-round pick has undeniable talents and was deservedly given a lucrative contract extension before the campaign, but it’s been a difficult season overall through no real fault of his own.

Inept scheming from offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo early on left Moore as a relative bystander. Everything went through Christian McCaffrey and if it didn’t, the former New York Giants head coach couldn’t seem to find the answers or creativity to make anything happen.

Moore cut a frustrated figure and was the subject of interest before the trade deadline, with the Carolina Panthers reportedly turning down a first-round pick from the Green Bay Packers, which could be a top-10 selection given their struggles in 2022 to date.

There have been moments where Moore looks like a truly elite weapon. The Panthers haven’t done him many favors this season, but McAdoo’s scheme implementation looks far more creative without Matt Rhule looking over his shoulder, which bodes well for the Maryland product over their remaining seven games.

Moore is gifted and a huge part of Carolina’s future. But multiple elements mean he’s not going to meet some massive off-season hype.