What moves could ensure the Carolina Panthers return to some semblance of respectability under their new regime in 2024?
It's going to be a long road back for the Carolina Panthers. After winning two games in 2023 and suffering the embarrassment of David Tepper's petulance - together with handing over the No. 1 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft to the Chicago Bears - they quickly became the league's punching bag. Something the new power structure is looking to alter at the earliest possible opportunity.
Nobody should expect miracles overnight. Those in power inherited what can only be described as a complete car crash from those who are no longer around. Early decisions indicate they are willing to take financial hits now to provide flexibility long term. This also means things might get worse before they get better.
The Panthers won't be winning a Super Bowl in 2024, that much is certain. Even reaching the postseason would be a push, so making the NFL look at the franchise differently should be the primary objective for all involved next season.
With this in mind, here are four moves that can get the Panthers back to respectability in 2024.
Carolina Panthers must solidify the OL
This seems like a recurring theme for the Carolina Panthers. It wasn't the case this time last year after an outstanding 2022 campaign from the starting unit. Unfortunately, this led those in power to become complacent when it came to improving depth in the hope the same good fortune on the health front would emerge.
As we all know, that wasn't the case. Brady Christensen and Austin Corbett missed most of the campaign. Ikem Ekwonu became exposed at left tackle. Bradley Bozeman wasn't suited to the zone-blocking concepts and suffered accordingly. Every backup struggled when tasked with prominent reps. Taylor Moton remained the only genuine model of consistency as all around the right tackle crumbled.
Reports suggest the Panthers are going to prioritize acquisitions on the interior. Something that will benefit quarterback Bryce Young immensely as he goes in search of a bounce-back campaign in 2024.
Carolina Panthers must boost their pass-rush
Brian Burns received the non-exclusive franchise tag as expected just hours before the deadline. This allows the stud edge rusher to potentially get an offer from elsewhere that the Carolina Panthers can match. If not, then a potential trade cannot be dismissed.
While Burns' contract situation has been mismanaged, letting him walk isn't an option. The Panthers have almost no pass-rushing presence aside from the former first-round pick out of Florida State. Even if he stays - which seems likely - those in power must find ways to bolster their chances of getting after opposing quarterbacks with more consistency.
The cupboard is relatively bare with Yetur Gross-Matos and Marquis Haynes Sr. set to enter free agency. Trading up for third-round selection D.J. Johnson looks like a grave error in judgment unless there is a huge surge forward during his second offseason. Finding the right reinforcements is going to be a core component of whatever improvements come their way.
This also needs to be a collective effort. The Panthers rarely played with a lead in 2023. Having a more prolific offense would give defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero chances to implement his pass-rushing strategies he didn't benefit from much last season. Otherwise, one could expect the same complications no matter what new additions arrive.
Burns is the focal point and is likely to remain as such unless the Panthers take drastic action. But as was the case this time last year, he cannot do it alone.
Carolina Panthers must find capable pass-catchers
After general manager Scott Fitterer boldly claimed the Carolina Panthers were ready to drop in a quarterback and take off, it turned out to be anything but. It was a grave error in pro personnel evaluation - especially at the skill positions around quarterback Bryce Young. When it was time for his job to be evaluated, everyone saw his departure coming.
Dan Morgan was complicit in the team's poor roster construction as Fitterer's right-hand man. This brings a level of skepticism to his promotion into the front-office leadership role, but he's keen to stamp his mark on the franchise and bring a level of collaborative competence to the football operation that wasn't evident previously.
Finding Young upgrades in the passing game must be prioritized. The likes of Terrace Marshall Jr., D.J. Chark, and Miles Sanders failed to meet expectations. All hope is not lost with Jonathan Mingo despite an underwhelming rookie campaign. Adam Thielen was the only consistent presence but might want a switch away to spend his final seasons on a contender.
Of course, free agency will have a few enticing options if the Panthers can find enough financial means. This is also projected to be one of the deepest wide receiver draft classes in recent memory. Carolina doesn't boast a first-round pick, but they cannot come away empty-handed.
If the skill position players are enhanced and the offensive line demonstrates improvements through scheme and acquisitions, Young will have no excuses. This brings us nicely to my final point…
Carolina Panthers must scheme to Bryce Young's strengths
Bryce Young was failed by the Carolina Panthers last season. Those in power gravely mismanaged recruitment around the rookie quarterback. Frank Reich also tried to force him into an already-devised scheme rather than conjure one up based on his skill set. There were some fleeting moments, but the No. 1 pick's first campaign in a professional environment was a disaster.
Young's been written off by some in the national media. That's incredibly foolish after just one year, but it does highlight the importance of doing everything possible in pursuit of maximizing Carolina's substantial investment in the signal-caller moving forward.
Dave Canales speaks with clarity and conviction regarding Young. He doesn't think the Heisman Trophy winner needs fixing - far from it. He feels like molding an offensive strategy to maximize the tools at his disposal will make all the difference. Something the previous coaching regime couldn't do effectively.
Hopes are high considering Canales' previous credentials. He's a renowned quarterback whisperer and played a leading role in the career renaissance of Baker Mayfield and Geno Smith in recent years. If Carolina's new head coach has a similar impact on Young, it's all systems go.
There is a sense of urgency to get things right after so much failure under David Tepper's ownership. The Panthers won't be among the leading contenders in 2024, but earning back a sense of respect around the league is an attainable target if the right foundations are laid throughout the offseason.