Which big reunions will members of the Carolina Panthers have no doubt circled on their 2023 regular-season schedule calendars?
Some Carolina Panthers players and coaches will come up against familiar faces during the 2023 season. Reunions are always intriguing matchups, mainly because the networks always magnify the situation.
As we explore the four big reunions on the Panthers' 2023 schedule, remember that most players have accepted that the NFL is a business. With that being said, let's begin.
Reunion No. 1
Carolina Panthers vs. Saints - Week 2
The Panthers' first home game of the season will be the third consecutive opener where the opponent's former starting quarterback will be in blue.
Andy Dalton signed a two-year deal worth up to $11 million after spending the 2022 season with the New Orleans Saints. In 14 starts, the veteran quarterback had 18 scores through the air and boasted a 2:1 touchdown/interception ratio.
The 35-year–old wasn’t brought into the Panthers to start 14 games though. Dalton’s experience will be great for Bryce Young’s growth, but it’s certainly possible he starts in this Week 2 matchup.
Vonn Bell and Shy Tuttle are also set to get a crack at their former team in this one. There is also an added level of intrigue with the game set to feature on Monday Night Football.
Carolina Panthers vs. Vikings - Week 4
Next is the first of two notable wide receiver reunions. After the Minnesota Vikings released Adam Thielen to preserve $15 million in cap space, the Carolina Panthers signed the nine-year veteran to a three-year, $25 million deal with $10 million in 2023.
Thielen will now be tasked with helping Terrace Marshall Jr., Jonathan Mingo, Laviska Shenault Jr., and an overall young receiving room find consistency after helping Justin Jefferson adjust to the NFL game.
The 33-year-old's receiving production has subsided from a yards perspective. But the veteran wideout has 30 touchdowns over the past three seasons.
The Panthers' matchup against Minnesota in Week 4 will be convivial on both sides. After Thielen's release, Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah released the following statement:
"Adam will forever be a part of the Minnesota Vikings family and history. Setting the standard with his play on the field, being a selfless teammate, and making a permanent impact in the community, Adam's influence is significant. We are grateful for everything he brought to the Vikings organization since arriving in 2013, and I'm thankful to have had the opportunity to work with him over the last year. He is the best representation of what the Minnesota Vikings should stand for. I wish nothing but the best for Adam, Caitlin and their entire family."Kwesi Adofo-Mensah via Yahoo Sports
Thielen finished his stellar career in Minnesota as a top-five wideout in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns in franchise history. But that won't stop him from wanting to gain revenge on his old employers next season.
Carolina Panthers vs. Colts - Week 9
Frank Reich was fired by the Indianapolis Colts after a loss to the New England Patriots last season. This was a third-straight reverse for the experienced figure en route to a 3-5-1 start.
Reich was 40-33-1 in his time with Indianapolis, including a 1–2 record in the playoffs. Jim Irsay replaced the 60-year-old with Jeff Saturday, which came with skepticism and ridicule in equal measure once the news became official.
Saturday, who left his job as an analyst at ESPN to take over the team, spent the duration of his playing career with Peyton Manning and the Colts. The prolific former center went 1-7 following Reich’s dismissal and wasn’t retained.
After Andrew Luck’s sudden retirement, Reich was largely scrutinized for acquiring different veteran quarterbacks each year. This was a mistake he wasn't going to make with the Carolina Panthers, who now have Bryce Young and a revamped coaching staff to help him win football games.
Reich is experienced enough to treat Carolina's game against the Colts at Bank of America Stadium in Week 9 like any other. Even if deep down, it's going to mean a whole lot more.
Carolina Panthers at Bears - Week 10
The blockbuster trade that sent the No. 1 overall pick to the Carolina Panthers included a plethora of picks and star wide receiver, D.J. Moore.
Moore was selected by the Panthers in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft out of Maryland. During his five seasons in Carolina, he accumulated more than 5,200 receiving yards and 21 touchdowns.
In an era of inconsistency for Carolina, Moore produced three straight seasons with at least 1,200 scrimmage yards. This represented outstanding production when one considers the constant stream of quarterbacks that failed to produce the goods.
The Chicago Bears are hoping that the addition of Moore will allow Justin Fields to make the colossal leap that Jalen Hurts managed when A.J. Brown was acquired from the Tennessee Titans. However, the jury is still out in that regard and it doesn't appear as if the two situations are all that similar upon further examination.
They'll have plenty of time to build rapport as the Panthers are set to travel to Chicago for a Week 10 Thursday night showdown in primetime. Something that has an added sense of spice following their offseason connection that also saw D'Onta Foreman and PJ. Walker head to the NFC North for good measure.
Neither fanbase wants to lose face after some fierce arguing on social media that will only intensify ahead of the clash. High stakes, indeed.