Nobody expected the Carolina Panthers to sit on their hands and stand pat after one of the worst seasons in franchise history. The team is languishing at rock bottom with nowhere to go but up. After a memorable recruitment period under the new power trio of Dan Morgan, Brandt Tilis, and Dave Canales, confidence has been restored.
The Panthers invested heavily into their offense to ensure quarterback Bryce Young gets a better chance to shine moving forward. Carolina also wanted to raise standards and increase competition across the board. This is a proven method for enhancing performance levels with an extra sense of urgency given the new regime has no sentiment attached to their decision-making process.
Nobody is expecting miracles right out of the gate. However, if the Panthers can make gradual improvements and Young takes a step forward under Canales' expert guidance, fans will start to see light at the end of a very dark tunnel.
Looking at how things stand following another offseason of vast changes across the board, we took a look at how the Panthers' 53-man roster might look when Week 1 rolls around. However, the promise of further arrivals cannot be dismissed with Carolina sitting at No. 1 on the waiver wire.
Carolina Panthers special teams (3)
- Eddy Pineiro (K), Johnny Hekker (P), J.J. Jansen (LS).
Veteran long-snapper J.J. Jansen is returning to extend his franchise record in competitive appearances. Johnny Hekker should also remain a consistent presence punting the football. Hopefully, the All-Decade player will be tasked with far less this season given Dave Canales' plans for offensive growth in 2024.
The fate of Eddy Pineiro is less certain. He's entering the final year of his deal and faces competition for his spot in the form of undrafted free agent Harrison Mevis. It'll be interesting to see how both players respond throughout the offseason, but the veteran is tentatively preferred at this juncture.
That said, general manager Dan Morgan won't hesitate to go with the young rookie if he feels like it's the best thing for the Carolina Panthers long-term.
Carolina Panthers safeties (5)
- Xavier Woods, Jordan Fuller, Sam Franklin Jr., Nick Scott, Alex Cook.
The Carolina Panthers released veteran safety Vonn Bell as part of Dan Morgan's roster revamp. This was surprising when one considers his performance when healthy in 2023, but the general manager opted to take some financial hits short-term for future flexibility instead.
Xavier Woods remains after an outstanding season. Jordan Fuller looks like Bell's replacement and is closely associated with former defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero from their time together on the Los Angeles Rams. Nick Scott was also acquired for depth purposes, but he'll need to improve drastically after an underwhelming campaign last time out.
Sam Franklin Jr. was re-signed as a rotational piece and core special teamer. Evero utilized Alex Cook heavily in 2023, which means he might be preferred to someone like Jammie Robinson when push comes to shove.
Carolina Panthers CBs (6)
- Jaycee Horn, Dane Jackson, Troy Hill, D'Shawn Jamison, Dicaprio Bootle, Chau Smith-Wade.
If there is one position group that remains a concern, it's the cornerback spot. The Carolina Panthers traded Donte Jackson to the Pittsburgh Steelers and C.J. Henderson signed for the Houston Texans in free agency. This depleted an already struggling unit heading into a crucial campaign.
There seems to be an over-reliance on Jaycee Horn looking at how things stand. The former first-round pick is an accomplished coverage presence when healthy, but dependability is a major issue despite the player having his fifth-year option picked up.
Dan Morgan is higher on Dane Jackson than most fans, which should encourage. Troy Hill is a dependable veteran and Chau Smith-Wade might feature as a rookie. Dicaprio Bootle and D'Shawn Jamison could fill out the depth chart, but it would be a significant shock if further additions didn't arrive by the time competitive action begins.
Carolina Panthers LBs (9)
- Jadeveon Clowney, D.J. Wonnum, Shaq Thompson, Josey Jewell, K'Lavon Chaisson, Trevin Wallace, Michael Barrett, Amare Barno, D.J. Johnson.
After the Carolina Panthers traded explosive pass-rusher Brian Burns to the New York Giants and lost Frankie Luvu to the Washington Commanders in free agency, many wondered if the defense would have enough to impose themselves under Ejiro Evero. Especially considering the transition of major investment to the offensive side of things to give Bryce Young a fighting chance.
Jadeveon Clowney and D.J. Wonnum could be the starting edge-rushing tandem in Evero's 3-4 base scheme. Shaq Thompson and free-agent signing Josey Jewell should man the interior. Depending on his transition, third-round pick Trevin Wallace could also have a role to play.
Aside from that, there are severe concerns surrounding the rest. Someone needs to stand up and make their presence felt. Otherwise, it won't take long for complications to emerge.
Carolina Panthers DL (6)
- Derrick Brown, Shy Tuttle, A'Shawn Robinson, Jaden Crumedy, Popo Aumavae, Nick Thurman.
Many wondered if the Carolina Panthers could work out a long-term deal with Derrick Brown after how the franchise mismanaged Brian Burns' situation. However, the new regime made a significant statement of intent by tying down their best overall player throughout his prime years.
Brown was rewarded for an exceptional season in 2023 while all around him crumbled. A'Shawn Robinson should be a formidable asset opposite the Auburn product. Shy Tuttle looks set for nose tackle responsibilities once again, but this looks like a gamble based on his uncomfortable production last season.
Jaden Crumedy should have enough to make the team after the Panthers took him No. 200 overall. Nick Thurman flashed enough to suggest more could arrive with additional refinement. It's also worth monitoring undrafted free agent Popo Aumavae closely after he caught the eye at Carolina's rookie minicamp.
Carolina Panthers OL (9)
- Ikem Ekwonu, Damien Lewis, Austin Corbett, Robert Hunt, Taylor Moton, Brady Christensen, Yosh Nijman, Chandler Zavala, Andrew Raym.
The Carolina Panthers didn't take long to prioritize the offensive line in free agency. Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis came into the franchise at great expense to become their new starting guard tandem. Something that should help quarterback Bryce Young considerably if both stay clear of any injury complications.
Ikem Ekwonu and Taylor Moton remain the bookend offensive tackle pieces and can hopefully flourish. Austin Corbett is being switched to the center position, which is a big call considering his lack of experience manning the spot and his recent health issues.
The depth looks better with Brady Christensen being demoted and Yosh Nijman coming in as the team's swing tackle. Considering there is no confirmed veteran specialist at the center spot, undrafted free agent Andrew Raym has a good shot at winning a place on the 53-man roster if he shows enough during the upcoming preparation period.
Carolina Panthers TEs (3)
- Tommy Tremble, Ja'Tavion Sanders, Ian Thomas.
The tight-end position remains an ongoing complication. This is one issue the Carolina Panthers haven't solved effectively since Matt Rhule opted to let Greg Olsen walk in favor of the Seattle Seahawks in 2020.
Dave Canales and Dan Morgan are high on Tommy Tremble's chances of improving with additional responsibilities. The Panthers also selected Ja'Tavion Sanders at No. 101 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. While he won't offer much from a blocking standpoint, there's a lot to like about his chances of becoming a decent option in the passing game right out of the gate.
After taking yet another pay cut to stick around, Ian Thomas might be the No. 3 option and blocking specialist. But how much he'll see the field aside from special teams is another matter.
Carolina Panthers WRs (6)
- Adam Thielen, Diontae Johnson, Xavier Legette, Jonathan Mingo, Ihmir Smith-Marsette, Jalen Coker.
Getting more production from the wide receiver position was essential this offseason. The Carolina Panthers recognized this too as they look to take some of the pressure off Adam Thielen's shoulders in 2024.
Thielen was the one shining light last season. He's also not getting any younger, which led to the Panthers making some eye-catching acquisitions to hopefully ease the burden.
Carolina secured the services of Diontae Johnson via trade from the Pittsburgh Steelers. They also took Xavier Legette at No. 32 overall and re-signed Ihmir Smith-Marsette, who flashed moments of promise when introduced onto the offensive rotation last time around.
Jonathan Mingo will make the team after his indifferent rookie contribution. Someone like undrafted free agent Jalen Coker is more than capable of beating out the likes of Terrace Marshall Jr. onto the team with a strong offseason under his belt.
Carolina Panthers RBs (4)
- Chuba Hubbard, Jonathon Brooks, Miles Sanders, Raheem Blackshear.
Dave Canales has made no secret of his desire to run the football. It's something the head coach will be stubborn about and looking at the personnel available, making strides in this area is almost guaranteed.
Chuba Hubbard, Miles Sanders, and Raheem Blackshear were all retained. The Carolina Panthers also traded up to land Jonathon Brooks at No. 46 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. The former Texas star might not be 100 percent right away, but he's got the talent to become a dangerous three-down backfield threat if the coaching staff eases him back into the mix.
There's a chance Rashaad Penny makes the team over someone like Blackshear and Sanders. The running back room looks crowded right now, which will make for another exciting offseason dynamic.
Carolina Panthers QBs (2)
- Bryce Young, Andy Dalton.
This offseason has been centered on doing everything possible to help Bryce Young bounce back following a dismal rookie campaign. The quarterback went through significant turmoil and couldn't compensate for the mitigating circumstances surrounding his downfall. It was a complete disaster from start to finish, but things could be looking up if improvements are made under head coach Dave Canales.
Young has better protection - especially on the interior - and playmakers capable of creating separation. Canales' intent to run the football frequently should create space to do damage in the passing game, so the pressure is on to make strides with the spotlight glaring.
Andy Dalton will once again be on hand to provide a dependable backup and mentor for the Heisman Trophy winner out of Alabama. It seems unlikely the Panthers will take three quarterbacks given how much they've invested in Young.