Dan Morgan has a lot of hard work ahead this offseason. Before the Carolina Panthers focus on incomings, the general manager and others in positions of power must decide on the fate of their free agents.
It's a ruthless and uncertain time around the league. Veterans will be cast aside. Others will be rewarded for their efforts with long-term commitments. Players will be traded. A select few will be extended ahead of time. And for some, this will be the end of their NFL journeys.
Morgan is running the Panthers more professionally. He's cut emotional attachment from the decision-making process and placed the football operation on sounder footing. It's not the finished article just yet, but there is finally stability within the franchise.
That represents a solid foundation from which to build. Not everyone is going to come along for the ride, but Morgan will stick to his strategy. Confidence is high among the fanbase, and there is a real chance for Carolina to enter the NFC South title picture with a strong recruitment period.
Before free agency, we examined every Panthers free agent on offense and predicted whether they would stay or go in 2025.
Stay or go? Examining every Carolina Panthers free agent on offense in 2025
Austin Corbett - Carolina Panthers OL
The Carolina Panthers took a calculated risk with their offensive line in 2024. Dan Morgan knew quarterback Bryce Young needed better protection. He transitioned the team's investment, spending lavish sums to make Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis their new guard tandem. Looking at the way they performed this season, it was money well spent.
This also resulted in a position switch for Austin Corbett. After spending most of his football career at the right guard spot, the Panthers transitioned him to man the center position. Fans were skeptical, but things went seamlessly.
Corbett looked the part, developing chemistry with Young and communicating exceptionally well pre-snap. The former second-round pick was an asset in pass protection and held his own on running plays. Unfortunately, this momentum came to a halt with another long-term injury.
The Nevada product tore his bicep in Week 5 against the Chicago Bears. This was the third season in a row Corbett's campaign ended ahead of time. That won't go unnoticed by the Panthers when the time comes to discuss his future.
- Stay or go? Stay
Corbett's making good progress in his recovery and wants to stay with the Panthers in 2025. If the team can secure a one-year, cost-effective deal for the player, he's worth keeping.
Andy Dalton - Carolina Panthers QB
Andy Dalton played a huge role for the Carolina Panthers in 2024. While his on-field production wasn't great, the veteran quarterback's influence behind the scenes was extremely beneficial.
Dalton believes he can be a starter. The Panthers gave him that chance in Week 3 at the Las Vegas Raiders, which bore fruit with an impressive victory on the road. Things steadily regressed after that, and an unfortunate car accident resulted in Bryce Young getting another shot.
The rest is history. But instead of sulking, Dalton resumed his role of mentor and tutor to Young in pursuit of getting the signal-caller back on track. This received significant praise from the coaches and the former No. 1 overall pick.
- Stay or go? Stay
Dalton enters free agency with his future hanging in the balance. He'd probably like the opportunity to fight for a starting job elsewhere. If nothing arrives, the Panthers should re-sign him to maintain continuity around Young.
Ian Thomas - Carolina Panthers TE
Ian Thomas is one of the team's longest-serving players. The veteran tight end is a popular figure in the locker room, but he's almost always flattered to deceive.
Thomas was given a huge opportunity in 2020. The Panthers surged him to No. 1 on the tight end depth chart after letting Greg Olsen walk in free agency. Matt Rhule and his staff were confident. It didn't take long to realize it wasn't going to work out.
The former fourth-round pick struggled to make an impact in the passing game. Thomas gradually decreased his role to a blocking specialist and suffered injury problems. Many thought he'd be made surplus to requirements after his rookie deal, but the Panthers extended him with a decent salary attached.
- Stay or go? Go
That was eyebrow-raising, to say the least. Thomas couldn't repay this faith and another trip to injured reserve ended his 2024 campaign ahead of time. There is no chance Carolina extends him this time around.
David Moore - Carolina Panthers WR
David Moore has the trust of head coach Dave Canales. They've worked together at three different teams including the Panthers. The play-caller knows he's dependable and won't ever let the team down. That proved to be the case once again in 2024.
Moore was nothing more than a rotational option, especially after undrafted free agent Jalen Coker came to the fore quicker than expected. There were flashes of genuine quality, but the consistency took a slight dip compared to his usual standards.
The former seventh-round selection brought in just 56.1 percent of his targets. Moore's passer rating when targeted was a modest 92.1 and his 64.0 receiving grade from Pro Football Focus ranked 77th out of 98 qualifying receivers.
- Stay or go? Go
Carolina will likely strengthen its receiving corps to improve Young's chances of further progress next season. Moore's status could go either way, but it would be surprising if the Panthers retained him all things considered.
Brady Christensen - Carolina Panthers OL
Every team needs a player like Brady Christensen. He's a solid professional capable of playing every position along the offensive line. The Panthers needed this from the former third-round selection throughout the season.
Christensen was relegated to a backup role following the arrivals of Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis. When Austin Corbett tore his bicep, he got the chance to start at the center spot and did relatively well. His versatility went against him after that.
The BYU product was forced to the blindside when Ikem Ekwonu missed time. Cade Mays became the new starting center and kept the job. When the starting left tackle came back, Christensen went to the fringes once again.
- Stay or go? Go
It would be surprising if Christensen didn't attract interest from elsewhere in free agency. He's already declared a willingness to start fresh and take the best offer for himself and his family. The Panthers will attempt to keep him, but the lineman will probably take his chances elsewhere.
Tommy Tremble - Carolina Panthers TE
Tommy Tremble's been something of an enigma since joining the Carolina Panthers. The tight end has every athletic attribute imaginable. However, it's not come together consistently enough as yet.
Tremble's early development was mismanaged by Matt Rhule's regime. Injuries haven't helped his cause, but the flashes when called upon make it difficult for the Panthers to give up on the Notre Dame product entirely.
The 2021 third-round selection is an exceptional blocker. Tremble made his presence felt in the passing game when his target share was high. What the Panthers need to figure out is whether the upside is worth an extension.
- Stay or go? Stay
Carolina would be foolish not to examine alternatives to go alongside Ja'Tavion Sanders in the tight-end room. But with Ian Thomas set to depart with little fanfare attached, the Panthers could offer Tremble a short-term agreement to see if he can flourish with coaching stability for the first time in his career.
Mike Boone - Carolina Panthers RB
The Panthers need to find running back reinforcements this offseason despite signing Chuba Hubbard to a four-year extension. That's not ideal, but Dan Morgan needs to pivot accordingly to ensure no backfield momentum is lost.
Miles Sanders looks like a salary-cap casualty considering the savings involved. Jonathon Brooks' rookie campaign ended in his third game back with another torn ACL. This is expected to keep him out for most if not all of the 2025 campaign.
This is a deep draft class for running backs and the Panthers have nine picks at their disposal. What that means for Mike Boone's future remains to be seen, but it doesn't look especially promising for the player following a minimal contribution in 2024.
- Stay or go? Go
Boone shone during training camp, but that's about it. He could stick around as a camp body, although that becomes less likely if reinforcements arrive.
Dan Chisena - Carolina Panthers WR
As mentioned previously, the Panthers are expected to fortify their wide receiver corps this offseason. Dan Morgan must find a legitimate No. 1 option for Bryce Young entering a crucial Year 3 of his professional career. Adding to the complimentary pieces wouldn't be the worst idea in the world either.
That won't be good news for everybody. However, the fleeting contribution from Dan Chisena gives him a fighting chance of another summer with the organization in 2025.
Chisena didn't get anything more than four targets — three of which he brought in for 37 receiving yards, two first downs, and a 103.1 passer rating when targeted. He created separation and brought in some tough catches. It might not be enough for another go-around, but it doesn't hurt his chances that's for sure.
- Stay or go? Stay
A chance is taken on Chisena here. This new deal wouldn't come with any guarantees whatsoever. But it does provide the wideout with a chance to firmly establish himself.
Velus Jones Jr. - Carolina Panthers RB
The Panthers had an injury crisis at the running back position late in the season. Jonathon Brooks suffered a second torn ACL on the same knee he spent a year rehabilitating and is set for another extended spell on the sidelines. Chuba Hubbard also showed the effects of a grueling campaign and was placed on injured reserve.
Drastic action was needed. Carolina turned to Velus Jones Jr., scooping him off the Jacksonville Jaguars practice squad onto the 53-man roster.
Coming into a new club so late in the campaign wasn't easy. Jones was a backup/emergency option rather than someone capable of accumulating significant responsibilities immediately. The former Tennessee star got one carry for zero yards in the two games he was active.
- Stay or go? Go
This one is pretty simple. Jones will once again be looking for alternative employment. It remains to be seen whether he gets another shot somewhere else.
Feleipe Franks - Carolina Panthers TE
Feleipe Franks is a fine example of what any player can accomplish with the right work ethic.
The college quarterback was never going to make the grade under center in the pros. Franks bounced around the NFC South with the Atlanta Falcons and Carolina Panthers, working as a tight end and even a full-back when the situation dictated.
The 2024 campaign was Franks' most impressive to date. This had nothing to do with his offensive production, which was almost non-existent. Instead, the former Arkansas standout carved out a key role for himself on special teams.
- Stay or go? Stay
To say Franks thrived in this discipline would be an understatement. This should be rewarded with a new deal at some stage.
Cade Mays - Carolina Panthers OL
When Austin Corbett went down with a torn bicep, the Panthers turned to a familiar face. Cade Mays came back after a short spell on the New York Giants practice squad. This was initially a backup option, but it didn't take long for his status to become something more.
Ikem Ekwonu's injury forced Brady Christensen to the left tackle spot. Mays was installed as the starting center and never relinquished it, displaying much-improved consistency and confidence with Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis alongside him.
- Stay or go? Stay
This was a significant boost for the Panthers at an important time. Mays should be extended as he attempts to retain his starting berth or a place on the depth chart.
Raheem Blackshear - Carolina Panthers RB
Raheem Blackshear was never going to be a bell-cow running back. He didn't perform up to the required standard when carries came his way, especially down the stretch. However, the former undrafted free agent out of Virginia Tech found another way to carve out a niche for himself.
Blackshear focused his attention on becoming a dependable special teams weapon in the return game. This was an area he thrived in 2024, even earning Pro Bowl consideration thanks to his sterling efforts.
- Stay or go? Stay
Much will depend on whether the Panthers have something better in mind. That would be harsh on Blackshear, whose kick-return efforts warrant another one-year commitment at the very least.
Deven Thompkins - Carolina Panthers WR
Deven Thompkins has some useful physical attributes at his disposal. Unfortunately for the wide receiver, he was never able to firmly establish himself despite boasting a previous connection to head coach Dave Canales.
Thompkins and Canales worked together on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, which provided the player with a seamless transition into the scheme. He brought in all four of his receptions throughout the campaign for 20 receiving yards, accumulating just 12 percent of offense snaps and 11% on special teams.
- Stay or go? Go
With the Panthers sure to bolster their receiving options this offseason, there's a good chance Thompkins won't be part of the team's plans in 2025.
Stephen Sullivan - Carolina Panthers TE
Stephen Sullivan seems to have been around the Panthers forever. He's drifted on and off the roster and in and out of the practice squad. The former LSU standout never truly established himself when given chances to shine.
Sullivan is an impressive athlete. Concentration issues and his route technique held him back. Dave Canales preferred Tommy Tremble and Ja'Tavion Sanders, which is understandable in the circumstances.
- Stay or go? Go
This seems like a good time to cut the cord with Sullivan for good. But as has been the case throughout his career, the Panthers will have his number on speed dial in case injury strikes.