The Carolina Panthers have a lot of work do to this offseason if they want to make the playoffs for the first time since 2017. While the Panthers made some serious strides on the offensive side of the ball, their defense left much to be desired — especially against the run, allowing the most rushing yards per game and per carry in the entire NFL.
If qualifying for the playoffs is the No. 1 priority in 2025, Carolina must improve at defending the run this offseason. Fortunately, Panthers general manager Dan Morgan has made it clear that he'll add as many run-stoppers as it takes until he's confident in his roster.
Panthers Offseason Rumors: GM Dan Morgan Focused on Upgrading Run Defense
On Monday, Morgan spoke with The Charlotte Observer's Mike Kaye regarding the team's offseason plans, which include improving against the run. Although Carolina could "spend heavily on the front seven in free agency," the 46-year-old GM isn't afraid to look to the NFL draft for help, too.
"I’m not opposed to double-dipping — just making our front as strong as possible with the combination of free agency and the draft," Morgan said. "We’re just going to be aggressive to add however that may be."
The #Panthers’ scouting wing was out in full force in Frisco for Shrine Bowl practices this weekend. More than a dozen evaluators made the trip for Carolina.@theobserver spoke with GM Dan Morgan about the No. 8 pick, QBs at the top, free agency and more:https://t.co/SiwMiSZo2K
— Mike Kaye (@mike_e_kaye) January 27, 2025
Veteran leadership could certainly help the Panthers' front seven, but previous NFL experience isn't a requirement in Morgan's eyes. Instead, the linebacker-turned-GM requires any potential offseason addition must possess one quality: a winner's mentality.
"I think the same thing kind of goes for college," Morgan added. "Drafting guys from winning programs, who are used to winning — the expectation is, ‘We’re going to win’ — so Ohio State, Georgia, Notre Dame, like those types of schools, obviously, that plays a little bit of a part."
According to Spotrac, the Panthers have approximately $24 million in free space this offseason. They also have nine picks in the 2025 NFL draft with five occurring in the first 113 selections, which includes this year's eighth overall pick.
In other words, Morgan has plenty of resources to bolster the front seven.
Successfully upgrading the run defense could be enough to vault the Panthers back into the playoffs. After all, nine of the top 10 teams in terms of rushing yards allowed this season ended up qualifying for the postseason with the lone exception being the Miami Dolphins (9th), who were a win away from a playoff appearance.
Panthers fans won't have to wait too long to see how Morgan executes his plan. The 2025 NFL free agency period begins on Wednesday, March 12 at 4 p.m. ET.