Panthers Playmaker Showed Why He Must Be Re-Signed With Week 17 Performance

The Panthers were demolished by a division rival in an embarrassing 48-14 loss to the Buccaneers during Week 17, though one key player proved that Carolina needs to bring him back on a contract extension this offseason.

WR Adam Thielen, whose contract allows the organization to cut him after this year, enjoyed his best game of the campaign. He caught five passes for 110 yards and a pair of TDs, showcasing his special ability as a veteran wideout.

Rookie Xavier Legette seemingly needs more time to develop. Given Bryce Young's process during the second half of the season, Thielen is the perfect type of player to bring back.

Panthers Must Re-Sign WR Adam Thielen After Dominant Performance

It's been a disappointing year for Thielen overall. He's dealt with injuries and only has 38 catches for 461 yards and three TDs after notching a 1,000-yard season in 2023, but his veteran presense is still something the Panthers can build around.

The 34-year-old All-Pro wideout has played for multiple franchises and is considered to be one of the better route-runners in the NFL, indicating he still has value while Carolina develops other playmakers.

If Young is legitimately worthy of that No. 1 overall pick the organization spent on him, the Panthers owe it to themselves to surround him with as much talent as possible. That means signing guys like Thielen, who can raise the floor of the offense while stabilizing the ceiling.

This has been a lost season by any measure. Carolina is trapped with a disastrous defense and limited offense, yet Thielen's heroics indicate there's a light at the end of the tunnel. Should general manager Dan Morgan make a few shrewd moves over the coming months, it's not inconcievable to imagine this roster competing for a divsion title in 2025.

Regardless, Thielen's Week 17 performance proves he deserves to be a priority in the offseason.

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