The Carolina Panthers were arguably the worst offensive team in football in the 2023 season. They ranked dead last in total offense and second-to-last in points. In the 2024 offseason, they focused on the offensive side of the ball and showed improvement, more than doubling their win total from a season ago. Unfortunately, however, they took a massive step back defensively, ranking last in both points and total offense allowed last season.
Lost in the shuffle in the past two seasons were the kicking struggles.
After impressing in his first season in Carolina in 2022, Eddy Piñeiro hasn't been at that level over the past two seasons. In 2022, Piñeiro converted 33 of his 35 field goal attempts while only missing two extra point attempts all season.
Panthers Fans Will Welcome a New Kicker in the 2025 Season
As a result, he signed an extension with the Panthers. Since then, Piñeiro has been more of an average kicker in the NFL. Last season, he made 84.6% of his field goal attempts, the 20th-best mark in the NFL. Over the last two seasons, he has also missed five of his 55 extra-point attempts.
In the modern NFL, kickers have extended their range to 60+ yards. Brandon Aubrey, Joey Slye, and Tyler Bass all hit field goals over 60 yards in 2024. Piñeiro's longest make of his career, however, is 56 yards.
A reliable kicker who can also be a long-distance threat is very important in the NFL. That is why the Panthers let Piñeiro walk in free agency this offseason. The 29-year-old specialist remains unsigned and will likely find a new home after the NFL Draft.
Panthers fans, however, will welcome a change in their kicking room. Piñeiro has done a good job since joining the team in 2022, but it will not be hard for GM Dan Morgan to find an upgrade, either through the draft or among free agents.