3 Ways the Panthers Improved This Offseason (and 2 They Didn't)
By Joe Summers
The Panthers figure to be a much better team in 2024-25. Dave Canales and Dan Morgan have been hard at work this offseason transforming the roster and Carolina should expect a significant step forward from last year's 2-15 campaign.
Not only does the organization have a promising draft class, including some undrafted rookies already showing out, but it added some impact free agents as well.
It wasn't a perfect offseason, though it was a step in the right direction. As the second portion of OTAs kicks off on Tuesday, let's look at three ways the Panthers improved this offseason and two they didn't. We'll start with the improvements before looking at the areas that still need help.
3 Ways the Panthers Improved This Offseason
1. Skill-Position Players
The most significant moves Carolina made came at skill-position players. Adam Thielen and Chuba Hubbard enjoyed strong seasons last year, but the rest of the Panthers' "weapons" failed to produce much. That made Bryce Young's life difficult, though he won't have the same excuse any longer.
Diontae Johnson joins Thielen as an excellent route-runner and first-round pick Xavier Legette profiles as a true No. 1 wide receiver. Ja'Tavion Sanders is a dynamic talent at tight end, while Jonathon Brooks should be the team's leading running back sooner rather than later.
This entire offense looks completely overhauled, and that was clearly the organization's goal by using three of its first four picks on that side of the ball in the NFL Draft. Carolina now has a foundation offensively to build on, and 2023 second-round pick Jonathan Mingo had an encouraging rookie season overall.
Panthers fans have every right to be excited about this offense. Dave Canales is an established offensive coach, and Bryce Young will now have the stability he was missing last year on top of a better supporting cast.
Legette, Brooks, and Sanders could be the trio that fans remember revitalizing the offense around Young. Without question, the skill-position players are improved.