3 Ways the Panthers Improved This Offseason (and 2 They Didn't)

2. Offensive Line

While Carolina won't suddenly have a top-five offensive line and still doesn't have a long-term replacement for Bradley Bozeman at center, it's hard to argue with the improvements the Panthers made in the trenches.

Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis will be the new starting guards, hoping to stabilize an offensive line that often left Bryce Young running for his life last year. Young had the second-most sacks in the NFL (62) and the Panthers need to protect him if they're going to take advantage of the improved skill-position group.

Perhaps most importantly, the duo is consistent and rarely misses games. That pairs well with the holdovers on the offensive line, Ikem Ekwonu, Austin Corbett, and Taylor Moton. Ekwonu and Moton both played 100% of the snaps in 2023-24, so Canales can rely on the majority of his linemen as he implements his scheme.

I have questions about Ekwonu at left tackle and Corbett under center, though Moton is an effective right tackle and there's no denying how much better the line should be overall. For a short QB like Young, that makes a world of difference offensively.

After what Canales accomplished with Baker Mayfield, Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and Rachaad White in Tampa Bay as offensive coordinator, expectations should be high for what he can do with a solid offensive line and exciting skill-position players in Carolina as head coach.