CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - JANUARY 07: Bryce Young #9 of the Carolina Panthers warms up before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Bank of America Stadium on January 07, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
The Carolina Panthers had a disappointing 2024 season, going 5-12, but ended the season on a high note, beating the Falcons 44-38. The team had its ups and downs, especially with quarterback Bryce Young, who was the first overall pick in 2023. Young struggled last season and at the beginning of this season, causing him to be benched for Andy Dalton early on in the season before winning back the job. Young looked nothing like the prospect he was in college, but toward the end of the season, he finally proved he was worth the pick, having 20 total touchdowns and 2,104 yards on only six interceptions since he took back his job. The future finally looked brighter for the Panthers, who had been in the basement of their division for the last several seasons.
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In the offseason, the Panthers added several pieces to help boost one of the worst rosters in the NFL. They signed defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton, cornerback Michael Jackson, safety Trevor Moehrig, linebacker Pat Jones II, wide receiver Hunter Renfrow, defensive lineman Bobby Brown III and running back Rico Dowdel. Most of the additions came on the defensive side of the ball due to the Panthers having the worst statistical defense in the league in 2024. The Panthers also had their share of losses this offseason, including defensive end Jadeveon Clowney, punter Johnny Hekker and linebacker Shaq Thompson.
The Panthers went into the NFL draft with the eighth overall pick and selected wide receiver Tetairoa McMillian out of Arizona. McMillian gave Young another target on an offense that struggled last season due to the limited playmakers. The Panthers also drafted defensive end Nic Scourton, defensive end Princely Umanmielen, running back Trevor Etienne and safety Lathan Ransom.
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After a great offseason and with the development of Young, the Panthers head into 2025 with the 28th most challenging schedule in the NFL, with a chance of making it to the playoffs for the first time since 2017. The Panthers will open their season on the road against the Jaguars before facing their first divisional game in week three against the Falcons. The biggest games of the season will come against the Buccaneers, Cowboys, Bills, Packers and Rams. To make the playoffs, Carolina will need to have an improved defense and get more out of Young, unlike last season.
The Panthers still have a way to go in competing for the Super Bowl, with only +12000 odds of winning it according to DraftKings. They also only have +5000 odds of winning the NFC Championship and open the season as +3 underdogs vs the Jaguars in Jacksonville.
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