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.

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.

CAROLINA PANTHERS SCHEDULE & TICKET DEALS

• Week 1: Sept. 7 at Jacksonville Jaguars
• Week 2: Sept. 14 at Arizona Cardinals
• Week 3: Sept. 21 vs Atlanta Falcons
• Week 4: Sept. 28 at New England Patriots
• Week 5: Oct. 5 vs Miami Dolphins
• Week 6: Oct. 12 vs Dallas Cowboys
• Week 7: Oct. 19 at New York Jets
• Week 8: Oct. 26 vs Buffalo Bills
• Week 9: Nov. 2 at Green Bay Packers
• Week 10: Nov. 9 vs New Orleans Saints
• Week 11: Nov. 16 at Atlanta Falcons
• Week 12: Nov. 24 at San Francisco 49ers (Monday Night Football)
• Week 13: Nov. 30 vs Los Angeles Rams
• Week 14: Bye Week
• Week 15: Dec. 14 at New Orleans Saints
• Week 16: Dec. 21 vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers
• Week 17: vs Seattle Seahawks (Date/Time TBD)
• Week 18: Jan. 4, 2026 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Time TBD)

Carolina Panthers Season/Game Odds

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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The Carolina Panthers announced Thursday that they extended running back Chuba Hubbard in a four-year deal worth $33 million. The 25-year-old has been with the team for four years and is currently in the midst of his best NFL season.

“Definitely lifts a burden off me a little bit,” Hubbard said of his new deal. ”I’ve always wanted to take care of my family for life…. At the end of the day, I want to be great. I want to be a Panther for life.”

In his first three seasons with the Panthers, Hubbard struggled to earn a leading role in the backfield, losing carries to the likes of Christian McCaffrey, Miles Sanders and D’Onta Foreman. Entering 2024, it appeared that he would soon be playing second fiddle again until 2024 second-round pick Jonathan Brooks went down with an injury before the season.

After a slow start along with the rest of the Panthers’ offense, Hubbard has exploded as the unchallenged backfield leader. In nine starts, he has run for 665 yards and five touchdowns, proving to be a bright spot in a dreary year for Carolina. In Week 9, he scored the go-ahead touchdown in a 23-22 victory over the Saints.

The Panthers announced Hubbard’s extension one day after taking Brooks off the injured list, showing signs of confidence in two different running backs in the span of one week. The extension ensures that Hubbard will maintain some sort of role in the offense for the foreseeable future, but Brooks could cut into his workload as he gradually makes his way back to the field.

While Carolina’s running game continues to produce, everything else is shaping up poorly. The defense is below average at best, made worse by a woefully inefficient offense. Quarterback Bryce Young has struggled to kickstart the passing game all season, and while Andy Dalton did a better job in Young’s stead, that didn’t lead to more wins for the team. The front office recently traded standout wide receiver Diontae Johnson to Baltimore, a clear sign that the team is packing it in for the season.

The Panthers named Andy Dalton as their new starting quarterback earlier this week, relieving 2023 first-overall pick Bryce Young of his duties — for now. Despite leading the team to a 2-16 record since taking over last season, Young is reportedly not on the trade block and will carry on with the team.

When asked whether the team would consider sending Young away after benching him, Panthers head coach Dave Canales said that he was content with the team’s quarterback situation and had no desire to change anything. Young’s teammates are also standing by him.

“It’s definitely not over,” running back Miles Sanders said. “Definitely. He’s smart. He’s fast. He’s the first one in the building, the last one out. It’s definitely not over. This is his home, and he’s gonna get another shot.”

Young has gained some measure of sympathy from many fans after getting benched, with many arguing that he has never been in a comfortable situation since debuting in 2023. Immediately named the starter of a poor team, Young showed flashes of potential but Carolina has been completely hapless.

The young quarterback was sacked 62 times for a league-high loss of 477 yards in 2023, throwing 11 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. The team went 2-14 with him under center, but it’s impossible to place the blame on him entirely. Going into 2024, the Panthers were projected to be the worst in the NFL, with or without Young, and they have delivered on that with two blowout losses thus far.

Not only is Carolina bad now, but because they traded away multiple draft picks and wide receiver D.J. Moore in order to acquire Young, the team’s future is bleak as well. The roster is simply not capable of competing at the professional level.

The team’s approach at the quarterback position is sensible, at least. It seems prudent to give Young time to develop behind Dalton, a journeyman with an abundance of experience in the league. Many quarterbacks labeled “busts” have gone on to flourish later in their careers after spending time behind more experienced passers. It’s clear that the Panthers want Young to succeed, even if they haven’t always been able to help him to this point.

If Young ever starts again, he may find himself behind an improved offensive line, one that seems to slowly be finding its way in the early going. Right now, however, Young must adjust to new expectations and take time to develop and learn. It will likely be a difficult transition.

On the way into practice earlier this week, a fan asked Young, shortly after he was benched, to sign an autograph. The quarterback obliged, despite appearing somewhat distracted. The fan told Young that he was rooting for him and encouraged him to persevere. Carolina’s new backup acknowledged the fan’s kind words but was understandably terse in responding to them. He seems to be at a low point.

The city of Charlotte, North Carolina, approved $650 million in renovations for Bank of America Stadium, the 30-year home for the Carolina Panthers, as owner David Tepper put his stamp on the franchise. Charlotte politicians were concerned he could move the NFL and MLS franchises out of North Carolina if this taxpayer money did not change hands. Seven of the ten city council members voted for the proposal.

Afterward, Tepper said, “Today’s vote by the Charlotte City Council is the culmination of many thoughtful discussions with city officials, local leaders, and our fans to create a shared vision for Bank of America Stadium. Nicole and I are grateful for the collaboration and support of the project, as well as our ongoing partnership between Tepper Sports & Entertainment and the city.”

The Charlotte Observer reported that along with the deal is a 20-year non-relocation agreement, but it can be amended to 15 years if Tepper pays off the remaining dollar amount from the $650 million left. The financing for the project comes from a hospitality revenue tax. The possible renovations include adding to the stadium’s capacity, revamped restrooms and an outdoor community area with restaurants and other shops.

Those not in favor of the deal pointed to Tepper’s checkered past of leaving business deals early. The 66-year-old is worth over $20 billion and earned his money by creating his own hedge fund. Tepper bought the Panthers and Charlotte FC in 2018 and has been a hands-on owner since his purchase.

This has been an eventful off-season for Tepper. In January, the owner threw his drink at a group of fans in Jacksonville, and four months later, he confronted a restaurant owner with a sign outside disapproving of the Carolina Panthers.

The Panthers were the worst team in the NFL last season but did not own their #1 pick after drafting Bryce Young a season ago and trading up with the Chicago Bears. Young struggled in his rookie season, but the team expects a sophomore jump in his second season.

After a particularly difficult 2-15 season, the Carolina Panthers began their much-needed rebuild with the firing of GM Scott Fitterer.

“As we move forward with the new direction for our franchise, I have made the decision that Scott Fitterer will no longer serve as our general manager,” owner David Tepper said in a statement.

Fitterer decided to trade up for the number one pick in last year’s NFL draft where the Panthers selected quarterback Bryce Young, who didn’t live up to the expectations for a number one pick in his rookie year. That decision only looked worse as the year went on and the number two pick, quarterback C.J. Stroud, led the Texans through a remarkable season and an AFC South division title.

It’s expected that Young will be given at least another full season with the Panthers before any major decisions are made on his future. The Panthers have multiple roster holes to fill, and no first-round draft picks next year to do it. Lots of work will need to be done to assist Young in putting a more consistent and successful product on the field.

Assistant GM Dan Morgan has temporarily been in charge of the GM duties, but Tepper and the Panthers have already requested an interview with Detroit Lions COO Mike Disner. The GM search is well underway, but this isn’t the only vacancy the Panthers need to fill this offseason.

After a 1-10 start to the season, the Panthers fired head coach Frank Reich and Chris Tabor took over as an interim head coach for the rest of the year. Tabor completed a virtual interview with the Panthers on Wednesday for the position, but he has yet to be hired permanently and is competing with several candidates for the position. The Panthers have listed their defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero, Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Brian Johnson, Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn and multiple other coaches around the NFL as potential candidates for the position. The official updated Panthers coach tracker can be viewed here.

Whoever they bring in will have a lot of work to do.

Bryce Young stands as the favorite to be selected first overall in the 2023 NFL draft later this month.

In recent months, there has been much debate about whether the Alabama quarterback or CJ Stroud out of Ohio State should go number one.

But now Young is a -150 to get picked first, with Stroud at a +110, according to DraftKings.

In 2022, Young tossed for more than 3,300 yards along with 32 touchdowns.

The year before he passed for more than 4,800 yards with 47 touchdowns in his Heisman-winning season.

Additionally, Young holds the Alabama record for most passing yards in a single game with 559.

Stroud in 2022, threw for more than 3,600 yards, and 41 touchdown passes, which was second-most in the NCAA.

But Stroud really made an impression in the Peach Bowl where he threw for 348 yards and four touchdowns.

While the Carolina Panthers appear to be leaning toward taking Young, according to reports – it may not be an easy call.

The Panthers have invested a ton of assets into quarterbacks in recent years.

This includes trading a second, a fourth, and six-round draft picks for Sam Darnold, as well as dealing a fifth for Baker Mayfield.

None of those players are on the roster anymore.

But none is bigger than this latest experiment.

The Panthers most recently traded two first-round picks (2023,2024), and second-round selections in 2023 and 2025 along with its top wide receiver DJ Moore in a deal to acquire the rights to select either Stroud or Young. 

So either way, the Panthers better get it right this time.

Or it better hope that either option is a player it can’t miss with.

Free agent quarterback Cam Newton may still be hesitant to the idea, but after a season out of the league, the former star passer is reportedly considering roles as a backup quarterback in the NFL. Newton released a list of 12 quarterbacks he would be willing to play behind.

While none of the teams with quarterbacks on the list have expressed legitimate interest in signing Newton, who last played for the Carolina Panthers in 2021, it is still interesting to consider the incentive each potential team might have for signing the aging quarterback. To find a way back to the NFL, Newton would have to serve each of his 12 preferred passers in different ways.

1. Deshaun Watson

As a highly touted quarterback slowly readjusting to competition in the NFL, Watson’s struggles in his first season with the Browns are difficult to assess. Due to glaring incidents in Watson’s personal life, his future as a member of the Houston Texans was derailed and Cleveland took a flyer on him under the assumption that he could be valuable following his suspension. As his backup, Newton would have to prove himself to be a viable contingency option if the problematic starter fails to regain form next season or runs into more trouble off the field. With Jacoby Brissett out of the picture, Newton would have to compete with recent signee Joshua Dobbs for the backup role.

2. Lamar Jackson

Jackson is the first of many quarterbacks on this list with an uncertain future, as it is still unclear if the Baltimore Ravens will agree to his terms for a new contract or trade him to another team. In any case, the team that eventually signs Jackson will have to build an offense around his rushing ability. Newton was a mobile quarterback in his younger years, but if he had to take the field for some reason to replace the starter, it is unlikely that he could still be as threatening on the ground. His primary purpose as a backup in this scenario would likely be as a positive locker room presence for a growing player.

3. Justin Fields

Unlike Jackson, Fields is almost certain to remain in Chicago after the team traded its first overall pick to the Panthers. Similarly to Jackson, however, the team’s offense will likely revolve around his versatile ability as a rusher. Newton seems to believe that he can serve as a viable backup within that sort of offense, a dubious notion at this point in his career. That being said, his experience in the league could prove helpful in teaching a younger talent with a similar skill set. The Bears recently signed P.J. Walker for the job behind Fields.

4. Tua Tagovailoa

While injury risks are an issue for both Jackson and Fields, it is practically imperative that Tagovailoa have a serviceable backup after his multiple setbacks last season. If Newton was the backup in Miami, it is unfortunately more likely than not that he would receive some playing time based on the starter’s injury history. The Dolphins still have Skylar Thompson, who nearly led the team to an upset victory against the Bills in the playoffs, and also signed former Jets backup Mike White.

5. Malik Willis

Of all the quarterbacks on Newton’s list, Willis is arguably the strangest, as he could end up a backup himself if the Tennessee Titans don’t trade Ryan Tannehill or pursue other options at the position. Willis’ rookie season was limited but also profoundly disappointing, as the quarterback showed very little during his time on the field. If Newton was the backup behind Willis, he would have to serve in a mentoring role, but there would also be a distinct possibility of playing time for the backup if Willis didn’t improve.

6, 7 and 8. C.J. Stroud, Bryce Young and Anthony Richardson

Newton clearly wants to work with young quarterbacks. Because they have not yet been drafted to a team, it’s almost impossible to assess whether Newton could feasibly serve as the backup for any of these highly touted passers. That being said, his status as a Heisman winner and first overall pick in 2011 could make him an excellent mentor for any of them, particularly Richardson, who has mirrored Newton in many ways as a tremendous college athlete. Richardson even compared himself to Newton in March.

9. Jalen Hurts

Barring an unforeseen injury, it is unlikely that Newton would ever see the field in a significant capacity while working behind Hurts. The Eagles also signed Marcus Mariota during the offseason as a backup. Hurts is still developing as a passer, but after appearing in a Super Bowl, it is unlikely that Hurts would significantly benefit from Newton as a locker room presence.

10. Aaron Rodgers

Rodgers is still unofficially a New York Jet and officially a member of the Green Bay Packers. Regardless of where he ends up playing in 2023, it is very difficult to understand how Newton could serve as a contributive presence on a team featuring Rodgers, who famously has a very controlling locker room presence. As a player, Newton would only be of service if Rodgers regressed suddenly with age, and it would be more prudent for a team to have a younger quarterback ready in that case.

11. Josh Allen

Allen is good at football and the Bills will be a Super Bowl contender for years to come. His potent arm and physical rushing ability resemble Newton’s at his peak as well, so it makes sense why Newton might want to take a job behind him in upstate New York. The Bills also lack a credible backup option for their star, who has proven highly durable thus far but could always suffer an unforeseen injury. Of all the possible landing spots on Newton’s list, this one has the least drawbacks.

12. Sam Howell

As one of the most vulnerable starters in the NFL, Howell could provide a very convenient way for Newton to return to the field as a starter. Howell only appeared in one game for the Washington Commanders last year and enters his second season on a team without any serious prospects of making the postseason. Washington has already signed Brissett as a capable backup in case things go awry for the young upstart. Newton would have served a nearly identical role, but his potential is far more uncertain than Brissett’s, who started in Cleveland for most of last season.

Carolina Panthers head coach Frank Reich avoided specific details about the team’s draft strategy during a discussion with reporters Tuesday, but insiders continue to zero in on two quarterbacks: Alabama’s Bryce Young and Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud.

Reich remained vague in nearly a half hour of questioning, praising Young and Stroud as well as Florida’s Anthony Richardson and Kentucky’s Will Levis. When prodded about Young, however, Reich implied that the Crimson Tide’s passer had pro-level potential.

“But since you’re asking about Bryce, he’s good at being instinctive in the pocket and minimizing [hits],’’ Reich said. “If you’re a quarterback, can you minimize the number of big hits and the intensity of those hits? They’re all going to get hit. We know that.”

Reich and the Panthers organization have faced intense scrutiny since trading with the Chicago Bears for the No. 1 overall pick on March 12. Carolina gave up the No. 9 and No. 61 overall picks in 2023, a first-round pick in 2024, second-round pick in 2025 and wide receiver D.J. Moore.

The Panthers’ massive move to get this year’s top pick, and control their own destiny in the process, was accompanied by several key signings to support the team’s rebuild. Moore may have departed for Chicago, but the front office managed to acquire running back Miles Sanders, tight end Hayden Hurst and wide receivers D.J. Chark and Adam Thielen. The offense will be radically different from last year’s team, which went 7-10 and missed the playoffs.

“So we’re kind of building this together and seeing it unfold. … Although there has not been that sit-down moment of let’s confirm this, I think along the way it’s developing together,” Reich said.

The issue of height came up repeatedly during Reich’s press conference, as Young’s 5-foot-10 frame differs greatly from Stroud’s, who stands at 6-foot-3. Reich made a connection between height and durability and said that the latter aspect was playing a part in the team’s evaluation process.

Reich accepted the job in Carolina shortly after the end of last season, replacing interim head coach Steve Wilks, who was in turn completing former head coach Matt Rhule’s tenure following his early dismissal in October. Reich was also fired before the end of the season by the Indianapolis Colts, another team that missed the playoffs with a 4-12-1 record.

Alabama quarterback Bryce Young has signed deals using his name, image and likeness that sum up to over $800K, yet he has not started a game in his NCAA career thus far.

According to ESPN, Young has been presented with deals well over $1 million. He has not yet accepted any of those offers.

Alabama coach Nick Saban made headlines when discussing his quarterback’s deals. Saban told a group of Texas high school coaches that Young was set to make seven figures. However, Saban refused to elaborate on the nature of the deals and who they were with. This has resulted in enormous speculation.

At the Pac-12 media days, Stanford coach David Shaw said he believes Saban’s discussion of Young’s worth was strategic.

“It’s obvious to me that Nick wanted to plant that and make sure people knew that,” he said. “It’s a great way to recruit people to come to you.”

To date, Young’s deal with CashApp is the only endorsement that has been made public, reportedly worth six figures. Young has already completed production for a commercial with the company that will also feature NFL quarterbacks Daniel Jones and Trey Lance.

Young is represented by Creative Artist Agency. He has not signed any local deals in Tuscaloosa yet. However, he is expected to sign deals that are mutually beneficial for his teammates. 

Young is a former five-star prospect from California. During his freshman year, he served as a backup to Mac Jones, who led the Crimson Tide to a national championship and was selected by the New England Patriots in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft.

Young has big shoes to fill as he is the anticipated starter for the upcoming season. Alabama’s season opener is scheduled for September 4 against the University of Miami.