Carolina Panthers (Last Year: 2-15)
Season Summary:
When the Panthers traded up to No. 1 in the 2023 NFL Draft, the coaches believed they were getting C.J. Stroud. The owner had a different plan. That plan has failed thus far, as Bryce Young endured a horrific rookie campaign. The Panthers can still salvage him, but they need to give him a much better supporting cast with resources they don’t possess.
2024 NFL Season Preview:
Veteran Additions:
WR Diontae Johnson, WR David Moore, OT Yosh Nijman, G Damien Lewis, G Robert Hunt, DT A’Shawn Robinson, DE/OLB Jadeveon Clowney, DE/OLB D.J. Wonnum, DE/OLB K’Lavon Chaisson, LB Josey Jewell, CB Dane Jackson, S Jordan Fuller, S Nick Scott.
Early Draft Picks:
WR Xavier Legette, RB Jonathon Brooks, LB Trevin Wallace, TE Ja’Tavion Sanders. Panthers Rookie Forecast
Offseason Losses:
WR D.J. Chark, TE Hayden Hurst, DE/OLB Brian Burns, DE/OLB Yetur Gross-Matos, DE/OLB Marquis Haynes, LB Frankie Luvu, LB Kamu Grugier Hill, CB Donte Jackson, CB C.J. Henderson, CB Shaq Griffin, S Jeremy Chinn.
2024 Carolina Panthers Offense:
The Carolina coaches and front office personnel were excited when the team moved up from No. 9 to 1 ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft. Everyone was thrilled about the prospect of selecting C.J. Stroud, but owner David “Axe” Tepper had other ideas. Not only did Tepper force Bryce Young to be the pick; he then fired everyone who disagreed with him. It’s unclear why Tepper believed he knew more than the football people he hired, but those football people turned out to be correct. Stroud had one of the best rookie quarterback seasons in memory, while Young struggled mightily.
There is some cause for optimism, however. There are three reasons for this, in fact. The first is the hiring of Dave Canales as the head coach. Canales worked his magic with Geno Smith and Baker Mayfield in consecutive years, so perhaps he can get the most out of Young. Of course, Young’s horrible blocking had to improve, and that’s the second reason. The Panthers spent big money on a pair of guards, Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis. Hunt and Lewis will be colossal upgrades for a team that couldn’t pass protect in the interior at all.
The two new guards will pair well with the two talented tackles on the roster. Taylor Moton is a stellar right tackle, while Ikem Ekwonu is a left tackle with loads of potential. Ekwonu hasn’t quite lived up to it yet, but he performed well in his second season last year. That just leaves center, which seems to be the only hole on the entire blocking unit. Austin Corbett will man that position. Often injured, Corbett appears to be a massive liability.
The third reason to be optimistic about Young improving is the enhanced receiving corps. The Panthers added two new players to the position to go along with Adam Thielen, who was a reliable weapon for Young. The first was Diontae Johnson, acquired via trade. Johnson has issues with drops sometimes, but he’s a talented threat who will be able to get open. The second was Xavier Legette, chosen with the final pick in the opening round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Legette has enormous potential, and he could thrive immediately in the pros.
The Panthers also spent an early pick to aid their running back stable, though they won’t benefit from that right away. This is because the player in question, Jonathon Brooks, is coming off a torn ACL. Brooks may play sparingly in 2024, as he’ll be expected to make a huge impact next year. In the meantime, Chuba Hubbard will continue to be a serviceable but unspectacular backfield option.
2024 Carolina Panthers Defense:
While the Panthers took great measures to improve their offense this offseason, they sacrificed parts of their defense at every level. Their biggest loss had to do with their pass rush, as Brian Burns was traded to the Giants. Burns is one of the top edge rushers in the NFL, so his departure will have an enormous impact on the defense. Burns was the only player on the team to record more than 5.5 sacks last year.
With Burns gone, the Panthers will look to start Jadeveon Clowney and D.J. Wonnum as their primary edge rushers. Clowney is a big name, but has been incredibly inconsistent throughout his career. Motivation has been the key issue, and it’s difficult to envision him trying hard on a team like Carolina. More is expected out of Wonnum, who notched eight sacks with the Vikings last year.
The linebacking corps took a big hit with the departure of Frankie Luvu. The dynamic and versatile player will sorely be missed, as Carolina’s defense wasn’t nearly as effective when he was out of the lineup in the past. The Panthers were at least able to replace him with Josey Jewell, who was a very effective player for the Broncos. He and Shaq Thompson should form a terrific tandem. Third-round rookie Trevin Wallace may provide some quality insurance.
In the secondary, the Panthers lost Donte Jackson in the Diontae Johnson trade. While having Johnson will greatly benefit Bryce Young, the defense will be worse without Jackson playing across from Jaycee Horn, who is coming off an excellent season. The Panthers signed Dane Jackson, but he isn’t expected to be a viable replacement. Slot cornerback Troy Hill didn’t perform well last year either.
The Panthers made another signing to address the secondary, bringing in Jordan Fuller, formerly of the Rams. Fuller is a solid player and should be a nice complement to Xavier Woods, a very underrated safety.
The one area of Carolina’s defense that was largely untouched is the defensive line. Derrick Brown will continue to be a dynamic force, but there isn’t much around him. Shy Tuttle is a weak nose tackle, while A’Shawn Robinson is a fairly pedestrian player.
2024 Carolina Panthers Schedule and Intangibles:
Eddy Pineiro was one of the most accurate kickers in the NFL last year, hitting 25-of-29 attempts, including 5-of-7 tries from 50-plus.
Johnn Hekker ranked ninth in net punting average last year. He did well to place the opposition inside the 20 as well.
The Panthers have a very easy schedule. There are a few tough opponents, but they play last-place teams and NFC South opponents.
2024 Carolina Panthers Rookies:
Go here for the Panthers Rookie Forecast, a page with predictions like which rookie will bust and which rookie will become a solid starter.
2024 Carolina Panthers Positional Rankings (1-5 stars):
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2024 Carolina Panthers Analysis: The Panthers won’t be the worst team in the NFL this year. They’ve made too many upgrades to have the worst record again. They won’t make the playoffs, but they’ll be more competitive. How competitive exactly depends on the work Dave Canales does with Bryce Young.
Projection: 5-12 (Tied 2nd in NFC South)
2023 Projection: 7-10. 2023 Actual Result: 7-10.
2022 Projection: 10-7. 2022 Actual Result: 7-10.
2021 Projection: 9-8. 2021 Actual Result: 5-12.
2020 Projection: 2-14. 2020 Actual Result: 5-11.
2019 Projection: 10-6. 2019 Actual Result: 5-11.
2018 Projection: 11-5. 2018 Actual Result: 7-9.
2017 Projection: 7-9. 2017 Actual Result: 11-5.
2016 Projection: 11-5. 2016 Actual Result: 6-10.
Goals Entering the 2024 NFL Draft: The Panthers foolishly drafted C.J. Stroud over Bryce Young last year despite all the coaches wanting Stroud to be the pick. Whoops. The Panthers are stuck with Young because David Tepper thought he knew more than the football guys he hired, so they have no choice but to build up their supporting cast to carry Young. Adding a running back, a receiver, and an offensive line would help tremendously.
2024 NFL Draft Accomplishments: Carolina did a good job of finding talent to surround Young in this draft, so if Young continues to struggle, we know it’s on him and not the supporting cast, which was lackluster during his rookie campaign.
Xavier Legette and Ja’Tavion Sanders are promising pass-catchers, and they should be able to complement Diontae Johnson and Adam Thielen well. Jonathon Brooks figures to be a long-term starting running back, though his career will begin slowly because he’s coming off a torn ACL.
The Panthers focused on the defensive side of the ball for most of Day 3. They found some good values in that regard, including fifth-round cornerback Chau Smith-Wade, who can help replace the traded Donte Jackson.
I really like this draft for the Panthers, and it should be graded highly despite the team not possessing a first-round pick at the beginning of the weekend.
Season Summary:
When the Panthers traded up to No. 1 in the 2023 NFL Draft, the coaches believed they were getting C.J. Stroud. The owner had a different plan. That plan has failed thus far, as Bryce Young endured a horrific rookie campaign. The Panthers can still salvage him, but they need to give him a much better supporting cast with resources they don’t possess.
Offseason Moves: Steelers acquire WR Diontae Johnson from Panthers for Donte Jackson
Giants acquire DE/OLB Brian Burns from Panthers for 2024 2nd- and 5th-round picks
Team Needs:
2024 NFL Free Agent Signings:
Carolina Panthers Free Agents:
Salary Cap: TBA.
NFL Free Agent Tracker:
QB | RB | FB | WR | TE | OT | G | C | DE | DT | OLB | ILB | CB | S | K/P | FA Grades | FA Rumors
2025 NFL Mock Draft - Dec. 11
NFL Power Rankings - Dec. 9
2026 NFL Mock Draft - Nov. 29
Fantasy Football Rankings - Sept. 4
Projection: 5-12 (Tied 2nd in NFC South)
2023 Projection: 7-10. 2023 Actual Result: 7-10.
2022 Projection: 10-7. 2022 Actual Result: 7-10.
2021 Projection: 9-8. 2021 Actual Result: 5-12.
2020 Projection: 2-14. 2020 Actual Result: 5-11.
2019 Projection: 10-6. 2019 Actual Result: 5-11.
2018 Projection: 11-5. 2018 Actual Result: 7-9.
2017 Projection: 7-9. 2017 Actual Result: 11-5.
2016 Projection: 11-5. 2016 Actual Result: 6-10.
NFL Draft Team Grade:
A- GradeGoals Entering the 2024 NFL Draft: The Panthers foolishly drafted C.J. Stroud over Bryce Young last year despite all the coaches wanting Stroud to be the pick. Whoops. The Panthers are stuck with Young because David Tepper thought he knew more than the football guys he hired, so they have no choice but to build up their supporting cast to carry Young. Adding a running back, a receiver, and an offensive line would help tremendously.
2024 NFL Draft Accomplishments: Carolina did a good job of finding talent to surround Young in this draft, so if Young continues to struggle, we know it’s on him and not the supporting cast, which was lackluster during his rookie campaign.
Xavier Legette and Ja’Tavion Sanders are promising pass-catchers, and they should be able to complement Diontae Johnson and Adam Thielen well. Jonathon Brooks figures to be a long-term starting running back, though his career will begin slowly because he’s coming off a torn ACL.
The Panthers focused on the defensive side of the ball for most of Day 3. They found some good values in that regard, including fifth-round cornerback Chau Smith-Wade, who can help replace the traded Donte Jackson.
I really like this draft for the Panthers, and it should be graded highly despite the team not possessing a first-round pick at the beginning of the weekend.
NFL Draft Individual Grades:
32. Xavier Legette, WR, South Carolina – A- Grade
Xavier Legette said he would be taken by the Panthers. He also said he visited Carolina four times, somehow. It was all true, as Legette is a great selection by the Panthers. Wide receiver was a huge need, even with Diontae Johnson on the team. Legette will try to help turn around Bryce Young’s disappointing career.
46. Jonathon Brooks, RB, Texas – B Grade
So much for Jerry Jones getting his favorite running back. I thought some team would trade up above Dallas to take Brooks, and that’s what happened. Brooks is a talented running back who would have gone earlier than this if it weren’t for a torn ACL. Brooks won’t be able to play very well next year, but the Panthers will be gearing up for a possible playoff run in 2025, and Brooks will be able to help by then.
72. Trevin Wallace, LB, Kentucky – B+ Grade
The Panthers lost Frankie Luvu to free agency this offseason, so they needed to find some linebacker help. Trevin Wallace is a freak athlete with tons of upside, so I like the Panthers swinging for the fences here to help improve their defense.
101. Ja’Tavion Sanders, TE, Texas – A Grade
How long has it been since the Panthers have possessed a talented tight end? It’s been so long, but Ja’Tavion Sanders will finally fill that need. He could have easily gone early in the third round, so I love this value. It’s never a bad thing to give Bryce Young another weapon.
157. Chau Smith-Wade, CB, Washington State – A Grade
I thought Chau Smith-Wade could have gone in Round 3, so I love this value. This also fills a need, as Carolina traded Donte Jackson for Diontae Johnson. Smith-Wade is undersized, but projects as a solid nickel corner.
200. Jaden Crumedy, DT, Mississippi State – B+ Grade
The Panthers have struggled against the run for years. Perhaps that’ll turn around with Jaden Crumedy joining the defensive line. Crumedy is a massive nose tackle who was projected in the fifth round, making this a solid pick.
240. Michael Barrett, LB, Michigan – B Grade
Michael Barrett was seen as a seventh-round prospect heading into the draft, so taking him here makes sense. Barrett figures to be a career special-teamer.
Season Summary:
When the Panthers traded up to No. 1 in the 2023 NFL Draft, the coaches believed they were getting C.J. Stroud. The owner had a different plan. That plan has failed thus far, as Bryce Young endured a horrific rookie campaign. The Panthers can still salvage him, but they need to give him a much better supporting cast with resources they don’t possess.
Offseason Moves:
Team Needs:
- Two Wide Receivers: Bryce Young had no one to throw to last year, aside from Adam Thielen, who is nearing the end of his career. Two receivers are needed, including one who can stretch the field. Traded for Diontae Johnson
- Two Guards: Pass protection was a huge problem as well. Upgrades are needed at both guard spots. Signed Damien Lewis and Robert Hunt
- Defensive Tackle: Carolina needs a run-stuffing presence in order to finally overcome its weakness against the rush. Signed A’Shawn Robinson
- Tight End: Hayden Hurst was a bust of a free agent signing, so this is another area the Panthers must address.
- Edge Rusher: Brian Burns was likely to be franchised or re-signed, but he was traded. Signed D.J. Wonnum, Jadeveon Clowney and K’Lavon Chaisson
- Linebacker: Re-signing Frankie Luvu is a priority as well. Signed Josey Jewell
- Quarterback: Vetern competition is needed to challenge Young, who was horrible as a rookie.
- Running Back: Chuba Hubbard took over for the ineffective Miles Sanders, but it’s not like he was a terrific replacement.
- Cornerback Depth: The Panthers have some depth issues at cornerback, given the number of free agents they have at the position. Signed Dane Jackson
Follow me @walterfootball for updates.
2024 NFL Free Agent Signings:
Carolina Panthers Free Agents:
Salary Cap: TBA.
NFL Free Agent Tracker:
QB | RB | FB | WR | TE | OT | G | C | DE | DT | OLB | ILB | CB | S | K/P | FA Grades | FA Rumors
NFL Picks - Dec. 11
2025 NFL Mock Draft - Dec. 11
NFL Power Rankings - Dec. 9
2026 NFL Mock Draft - Nov. 29
Fantasy Football Rankings - Sept. 4
