Despite missing the playoffs for the seventh consecutive season, the Carolina Panthers took a refreshing step forward in 2024.
They went from two wins in 2023 to five wins this year, they won’t be going forward with a different head coach and, perhaps most importantly, they may very well have their franchise quarterback in Bryce Young.
But this seedling is going to require some more water before it really starts budding next fall.
So for the Panthers to keep growing, they’ll have to address these needs during the offseason . . .
What are the Panthers’ biggest needs for 2025?
1. EDGE
All things considered, outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney had himself a pretty decent campaign. But when your best pass rusher is an 11th-year veteran who recorded 5.5 sacks, you probably need some more firepower.
Carolina is fresh off allowing the most points ever in a single season (534), and their punchless pass rush certainly played a part in that dubious honor. The Panthers notched just 32 sacks, tied for the third-fewest in 2024.
Other than rostering Clowney off the edge, the unit does have D.J. Wonnum—who gave a fine account of himself in his shortened season. But this defense needs a certifiable sack artist, one who can free up Clowney more often and push Wonnum into a more suitable role as a rotational presence.
2. DL
If Carolina suffered mightily from their lack of pressure, then their run defense might tell the pass rush to hold its beer.
The Panthers relinquished a ridiculous 179.8 rushing yards per game, by far the most in the NFL. To put that number into perspective—the next closest team, the New Orleans Saints, allowed 141.4 rushing yards a contest.
This unit will certainly get a boost from the return of Pro Bowler Derrick Brown, who went down for the season after tearing his meniscus in Week 1. He will, however, need some upgrades beside and behind him.
3. DB
Xavier Woods, Jordan Fuller and Nick Scott combined to account for 83.1 percent of Carolina’s snaps amongst safeties. All three are slated to become free agents this offseason.
Cornerback Mike Jackson, maybe the most pleasant surprise of the year, is also looking for a new contract. If he walks, the Panthers would definitely need a new No. 2 to pair with Pro Bowler Jaycee Horn.
But even if they were to retain at least some of those guys, the Panthers need more playmakers in their secondary. Their nine interceptions were tied for the fifth-fewest in the league.
4. ILB
All three of Carolina’s top inside linebackers—Shaq Thompson, Josey Jewell and Trevin Wallace—had their seasons abbreviated by injuries. By the time Weeks 17 and 18 rolled around, the Panthers were forced to entrust the middle of their defense to special teamers and practice-squad members.
The outlook is still cloudy entering 2025. Thompson will be a free agent coming off an Achilles tear, Jewell wasn’t always a reliable tackler and Wallace is still learning the position.
5. WR
It wouldn’t be a Carolina Panthers offseason if we didn’t bring up the need for a wideout.
While Young took a very encouraging step in his development over the season’s last 11 weeks, he shouldn’t taking his next one with a 35-year-old Adam Thielen as his best target. And although Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker flashed at times as rookies, neither are likely to grow right into the No. 1 receiver Young should have for 2025.
6. TE
There’s a similar conundrum at the tight end position.
2024 fourth-round pick Ja’Tavion Sanders looked quite solid . . . in spurts. He, like Legette and Coker, is not a surefire solution at the moment.
Plus, Tommy Tremble and Ian Thomas are headed to free agency.