The Carolina Panthers clearly want to upgrade the top of their receiver depth chart
After a busy first week in Free Agency, the Carolina Panthers have made zero changes to their wide receiver room. Yes, the defense was the priority this year, but they know they have a young quarterback who requires investment to thrive.
That’s why they were connected to trade rumors left and right with big names like Tee Higgins (staying with the Cincinnati Bengals), DK Metcalf (traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers), and Brandon Aiyuk (staying with the San Francisco 49ers, for now).
The only definitive moves the Panthers have made were the re-signing of depth players Dan Chisena and David Moore. Neither guy is going to be pushing the top of the depth chart.
That top is currently led by a 34-year old Adam Thielen, and two second-year players. 2024 first round pick Xavier Legette is coming off of an injury-plagued rookie year and former undrafted free agent Jalen Coker is promising, but far from a guarantee.
So what’s the plan?
The trade rumors are our best indication of what general manager Dan Morgan is thinking. He clearly wants to upgrade the talent, but he isn’t willing to overpay to do it. Higgins was probably never a realistic option, but Morgan probably elected not to beat Pittsburgh’s offer of their 2025 2nd and 7th round picks. Wide receivers are interesting, but not a priority to the Carolina front office.
That also likely means that a wide receiver is out of play at the 8th overall pick. There are a couple names up for debate at that pick, but no clear homerun hits. Meanwhile there are a number of defenders who would be immediate and lasting upgrades for the current roster. Keep in mind, every defensive position should be considered a position of need for the Panthers. The 8th overall pick is too dear an asset to gamble with.
Signing running back Rico Dowdle also gives us a clue as to the plan for this year. Dave Canales may finally be ready to commit more heavily to the running game. That should take some pressure off of Bryce Young as a passer and give the team’s young receivers a little more breathing room to develop.
I think the Panthers are prepared to stand on their current hand of receivers unless the draft or another veteran opportunity lands in their lap. Think Tetairoa McMillan shockingly falling to the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Brandon Aiyuk, coming off of a torn ACL and MCL, being made available for a future day three draft pick, or Amari Cooper on a prove-it-deal signed after the draft.
The splash moves of Free Agency are over. Now teams are trying to fit a puzzle of limited talent and limited resources to fill their secondary and tertiary priorities, and that’s just what the wide receiver position has been to the 2025 Carolina Panthers.