Carolina Panthers Confront Roster Deficits Despite Offseason Moves and Rising Optimism

The Carolina Panthers enter the 2025 NFL season with cautious hope after a series of aggressive offseason moves, but lingering roster challenges threaten to slow their path back to respectability. Analysts and fans alike acknowledge improvements on both sides of the ball, yet significant gaps remain, particularly at wide receiver, tight end, and edge rusher.

Under the leadership of head coach Dave Canales and general manager Dan Morgan, the Panthers have retooled their roster, focusing heavily on defense after finishing last season with the league’s worst unit. Key additions in free agency and the draft—most notably dynamic wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan, selected eighth overall—have injected talent and optimism into a squad that has struggled for years. However, the consensus among experts is that while the floor has been raised, the ceiling remains low compared to NFC playoff contenders.

According to The Athletic, the Panthers’ roster ranks 23rd in the NFL, a notable improvement but still far from elite. The wide receiver and tight end groups are rated 26th and 32nd, respectively, underscoring a desperate need for playmakers to support young quarterback Bryce Young. The defense, bolstered by a healthy Derrick Brown and new starters, is considered “an edge rusher away from being solid across the board”.

Despite these efforts, NFL insider Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report still lists the Panthers among the league’s bottom-five rosters, citing persistent deficiencies and a lack of proven talent surrounding Young. The team’s offense, often criticized as predictable, has shown flashes of promise but remains reliant on unproven or aging targets like Adam Thielen and Xavier Legette, whose inconsistency has been a concern. The running back room—featuring Chuba Hubbard, Rico Dowdle, and Trevor Etienne—offers depth but not elite production.

On the field, the Panthers’ offensive line is a bright spot, providing a strong foundation for Young’s development. However, the secondary is hampered by injuries, and the front seven requires further investment to become competitive. Contract negotiations are ongoing for cornerback Jaycee Horn and tackle Taylor Moton, while tight end Tommy Tremble and kicker Eddy Pineiro are set to test free agency.

While the Panthers are not expected to make a miracle run in 2025, there is a growing belief that the team is moving in the right direction. The new regime’s focus on addressing critical needs—especially on defense and in the passing game—has been praised, but the true test will come when the games begin. For now, optimism is tempered by the reality that the Panthers remain years away from true contention, with tough matchups ahead and plenty of questions still unanswered.