The Carolina Panthers’ offseason plans should be pretty clear to anyone following the team.
As the Panthers head into a pivotal offseason that could shape the future of their franchise for years to come, it’s evident that Bryce Young’s No. 1 overall pick wasn’t a huge mistake. After showing real promise late in the 2024 season, it seems like the rookie quarterback is on the right track.
However, the Panthers finished with a 5-12 record and have missed the playoffs for seven straight years. They had the worst defense in NFL history last season, they’re not a top destination for star players, and their cap space is severely limited.
So, unless an unexpected trade for a star like Garrett Wilson happens, don’t expect any huge moves in the upcoming months—and that’s okay.
This is a rebuilding process, and given how long the Panthers have struggled, waiting another year for serious playoff contention isn’t a major setback.
The next few months should focus on making small, smart improvements. The Panthers likely won’t land major names like Tee Higgins or Myles Garrett. Instead, they should focus on shrewd signings and a few trades for young players on rookie contracts, all while staying within their cap constraints.
Carolina can still make progress by adopting this strategy. They don’t need to go all-in right now. Adding players like Elijah Moore or Tutu Atwell at receiver, signing edge rusher Dayo Odeyingbo, or trading for a young cornerback to pair with Jaycee Horn could be solid moves to build a competitive team.
It’s these kinds of under-the-radar decisions that lead to long-term success. Just look at the Washington Commanders, who took a long time to rebuild before making their first NFC Championship Game appearance since 1992, years after the Panthers even existed.
There’s certainly hope for Carolina, but it’s not going to come from spending big in free agency. The sooner fans accept that, the better prepared they’ll be for an optimistic future in 2025 and beyond.
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