Carolina Panthers 2025 Season Preview
By: Michael Higgins
(Image courtesy of Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
The Carolina Panthers started the 2024 season at the absolute rock bottom. The No. 1 overall pick that they traded a handful of valuable assets for was not performing well and it looked as if the franchise was going to be a bottom feeder for years to come. However, after Bryce Young came back after a benching, he played significantly better in that final stretch. This led to the organization and fanbase regaining trust and hope in their QB.
Departures: There were minimal departures in the offseason for the Panthers and no real contributors on offense left as RB Miles Sanders is the only face that will not return. On the defensive side of the ball, EDGE Jadeveon Clowney, DL DeShawn Williams, LB Cam Gill, LB Shaq Thompson, CB Dane Jackson, CB Caleb Farley, and SAF Jordan Fuller will all be elsewhere in 2025.
Additions: The Panthers did a good job of acquiring valuable depth in the offseason to make both sides of the ball more competitive. EDGE Patrick Jones II, DL Tershawn Wharton, DT Bobby Brown III, and SAF Tre’von Moehrig all agreed to multi-year deals with the team. RB Rico Dowdle, WR Hunter Renfrow, LB Christian Rozeboom, CB Mike Jackson, and P Sam Martin signed one-year contracts. The defense will be much different and the depth at all three levels of the defense are much improved.
Draft Selections: The Panthers did well to acquire some talent to put around Bryce Young in the draft. In the 1st round, they selected Arizona WR Tetairoa McMillan. McMillan is a big body and typical X receiver with the separation skills to win at all three levels. He provides a large catch radius for young and can add a new dynamic to the offense. For the offense, they also took RB Trevor Etienne and WR Jimmy Horn Jr. on Day 3. I expect both players to see action throughout the season. TE Mitchell Evans out of Notre Dame was taken in the 5th round. In a crowded TE room, he will mainly be used in heavy 12 personnel as a blocker. On the defensive side of the ball, they selected two edge rushers in Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen. I am high on both players but especially Umanmielen, they got unbelievable slot value there.
Carolina is looking to take a huge step forward in the NFC and put themselves back on track to being playoff contenders. A successful season for the Panthers does not have to include a playoff appearance. There does need to be production from the wide receiver room and continue to see the development from Bryce Young. The defense will have to keep them close and with the much needed improvements, I believe they can.
Season Predictions: The Panthers start the season with two road games against the Jaguars and Cardinals before making their home debut against the Falcons. After a quick home game they go back on the road to end September in Foxboro against the Patriots. The Panthers go 2-2 to start the year.
October sees the team open the month with two home games against the Cowboys and Dolphins, then go on the road to face the Jets, and return home to host the Bills. The Panthers go 1-3 in October.
They open November in Green Bay to play the Packers, return home to host the Saints, travel to Atlanta to take on the Falcons, head west to play the 49ers on Monday Night Football, and finish the month at home against the Rams. The Panthers go 2-3 in November.
The Panthers have a Week 14 bye and then travel to New Orleans to play the Saints, host the Buccaneers and Seahawks, and end the season on the road against the Buccaneers. I have the Panthers going 1-3 in this stretch.
Final Thoughts: I have the Panthers finishing the 2025 season with a record of 6-11. 6 wins is certainly a level of progress that can be apparent. The roster as a whole is just devoid of star talent at the moment. They need to allow their young guys the necessary time to develop while also building through the draft. Carolina is a year or two away from really competing for the postseason.
