2025 Yearbook: Carolina Panthers

A season preview of the Carolina Panthers.

All Access Football NFL Yearbook Series Counts you down to the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game with an in-depth look at 32 organizations in 32 days. Presented by the Official 2026 NFL Draft Bible.

[EDITOR’S NOTE: Howard Balzer, Dominic Ambrose and Jarrett Reigel contributed to this report] || [Some information also appears in the Lindy’s NFL & College Football Season Preview Guides. — Obtain these must-have magazines here]

NFL YEARBOOK SERIES: NO.32 — SAINTS || NO.31 — BROWNS

NFC SOUTH || 2024 RECORD: 5-12 || AAF NFL POWER RANKING: 30

TEAM BRASS

Owner: David Tepper || General Manager: Dan Morgan || Head Coach: Dave Canales || Offensive Coordinator: Brad Idzik || Defensive Coordinator: Ejiro Evero || Special Teams: Tracy Smith

REGULAR SEASON SCHEDULE

2025 NFLPA GRADES || OVERALL RANKINGS (25 of 32)

Treatment of Facilities: B+ || Food / Dining Area: B || Nutritionist / Dietician: A- || Locker Room: C || Training Room: B- || Training Staff: B+ || Weight Room: C+ || Strength Coaches: A || Team Travel: D || Head Coach: A- || Ownership: D-

The Carolina Panthers fell eight places to 25th overall in this year’s report cards. There are several areas that stand out to players as detrimental to their work experiences, including a lack of space in the facility, declining travel conditions and the continued use of turf over grass. The team’s travel grade dropped from a B- to a D, largely due to the new coaching staff moving players from first class last season and placing them in smaller, coach seats. Additionally, players continue to call for a return to a grass field after the team changed to a turf field surface a few years ago. The need for renovations and the continued use of turf instead of grass, perhaps because it is cheaper to maintain, continue to be drivers of a low grade for owner David Tepper.

OVERVIEW

The Panthers youth movement is in motion, as they had eight selections to use on their continued overhaul of the roster. All of their selections focused on prospects from blue-blood programs with top-level traits. They accomplished several goals, including a better supporting cast for third-year signal-caller Bryce Young (photo: Carolina Panthers), as well as an improved pass-rush on defense. Where they really did well was in the later rounds, identifying potential role players who fit their scheme. This should be an improved team but not by much.

OFFENSE RANKINGS

Total Offense: 298.0 (29th) || Passing: 187.5 (29th) || Rushing: 110.5 (16th) || Points: 20.1 (23rd) || Sacked: 36 (T-11th) || 3rd Down: 36% (26th)

DEFENSE RANKINGS

Total Defense: 404.5 (32nd) || Passing: 224.7 (25th) || Rushing: 179.8 (32nd) || Points Allowed: 31.4 (32nd) || Sacks: 32 (T-29th) || Turnover Differential: -5 (T-20th)

TOP 10 FRANCHISE PLAYERS

1. Jaycee Horn, Cornerback

2. Derrick Brown, Defensive End

3. Ikem Ekwonu, Offensive Tackle

4. Josey Jewell, Linebacker

5. Taylor Moton, Offensive Tackle

6. DJ Wonnum, Defensive End

7. Chuba Hubbard, Running Back

8. Adam Thielen, Wide Receiver

9. Tetairoa McMillan, Wide Receiver

10. Robert Hunt, Offensive Guard

TOP 10 PLAYERS UNDER 25

1. Ikem Ekwonu, Offensive Tackle (24)

2. Tetairoa McMillan, Wide Receiver (22)

3. Demani Richardson, Safety (24)

4. Bryce Young, Quarterback (23)

5. Jalen Coker, Wide Receiver (23)

6. Mitchell Evans, Tight End (22)

7. Xavier Legette, Wide Receiver (24)

8. Cam Jackson, Defensive Tackle (22)

9. Jimmy Horn Jr., Wide Receiver (22)

10. Princely Umanmielen, Linebacker (23)

BUST OUT PLAYERS

The Bryce Young experiment is still underway in Carolina after a rocky second season at the helm, in which he was benched midseason for veteran Andy Dalton. While Young smoothed out the sail during the latter portion of the year, the pressure is on for him to deliver in the mighty important year three of his development … It won’t be all on the young signal-caller to straighten the ship. The Panthers will need some of their young skill-position players to step up, such as Xavier Legette. Selected to provide a large possession-type presence, Legette was invisible at times for Carolina. More consistency is expected, as the coaching staff believes that Legette is on the verge of having a D.K. Metcalf-type of impact due to his size and physicality … An unexpected jolt on offense came in the form of undrafted free agent Jalen Coker (photo: Carolina Panthers). The vertical threat flashed the ability to stretch the field and finished with just 19 fewer receiving yards (478) than the first-rounder Leggette. Look for Coker to be heavily involved in ‘25 … At times, tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders added a spark. With a bit more consistency, Sanders could be one to watch.

2025 NFL DRAFT CLASS

ROUND | PICK | TEAM | PLAYER | POSITION | SCHOOL

Rd.1 No.8. Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona — It’s no secret that the Panthers needed to add playmakers and McMillan is as big as it gets. A dynamic, vertical threat, he should emerge as a go-to target for Bryce Young. (photo: Carolina Panthers)

Rd.2 No.51. Nic Scourton, ER, Texas A&M — Blessed with a stout anchor, Scourton is a power-rusher who can generate great push and leverage. While his production was down this past year for the Aggies, he possesses ideal size and length.

Rd.3 No.77. Princely Umanmielen, ER, Ole Miss — A pass-rusher at his roots, Umanmielen is one of the better pure edge prospects in the draft. The Panthers sorely need to do a better job of pressuring the quarterback.

Rd.4 No.114. Trevor Etienne, RB, Georgia — Ensuring that they have a readily available, healthy stable of backs, Carolina Will pair Etienne with Rico Dowdle, whom they plucked via free agency to backup starter Chuba Hubbard.

Rd.4 No.122. Lathan Ransom, S, Ohio State — An aggressive defender who appeared in 55 games for the Buckeyes, Ransom makes an abundance of plays behind the lien of scrimmage but has dealt with injuries throughout his career.

Rd.5 No.140. Cam Jackson, DT, Florida — This new-look defensive line is going to benefit significantly from the presence of Jackson whose impact doesn’t always show up in the box score but his ability to gobble up double teams and clog lanes is huge.

Rd.5 No.163. Mitchell Evans, TE, Notre Dame — While Evans doesn’t possess any elite traits, he does a little bit of everything well and should fit into the offense as a nice complimentary piece.

Rd.6 No.208. Jimmy Horn Jr., WR, Colorado — Look for Horn Jr. to compete for a roster spot as a return man, as he holds vast experience as both a punt and kick returner. In addition, he is a sharp route runner with speed but does lack size.

OVERALL IMPACT = 3 Average Impact

ADDITIONS

• DT Bobby Brown III (17/16; UFA Rams; $21M/3 yrs, $6.8M fully gtd/$2.775M gtd injury only fully gtd 3rd day 2026 LY/$5.5M SB/$3.13M 2025 cap/$2M per year incentives)

• RB Rico Dowdle (16/15; UFA Cowboys; $2.75M/1 yr, $1M SB/$2.72M 2025 cap/$3.5M incentives)

• LB Patrick Jones (15/1; UFA Vikings; $15M/2 yrs, $10.25M/ gtd/$7.23M SB/$4.885M 2025 cap/$2M per year incentives)

• P Sam Martin (17/0; FA Bills; $1.6M gtd/1 yr, $345K SB/$1.6M 2025 cap)

• S Tre’von Moehrig (17/17; UFA Raiders; $51M/3 yrs, $34.5M gtd/$18M SB/7.2M 2025 cap/$9M incentives)

• LB Christian Rozeboom (17/11; UFA Rams; $2.5M/1 yr, $1.97M gtd/$800K SB/$2.5 2025 cap/$1M incentives)

• DT Tershawn Wharton (17/10; UFA Chiefs; $45.05M/3 yrs, $30.25M gtd/$14.5M SB/$6.55M 2025 cap/$3M per year incentives)

• K Matthew Wright (5/0; FA; $1.17M/1 yr, no gtd/$1.03 2025 cap)

RE-SIGNINGS

• RB Raheem Blackshear (not tendered as RFA; $1.1M/1 yur, no gtd/$1.1M 2025 cap)

• WR Dan Chisena (not tendered as RFA; $1.17M/1 yr, no gtd/$1.03M 2025 cap)

• OL Brady Christensen (potential UFA; $2.788M gtd/1 yr, $167,500 SB/$1.338M 2025 cap)

• C/G Austin Corbett (potential UFA; $3M/1 yr, $745K SB/$5.8M 2025 cap)

• QB Andy Dalton (potential UFA; $8M/2 yrs, $6M gtd/$2.645M SB/$3.2M 2025 cap/1 void year)

• CB Michael Jackson (UFA; $10.5M/2 yrs, $5.7M fully gtd/$2M gtd injury only fully gtd 3rd day 2026 LY/$4M SB/$3.7M 2025 cap/$2M per year incentives)

• LS J.J. Jansen (potential UFA; 1.422.5/1 yr, 1.197.5 gtd/$167,500 SB/$1.197.5 2025 cap)

• G Cade Mays (RFA tendered at $3.406M with 6th-round pick as compensation; $3.406M/1 yr)

• WR David Moore (UFA; $1.422.5M/1 yr, $563.5K gtd/$167,500 SB/$1.197.5M 2025 cap)

• DE LaBryan Ray (ERFA; $1.03M/1 yr, no gtd/$1.03M 2025 cap)

• S Nick Scott (UFA; $1.337.5M/1 yr, no gtd/$167,500 RB/$1.197.5M 2025 cap)

• TE Tommy Tremble (potential UFA; $10.5M/2 yrs, $6M fully gtd/$2M gtd injury only/$4M SB/$3.585M SB/$5.5M incentives)

DEPARTURES

• S Sam Franklin (10/0; UFA Broncos; $1.337.5M gtd/1 yr, $167,500 SB/$1.337.5M 2025 cap)

• TE Feleipe Franks (16/0; UFA Falcons; $1.44M/1 yr, $200K gtd/$1.42M 2025 cap)

• S Jordan Fuller (9/9; UFA Falcons; $1.335M/1 yr, $80K SB/$1.155M 2025 cap)

• P Johnny Hekker (17/0; UFA Titans; $1.422.5M/1 yr, $1.197.5M gtd/$167,500 SB/$1.197.5M 2025 cap)

• CB Dane Jackson (9/3; released)

• S Lonnie Johnson Jr. (15/1; UFA Raiders; $1.685M/1 yr, $175K SB/$1.645M 2025 cap)

• RB Velus Jones Jr. (3/0; not tendered as RFA/Saints; $1.15M/1 yr, no gtd/$1.15M 2025 cap)

• RB Miles Sanders (11/2; released)

• TE Ian Thomas (5/2; UFA Raiders; $1.524.5M/1 yr, $567.5K gtd/$167,500 SB/$1.452.5M 2025 cap)

• S Xavier Woods (17/17; UFA Titans; $8M/2 yrs, $3.49M gtd/$2M SB/$3M 2025 cap/$2M incentives)

DEPTH CHART (Courtesy of Ourlads)

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