The Carolina Panthers have been going through struggles since the injury and departure of long time legend QB Cam Newton. Many other key departures have taken place with this organization such as WR DJ Moore and RB Christian McCaffery. This initiated a rebuild for the Carolina Panthers organization. The Panthers organization was in need of a new quarterback and there were multiple suitors. However, the Panthers wanted the best quarterback out of the 2023 draft class. So they traded up.
Carolina Panthers Acquire
2023 1st Round Pick (1st overall): QB Bryce Young
Chicago Bears Acquire
2023 1st Round Pick (10th overall): OT Darnell Wright
2023 2nd Round Pick: CB Tyrique Stevenson
2024 1st Round Pick (1st overall): QB Caleb Williams
2025 2nd Round Pick: WR Luther Burden
WR DJ Moore
Philadelphia Eagles Acquire
2023 1st Round Pick (9th overall): DT Jalen Carter
The Panthers had made a gutsy trade to move up to first overall in 2023 to draft quarterback Bryce Young. Following Young’s struggles in performances through his first one and a half seasons, many were flaming the Panthers for the massive trade they had made or indicating the fact that they should have selected quarterback CJ Stroud over Young. Young had a stellar career at the University of Alabama, learning from head coach Nick Saban, going to 2 national championships (won 1 when QB2), and winning the 2021 Heisman Award.
After some struggles in his sophomore season at Carolina, the Panthers had decided to bench Bryce Young for veteran QB Andy Dalton. Dalton played well, however, the Panthers had to switch back to Young following a thumb injury during a car accident to Andy Dalton. Bryce Young did not let that moment go to waste. Young put up career highs in stats and was looking like the true first overall pick the Panthers had invested in. He even looked better than fellow draftee, CJ Stroud, throughout the end of the season.
Head coach Dave Canales confirmed with the media that the Carolina Panthers will move forward with Bryce Young at quarterback. In order to make the Panthers legit contenders in the South, they needed to help Young and boost his confidence. As a mentor, the Panthers have re-signed Andy Dalton to a two year contract. They also have made many other offseason additions, which is why they received an A+ by PFF for draft grade. And in my book too, they also receive an A+ since they addressed their needs.
Tetairoa McMillan (WR)
University of Arizona 2024-2025 Season Stats:
1,319 Receiving Yards
84 Receptions
8 Passing Touchdowns
109.9 Yards Per Game
15.7 Yards Per Reception
12 Games Played
Let’s keep it simple. McMillan was by far one of the best WR prospects to come out of college football, probably ever. He is a higher rated WR prospect than even Travis Hunter. His positives include his prototypical size, his ability to run outside routes and slot, his hands, and his high IQ. He will be the new WR1 for Carolina moving forward and will be a highly reliable target for Bryce Young. One not-so talked about feature would be his ability to “go out and get the ball.” McMillan allows quarterbacks to be less accurate, taking weight off their hands when most needed. This will strongly help Bryce Young from making errors since he is still a learning quarterback, boosting his confidence.
Jimmy Horn Jr. (WR)
University of Colorado 2024-2025 Season Stats:
441 Receiving Yards
37 Receptions
1 Passing Touchdowns
40.1 Yards Per Game
11.9 Yards Per Reception
11 Games Played
Jimmy Horn Jr. was by far one of the biggest steals of the 2025 NFL Draft. Constantly in the shadow of Travis Hunter, when in Colorado, Horn flashes his speed, agility, and ability to cause separation when covered tightly. Despite injuries, Horn shows versatility being a strong return man.
Hunter Renfrow (WR)
Hunter Renfrow is a valuable veteran wide receiver for the Carolina Panthers. Though he took a year off, he will be a great mentor to the young wide receivers already on the Panthers such as Xavier Ligette and Tetairoa McMillan. Renfrow flashes his strong ability to create separation, his strong work ethic despite his size, and his strong work ethic. Renfrow’s ability to break past a defender will be flashed in Carolina and will help the younger receivers learn.
Trevor Etienne (RB)
University of Georgia 2024-2025 Season Stats:
609 Rushing Yards
122 Rushing Attempts
9 Rushing Touchdowns
5.0 Yards Per Carry
67.7 Rushing Yards Per Game
9 Games Played
Trevor Etienne adds a strong running back to the Carolina Panthers. He’s consistent with his rushing performances, explodes for big plays and always manages to find a way into the end zone. He will be critical in Carolina since he will gain big chunks of yardage in crucial situations. He will rush alongside RB Chuba Hubbard, providing a dual threat backfield. The strong run game will take weight off Bryce Young and will allow the ball to be run, giving Young time.
Upgrades to Offensive Line
The upgrades to the offensive line give time for Bryce Young to make better decisions and avoid getting into tough pressure situations. They now have a stronger and more established offensive line by signing guards Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis. They also shifted veteran guard Austin Corbett to center, creating a stronger offensive line.
Young Defensive Additions
Draft
Nic Scourton (EDGE)
Princely Umanmielen (EDGE)
Lanthan Ransom (S)
Free Agency
Tershawn Wharton (DT)
Bobby Brown III (DT)
Pat Jones II (LB)
Tre’von Moehrig (S)
Resign
Jaycee Horn (CB)
Mike Jackson (CB)
