During Dan Morgan’s second offseason leading the Carolina Panthers, the team has focused heavily on improving the defense. While this should help create a more balanced roster, completely overlooking the need for offensive weapons around quarterback Bryce Young could prove to be a costly mistake.
A well-regarded former player and current analyst echoed this concern, urging the Panthers to inject more explosiveness into their passing game when the 2025 NFL Draft arrives.
Bryce Young showed notable improvement in the latter half of the 2024 season. Head coach Dave Canales made a bold and courageous move by benching the former No. 1 overall pick early in his tenure—a decision that paid off, as Young regained his confidence and began to demonstrate the potential that made him a top college prospect.
Offensively, the Panthers made minimal changes. They re-signed several players and added running back Rico Dowdle on a one-year deal, but otherwise kept the status quo. With most experts predicting GM Dan Morgan will prioritize defense in the draft, it remains to be seen whether the team’s confidence in young offensive talents like Xavier Legette, Jalen Coker, and Ja’Tavion Sanders will ultimately be justified.
Carolina Panthers must add another dynamic playmaker for QB Bryce Young
ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky emphasized the importance of the Panthers using an early draft pick on a wide receiver. The former quarterback highlighted how critical the upcoming season is for Bryce Young and suggested that adding a dynamic pass-catcher with yards-after-catch ability could help solidify the team’s future.
“This is a huge year for Bryce Young—absolutely massive,” Orlovsky said. “It’s year two under Dave Canales. He was benched last season but really began to take off toward the end. They have Adam Thielen, who’s still a very solid player. Xavier Legette had some flashes, but he only had about 49 receptions for 490 yards—so roughly 10 yards a catch. This offense needs more vertical threat and speed. While everyone’s linking them to a defensive lineman, I think wide receiver should seriously be in the mix.”
Panthers GM Dan Morgan echoed this sentiment in his pre-draft press conference, acknowledging the team’s interest in adding another wide receiver and pointing out that talent at the position drops off after Day 2. That raises the likelihood that Carolina could target a receiver early, depending on how the draft board unfolds.
Trading down from the top 10 could be challenging this year due to a lack of elite top-end talent, although the class is deep overall, with potential starters available throughout. Morgan enters the draft with nine total picks—ample opportunity to address key needs and bring in players who can contribute immediately.
With Young entering his third year and eligible for an extension after the season, the Panthers also need to decide on his fifth-year option next spring. Time is of the essence, and Morgan must act boldly to strengthen the roster around Young.
Confidence in the current offensive weapons may exist, but it’s clear that more is needed if Carolina wants to take a significant step forward.