Carolina Panthers All Quarter Century Team: Cam Newton and multiple Hall of Fame level stars stand out as franchise greats

Running Back: Christian McCaffrey and Jonathan Stewart

At the running back position, the Panthers had an insanely underrated RB one-two punch with Jonathan Stewart and DeAngelo Williams. For the All Quarter Century team, we're going to replace the shifty Williams with an all-purpose back in Christian McCaffrey.

A J-Stew/CMC duo would eat. Stewart was always a consistent and reliable runner while McCaffrey adds the big-play ability for this offense.

These two players are franchise staples when talking about the Panthers' rushing attack over the last 20 years.

Wide Receiver: DJ Moore, Steve Smith Sr., and Muhsin Muhammed

During Cam Newton's prime, the lack of weapons was always a problem. So, let's build the arsenal in the passing game.

Steve Smith Sr. is an easy selection as a Hall of Fame level weapon. While he hasn't been inducted yet, his day will soon come for a player who's eighth all-time in NFL receiving yards. And if you have Smith, you need to have Muhsin Muhammed as well.

The third option in the passing game is easy too, and someone the Panthers should have never let go, in DJ Moore. Good luck trying to defend Smith and Moore on the same team.

Tight End: Greg Olsen

A no question selection. Greg Olsen might not have started his career in Carolina, but he will always be remembered for being a Panther.

Olsen was the heart and soul of the 2015 team and a huge locker room leader. On the field, Olsen ranks Top-3 in receptions and yards in franchise history behind Smith and Muhammed.

FLEX: DeAngelo Williams

Getting DeAngelo Williams on this list was a must. While he didn't crack into the RB room, Williams is the easy pick for the flex spot on offense.

Williams was a dynamic weapon for nine seasons in Carolina. In 2008, his 20 scrimmage touchdowns led the entire league and he followed it up with his first Pro Bowl nomination the next season.

Steve Smith personified toughness💪

Truly a @Panthers legend pic.twitter.com/n3XU4qn4XM

— PFF (@PFF) May 12, 2021

Offensive Line: Jordan Gross (LT), Andrew Norwell (LG), Ryan Khalil (C), Trai Turner (RG), and Taylor Moton (RT)

On the offensive line, let's start with Jordan Gross. Gross started all 16 games in eight of his 11 seasons with the Panthers and was a first-team All-Pro selection in 2008. At left guard, it was a toss up between Andrew Norwell and Travelle Wharton. While Wharton was reliable, Norwell's All-Pro year in 2016 gives him the nod, even if he only played four years in Carolina.

Ryan Khalil was a staple of the offensive front playing 148 games for the Panthers earning two All-Pros and five Pro Bowl selections. Same thing goes for Trai Turner, a reliable protector who recorded five straight Pro Bowl seasons. Finally, at right tackle, I'm going with Taylor Moton and his dependability.

Defensive Line: Julius Peppers (EDGE), Brian Burns (EDGE) Derrick Brown (DT), and Kawann Short (DT)

Now we're adding some physicality to this team. Starting with Hall of Fame pass rusher Julius Peppers off the edge paired with Brian Burns.

On the interior, Kawann Short gets the spot over Kris Jenkins. Each player had two Pro Bowl seasons, but Short had an underrated role on that 2015 team.

The other spot goes to Derrick Brown and it's not particularly close. He's the best player currently on the Panthers' team when healthy and he has a bright future ahead.

Linebacker: Luke Kuechly, Thomas Davis, and Jon Beason

You can't really go wrong at linebacker. Luke Kuechly is one of the best to do it despite a short-lived career playing alongside Thomas Davis and Jon Beason. The eight year run and trophy haul Kuechly had from 2012-2019 is unmatched.

At the same time, Davis was always the true leader at the position while Beason brought the boom for the unit. Being able to see all three together was incredible.

Shaq Thompson would have be an honorable mention, but it's hard to justify putting him above any of these three players.

Cornerback: Josh Norman, Jaycee Horn, and Chris Gamble

The cornerback room is a little shaky, but the versatility is appealing with these three players. Prime Josh Norman was a different player and wasn't afraid to run his mouth, in a good and bad way. He can bring the fire while Jaycee Horn brings the real star caliber play to the position.

When you're not throwing at Norman or Horn, then you have Chris Gamble, a ball-hawk corner who leads the franchise in interceptions (27) and pass deflections (98).

Safety: Mike Minter and Charles Godfrey

At safety, Mike Minter and Charles Godfrey seem like the safe selections. Minter was a do-it-all safety who's second in INT and third in tackles in franchise history.

Godfrey was a solid player during his first five NFL seasons until suffering a torn Achilles in 2013 that eventually led to the end of his time in Carolina.

Returners: Rod Smart and Ted Ginn Jr.

As for the returners, I'm going with Rod Smart on kickoff and Ted Ginn Jr. on punt. Smart had a 100-yard kickoff returned for a touchdown in 2003 and Ginn offers some insane speed to the room.

But, let's be real, Steve Smith is going to be the one mainly returning kicks.