The Carolina Panthers were quite busy to kick off the new league year. In fact, some may say that we all had a little fun in the process.
But there's still plenty of work to be done as we move into the next stage of free agency.
Here are the team's six biggest needs as we enter the secondary waves this offseason . . .
Wide receiver
Added: None
Lost: Velus Jones Jr
Retained: Dan Chisena
Remaining free agents: David Moore, Deven Thompkins
Carolina still needs a playmaker in the wideout room, or some real vertical speed at the least. (Bonus points if you have value as a returner on special teams.)
As of now, Chisena would be the fourth option at the position—behind Xavier Legette, Jalen Coker and Adam Thielen, who turns 35 years old in August.
Tight end
Added: None
Lost: None
Retained: Tommy Tremble
Remaining free agents: Ian Thomas, Feleipe Franks, Stephen Sullivan
The offense also needs depth behind Tremble and 2024 fourth-round pick Ja'Tavion Sanders.
Pass rusher
Added: Pat Jones II
Lost: None
Retained: None
Remaining free agents: Cam Gill
Jones II, who's on board with a two-year deal worth up to $20 million, could be a sneaky-good addition. He'll likely be the first man up behind starters Jadeveon Clowney and D.J. Wonnum.
But this defense, which amassed the league's lowest pressure rate in 2024 (16.2 percent), will need a little more firepower off the edge.
Cornerback
Added: None
Lost: Lonnie Johnson Jr.
Retained: Mike Jackson
Remaining free agents: Caleb Farley
Carolina would probably be okay if they had to go into 2025 with Jackson as their second starter across from Jaycee Horn. He's back on a two-year, $14.5 million pact after a solid 2024.
Even if that's the case, they'll have to add depth at the position—something they've been missing for a few seasons now.
Safety
Added: Tre'von Moehrig
Lost: Xavier Woods
Retained: None
Remaining free agents: Jordan Fuller, Nick Scott, Sam Franklin Jr.
The Panthers are clearly looking to revamp the safety spot, and signing the ascending Moehrig was a pretty good start. He'll provide some much-needed run support for a unit that allowed a league-high 179.8 rushing yards per game.
Other than Moehrig, however, second-year defensive back Demani Richardson is the only other safety on the roster. They'll need a starting free safety to roam the back of the unit.
Kicker
Added: None
Lost: None
Retained: None
Remaining free agents: Eddy Piñeiro
"Steady Eddy" may not be back, and the Panthers have prepared for that by already signing Matthew Wright to a reserve/future contract. Is Wright, though, more of an insurance policy than he is a successor at the kicker position?
