Panthers offseason priorities: Lengthy to-do list follows long-awaited trip to playoffs (January 22nd article)

[TheSpecialJuan]

1) Improve the pass rush

The Panthers didn’t get much at all from DJ Wonnum or Pat Jones, who played in only four games before undergoing back surgery. The Panthers could try to take a big swing at free-agent Trey Hendrickson, but Jaelan Phillips is younger and had one of his best seasons in Miami under Vic Fangio, whose scheme is similar to Evero’s.

2) Find a left tackle stopgap

Morgan has already invested a lot in the offensive line, and has a decision to make on free-agent center Cade Mays. Morgan said he planned to add to the line even before Ekwonu’s injury. Now it’s a necessity, whether through the draft or by signing a swing tackle in free agency.

3) Sign an off-ball linebacker who can cover

The Panthers signed Christian Rozeboom as a depth linebacker last offseason, but the former Ram was thrust into the starting lineup due to Josey Jewell’s concussion issues. Rozeboom, a free agent this winter, was solid against the run, leading the team with 122 tackles and coming up with three takeaways. But he was a liability in coverage, which Matthew Stafford exposed on the Rams’ game-winning drive. Trevin Wallace also failed to take a step forward before a shoulder injury ended his season.

4) Start grooming a new QB2

Seven hundred words into this and we’ve yet to mention Bryce Young, whose improvement in his third season helped snap a seven-year playoff drought. While it’s not at the top of the priority list, the Panthers are talking about developing another QB behind Young. Andy Dalton has been a strong mentor for Young, but he’ll be 39 in October and Morgan indicated he wants to

5) Bring in a speedy safety with range

This is another one that I’m pretty sure was on the list last year, when the Panthers in fact addressed the position in free agency and the draft. And while Tre’von Moehrig and Lathan Ransom were good pickups, both are physical players whose strengths are run support, arriving at the ball in a bad mood and blitzing effectively. The Panthers could use a rangy, post safety to patrol the back end in Evero’s single-high looks. Nick Scott, a pending free agent, had that spot last season when he started 17 games and racked up 111 tackles, both career highs. Dave Canales loves Scott’s leadership, and — like Rozeboom — I could see him back in a rotational role.

6) Lock up Jalen Coker long term

Coker, who had nine receptions for 134 yards and a touchdown in the playoff loss to the Rams, is an exclusive rights free agent this offseason. So the Panthers could offer him a one-year deal at the league minimum and Coker wouldn’t be able to negotiate with other teams. But why not reward a player who heeded Canales’ message to get in better shape, and do so before his price goes up?

7) Go YAC hunting

The Panthers will look to continue to stack playmakers around Young, with fans often asking about tight end. But I get the sense the Panthers are more interested in adding a fast, shifty wideout they can use on jets sweeps and bubble screens, and count on for yards after catch. It’s how Canales often used rookie Jimmy Horn this season.

 

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6989897/2026/01/22/panthers-offseason-priorities-edge-rusher-left-tackle/

[TheSpecialJuan]

Since this January 22nd outlook from Joe Person, the Panthers have already taken significant steps to address several of those primary offseason needs. The addition of Jaelan Phillips immediately elevates the pass rush, Devin Lloyd strengthens the off-ball linebacker group, and the signing of Rasheed Walker provides a stopgap at left tackle. Separately, Jalen Coker remains in the team’s long-term plans and is expected to be extended later. 

[TheSpecialJuan]

With the remaining offseason priorities now clearly defined — these remaining needs will now shift to being addressed in the NFL Draft.

- Start grooming a new QB2

- Bring in a speedy safety with range

- Go YAC hunting

At this point, it feels like the Panthers’ first-round pick will likely come down to either a safety with range (McNeil-Warren/Thieneman) or a wide receiver who can create after the catch (Concepcion/Cooper) and add explosive play ability to the offense.

[XClown1986]

1st - Omar Cooper

2nd - AJ Haulcy

 

I could get on board with that 

[CarolinaSock]

Considering how bad Bryce is at hitting receivers in stride, especially downfield I don't think we were all that bad at YAC. 1630 YAC on 3304 receiving yards. Doesn't matter how explosive a receiver is if he has to slow down and wait for the ball or the throw carries him out of bounds.

[ColumbusCounty]

14 hours ago, CarolinaSock said:

Considering how bad Bryce is at hitting receivers in stride, especially downfield I don't think we were all that bad at YAC. 1630 YAC on 3304 receiving yards. Doesn't matter how explosive a receiver is if he has to slow down and wait for the ball or the throw carries him out of bounds.

Bryce is hard to pin down. Before last year I don't think I'd seen him hit 5% of his downfield throws since his pro day. Maybe it was the oline but he used to be extremely fond of the checkdown iirc. Then last year around the end of the season he's throwing a 30-40 yard dart to XL and Coker in stride. 

[Pejorative Miscreant]

19 hours ago, CarolinaSock said:

Considering how bad Bryce is at hitting receivers in stride, especially downfield I don't think we were all that bad at YAC. 1630 YAC on 3304 receiving yards. Doesn't matter how explosive a receiver is if he has to slow down and wait for the ball or the throw carries him out of bounds.

I think your analysis is spot on. 

Someone posted a Greg Cossell interview on here a week or so ago and I liked his analysis on YAC essentially saying sometimes it’s receiver driven and other times QB (stated much more eloquently and extensively by Greg).  If the team can’t execute plays that give the receiver that opportunity it’s irrelevant. 

[BeenPounding]

taking into consideration of our free agent signings I have constructed the perfect mock draft:

I trade back in the first, trade TE Sanders and a future 4th to get pick #83.  Somehow I screwed up my #119 pick, but with all the moving and shaking I did it really didn't matter.  If I wanted to add the additional 3rd round picks I would have needed to sacrifice that pick.

 

The image doesn't show Michael Taaffe at 159, Micah Morris at 200, and Patrick Payton at 235

[TheSpecialJuan]

https://x.com/thepantherswire/status/2043348619936338165?s=46&t=xeIgh_-Vr2aKxBkBJdfnKA
 

Mike Kaye’s Sunday mock draft has Panthers taking Dillon Thieneman, Germe Bernard, and C Sam Hecht 

[csx]

4 minutes ago, TheSpecialJuan said:

https://x.com/thepantherswire/status/2043348619936338165?s=46&t=xeIgh_-Vr2aKxBkBJdfnKA
 

Mike Kaye’s Sunday mock draft has Panthers taking Dillon Thieneman, Germe Bernard, and C Sam Hecht 

No different from the one you posted from him last week. 

[L-TownCat]

On 4/10/2026 at 5:41 PM, TheSpecialJuan said:

- Bring in a speedy safety with range