Panthers’ to-do list for the offseason: Find a different receiver and adjust the run defense.

As the NFL offseason begins for the Carolina Panthers, the team finds itself at a crucial juncture in its rebuilding process. After a season filled with ups and downs, the Panthers are looking to make significant adjustments in key areas if they want to be competitive in the NFC South and beyond. With a solid core foundation in place, the focus for the Panthers this offseason will need to be on refining their roster, with particular attention given to two key areas: finding a more reliable receiving option and addressing their struggles against the run defense.

To take the next step forward, the Panthers will need to both plug holes in their roster and reinforce their strengths. This article will take a closer look at the two main areas where the team needs to improve — the wide receiver position and the run defense — and explore potential solutions and strategies for addressing these issues.

Finding a Different Receiver: Strengthening the Passing Game

The passing game was an area of considerable concern for the Carolina Panthers during the 2024 NFL season. While quarterback play and the offensive line are often the focal points of discussion, the lack of consistent production from the wide receiver corps was a noticeable problem. A strong, reliable receiver is crucial to any team’s offense, as they provide the necessary tools for moving the ball down the field, creating mismatches, and providing a security blanket for the quarterback.

The Current State of the Panthers’ Receiving Corps

As of the 2024 season, the Panthers’ receiving corps featured a mixture of youth and experience, but there were clear limitations when it came to producing consistent, game-changing plays in the passing game. Wide receivers like DJ Moore, Terrace Marshall Jr., and Adam Thielen each had their moments, but the overall lack of a dynamic playmaker hindered the offense’s efficiency and success.

DJ Moore, the team’s most established and productive wide receiver, was traded away prior to the season, leaving a noticeable void in the receiving room. While Marshall and Thielen are solid contributors, neither is considered a game-breaking receiver. Marshall, entering his third year, has yet to live up to expectations, and Thielen, though a reliable target, is entering the twilight of his career. For a team looking to compete in an increasingly pass-happy NFL, the Panthers need more talent and consistency at the wide receiver position to ensure their offense is as balanced and dynamic as possible.

Identifying the Ideal Receiver

The Panthers’ ideal receiver would be someone capable of stretching the field, creating separation on quick routes, and, most importantly, making plays after the catch. It’s vital for the Panthers to have someone who can change the complexion of a game, someone who can keep opposing defenses on their toes and open up the rest of the field for other players to get involved.

One of the first priorities for the Panthers in the offseason will be to explore options in free agency, the trade market, or the draft. They could look to bring in a wide receiver with proven NFL success, such as a player who can fill the void left by Moore. Depending on their draft position and salary cap flexibility, the Panthers may have an opportunity to acquire a high-level playmaker through one of these avenues.

For instance, the 2025 free-agent class may feature names such as Michael Thomas of the New Orleans Saints or JuJu Smith-Schuster of the Kansas City Chiefs — both of whom have the potential to make an immediate impact. Alternatively, if the Panthers opt for a younger, more affordable solution, they could look to the draft. The 2025 draft class is loaded with wide receiver talent, and the Panthers should have several viable options available depending on where they fall in the draft order.

Another option to consider is a trade. While acquiring a top-tier receiver via trade may be a more expensive route, players like DeAndre Hopkins (if he’s available) or other disgruntled stars could provide the immediate impact that the Panthers’ offense needs. Whatever route they choose, it is clear that improving the receiving corps is one of the highest priorities for this offseason.

What a New Receiver Brings to the Offense

Adding a true No. 1 receiver would give the Panthers the ability to create mismatches in the passing game. The right wideout would open up additional opportunities for the running backs, tight ends, and complementary receivers by forcing defensive coverage to shift in their direction. This would create more favorable matchups for other players on the field, which could lead to a more balanced and dynamic offense.

Furthermore, a dynamic wide receiver would help the development of young quarterback Bryce Young, providing him with a reliable target to lean on as he continues to acclimate to the NFL. A veteran receiver could also serve as a mentor for the younger players on the roster, helping to accelerate their development.

In short, upgrading the receiver position will make the entire offense more effective, improving its ability to generate big plays and move the ball consistently. This will be crucial for the Panthers as they look to make significant strides in 2025 and beyond.

Adjusting the Run Defense: A Critical Component for Success

While the passing game was an area of concern for the Panthers in 2024, the team’s inability to stop the run also stood out as a glaring weakness. In today’s NFL, a team’s ability to stop the run is often directly tied to their overall success on defense. A stout run defense forces opposing offenses to become one-dimensional, allowing the defense to focus on more predictable pass-rushing schemes and coverage assignments. Unfortunately, the Panthers’ run defense was not up to par in 2024, and this was evident in several key games throughout the season.

The Current State of the Panthers’ Run Defense

The Panthers’ run defense ranked near the bottom of the league in 2024, allowing over 130 yards per game on the ground. This lack of effectiveness against the run put additional pressure on the defensive line and linebackers, often leading to defensive breakdowns and long drives. Opposing offenses were able to exploit the Panthers’ defensive front with relative ease, particularly in critical situations where stopping the run would have been pivotal to securing a win.

One of the biggest challenges for the Panthers was the lack of a consistent run-stopper on the defensive line. While players like Derrick Brown and Brian Burns have been effective in various aspects of their play, neither has fully developed into the kind of dominant force needed to clog running lanes and disrupt the opposition’s ground game. The linebackers also struggled to fill gaps and make timely tackles, allowing ball carriers to gain significant yardage before being brought down.

Addressing the Defensive Line

To improve the run defense, the Panthers will need to invest in the defensive line. A dominant defensive tackle capable of disrupting plays at the line of scrimmage could make all the difference. The team will need to explore free agency and the draft to find a player who can consistently win one-on-one battles against offensive linemen, shed blocks, and penetrate the backfield.

One player the Panthers could consider in free agency is Javon Hargrave of the Philadelphia Eagles. Hargrave, known for his ability to clog the middle of the field and disrupt the run game, would be an ideal addition to the Panthers’ defense. Alternatively, the draft offers a wealth of talented defensive line prospects, including standout players such as Jalen Carter from Georgia, who could provide an immediate upgrade to the defensive front.

In addition to strengthening the defensive line, the Panthers may also look to add depth at linebacker. A quicker, more athletic linebacker who can diagnose plays and fill gaps could help reduce the amount of yardage gained by opposing running backs. The Panthers will need to prioritize finding players who are effective in both the run and pass game to round out their defensive unit.

Improving Scheme and Fundamentals

Another critical aspect of improving the run defense is adjusting the team’s defensive scheme. While having the right personnel is essential, the Panthers must also ensure that their defensive coaches are instilling proper run-stopping techniques. Defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero will need to focus on gap integrity, tackling fundamentals, and proper alignment to help the defensive players read plays and make better decisions on the fly.

The Panthers’ defensive front needs to be disciplined in maintaining its gaps, avoiding overcommitting to one area of the field, and making sure that they are not caught out of position. The linebackers must be able to react quickly, fill gaps, and bring down ball carriers with force. Additionally, the secondary needs to be prepared to support the front seven when necessary, particularly when the defense faces quick passing attacks that are designed to neutralize the pass rush.

The Importance of Adjusting the Run Defense

Improving the run defense is not only important for the success of the defense itself but also for the overall success of the team. By stopping the run, the Panthers will force opposing offenses into predictable passing situations, where they can better utilize their pass rush and coverage units to create turnovers and force stops. In a competitive NFC South division, the ability to stop the run will be a key factor in determining whether the Panthers can make a playoff push.