Dan Morgan’s top five choices during his first season as general manager of the Carolina Panthers

In the world of the NFL, a general manager (GM) plays a pivotal role in shaping a team’s future, assembling a roster that can compete for championships while balancing long-term sustainability and immediate success. In 2025, the Carolina Panthers made a major move by hiring Dan Morgan as their new GM. Morgan, a former linebacker who played for the Panthers and other teams during his NFL career, brings a unique perspective to the front office. Known for his football IQ, leadership, and deep understanding of the game, Morgan’s hire signaled a new direction for a franchise that has undergone significant changes in recent years.

As he embarked on his first season as the Panthers’ GM, Morgan faced a series of crucial decisions, each of which would have a lasting impact on the team’s future. From managing the draft to handling player acquisitions, Morgan’s moves during his first season would be closely scrutinized by fans, analysts, and ownership alike. The following article delves into the top five choices Morgan made in his first season as GM, evaluating their potential long-term impact on the franchise.

1. Drafting Quarterback Bryce Young with the No. 1 Overall Pick

One of the first and most impactful decisions Morgan had to make in his first season was selecting a quarterback with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. This decision was made even more crucial by the fact that the Panthers had traded up to secure the top spot, signaling a clear desire to build around a franchise quarterback.

After months of scouting, evaluating, and analyzing the crop of available quarterbacks, Morgan and the Panthers’ front office settled on Bryce Young, the highly-touted prospect out of the University of Alabama. Young had been widely regarded as the most polished and ready-to-play quarterback in the draft, thanks to his impressive college career, leadership skills, and ability to make plays both from the pocket and on the move. Despite concerns about his size—Young stands at 6 feet tall and weighs around 190 pounds—his football intelligence, arm talent, and poise under pressure made him the top choice for the Panthers.

By selecting Young, Morgan made it clear that the Panthers were committing to finding their quarterback of the future. Young’s selection represented a turning point for a franchise that had struggled with stability at the quarterback position for years. With an array of experienced quarterbacks under center in recent seasons, the Panthers needed to find a young signal-caller who could lead the team for the next decade. Young’s ability to process defenses, read the field, and execute under pressure made him a perfect fit for a team that needed someone who could grow with the franchise and elevate the offense.

The success or failure of this choice will depend on how well Young develops in the coming seasons. However, with Morgan’s first pick, the Panthers solidified their quarterback position for years to come, positioning themselves for long-term success. The next few years will be critical for Young’s development, but the potential is there for him to become the face of the franchise.

2. Trading for Wide Receiver DJ Moore

Another key decision Morgan made in his first season was acquiring DJ Moore, a talented wide receiver from the Chicago Bears. While the Panthers had made improvements to their receiving corps in recent years, they lacked a true No. 1 receiver capable of being a consistent playmaker for the offense. This lack of a reliable target was especially concerning for a young quarterback like Bryce Young, who needed a dependable option to help him develop.

Moore, who had been a standout receiver for the Bears, fit the bill perfectly. Known for his speed, route-running ability, and strong hands, Moore would give Young a dynamic weapon on the outside, helping to stretch the field and create opportunities for other players. Moore’s proven track record in the NFL—he had eclipsed 1,000 yards in multiple seasons—made him an attractive trade target. The Panthers acquired Moore for a combination of draft picks and future considerations, making it a deal that would benefit both teams.

By trading for Moore, Morgan not only gave Young a reliable weapon but also signaled to the team and the fanbase that the Panthers were serious about building an offense that could compete in the high-powered NFC South. Moore’s presence on the roster would allow the Panthers to open up the offense, creating more balance and making life easier for Young as he adjusted to life in the NFL.

Additionally, Moore’s ability to mentor Young and provide leadership in the wide receiver room cannot be overlooked. His experience in the league would be invaluable in helping the young quarterback navigate the ups and downs of a rookie season. Morgan’s decision to bring Moore into the fold was a move aimed at accelerating the Panthers’ offensive development and ensuring that their new franchise quarterback had the tools to succeed.

3. Signing Veteran Free Agent Edge Rusher

While the Panthers’ defense had some solid players, the team had struggled to consistently generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks in recent seasons. In 2025, Morgan recognized the need to bolster the defensive line, particularly at the edge rusher position. To address this gap, the Panthers made a significant move in free agency by signing a veteran edge rusher.

After evaluating the free-agent market, Morgan and the Panthers front office signed Yannick Ngakoue, a seasoned pass rusher with a proven track record of getting to the quarterback. Ngakoue, who had previously played for teams like the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Las Vegas Raiders, brought a wealth of experience to the Panthers’ defense. Over his career, Ngakoue had consistently posted double-digit sack totals, showcasing his ability to pressure quarterbacks and disrupt offenses. His familiarity with multiple defensive schemes made him a versatile addition to the Panthers’ defense.

For Morgan, signing a veteran pass rusher like Ngakoue was a necessary move to improve the Panthers’ pass rush, which had been inconsistent in recent years. With a defense that already had strong components like Brian Burns on the edge and a solid secondary, Ngakoue provided the veteran leadership and playmaking ability needed to elevate the defense to the next level. His presence would help create more opportunities for the defense to get off the field, improve their ability to defend against the pass, and force more turnovers.

Ngakoue’s signing also sent a message that Morgan was focused on building a defense capable of competing in a division with high-powered offenses. The NFC South had become increasingly competitive, and a consistent pass rush was an essential component for success in the division. The addition of Ngakoue would give the Panthers a much-needed weapon on defense as they looked to improve their standing in the division.

4. Trading Down in the Second Round to Acquire More Draft Capital

In addition to the decisions regarding player acquisitions, Morgan’s first season as GM also involved strategic moves to improve the long-term future of the franchise. One of the more savvy moves Morgan made was trading down in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft to acquire additional draft capital. Instead of selecting a player early in the second round, Morgan opted to move down several spots and secure future picks, which would give the Panthers more flexibility in building their roster over the coming years.

This move was seen as a clear indication that Morgan was focused on the long-term health of the franchise. While some may have been eager to see the Panthers make another high-profile selection, Morgan understood that securing multiple picks would help the team in addressing the many needs on their roster. The Panthers were in a position where they needed to add depth across multiple positions, including offensive line, linebacker, and defensive back.

By accumulating extra draft picks, Morgan was able to position the Panthers for future success. The added picks would provide more opportunities to add talent to the roster, whether through additional selections in the upcoming draft or by trading for players who could contribute immediately. This decision demonstrated a forward-thinking approach and a commitment to building a well-rounded team that could contend for championships in the years ahead.

5. Restructuring Contracts to Free Up Cap Space

A final key decision in Morgan’s first season as GM was the strategic restructuring of several player contracts to free up cap space for the future. The Panthers had some high-profile players on their roster, and while they were important to the team’s success, their contracts created some financial constraints. Morgan understood that in order to build a sustainable roster and make a push for the playoffs, the team would need to be flexible with its cap space.

Through a combination of restructuring contracts and extending deals for key players, Morgan was able to create more room under the salary cap, allowing the team to pursue additional talent in both free agency and the draft. These moves showed that Morgan was not only focused on the immediate future but was also planning ahead for the long-term success of the franchise.

By managing the salary cap effectively, Morgan ensured that the Panthers could continue to add talent and remain competitive without creating financial stress down the road. This decision was indicative of a GM who understood the intricacies of roster management and had a firm grasp on the importance of building a balanced team both in the short term and the long term.

A Strong Start for Dan Morgan

Dan Morgan’s first season as general manager of the Carolina Panthers was marked by a series of bold, strategic decisions aimed at building a competitive team for the future. From selecting Bryce Young as the franchise quarterback to making key moves in free agency and the draft, Morgan demonstrated a clear vision for the team’s future.

By making these five key choices, Morgan set the stage for a new era in Panthers football, one that is focused on long-term success, roster stability, and development. While the success of these moves will take time to fully assess, Morgan’s first season as GM suggests that he is laying a solid foundation for the team to return to playoff contention and, ultimately, championship glory. The future looks bright for the Carolina Panthers under Dan Morgan’s leadership.