Panthers mailbag: Will Carolina’s special teams get a significant overhaul in 2025?

As the Carolina Panthers look toward the future, the team is grappling with several important decisions regarding its roster and coaching staff. One of the most critical and often overlooked areas that the Panthers need to address is special teams. While the focus of NFL teams typically revolves around offense and defense, special teams play a crucial role in field position, momentum shifts, and sometimes even in determining the outcome of games. In this mailbag-style article, we’ll dive into whether Carolina’s special teams will undergo a significant overhaul in 2025 and how the team’s management might address current concerns.

What Has Been the State of Carolina’s Special Teams in Recent Years?

Before speculating on what changes may be in store for the Panthers’ special teams unit in 2025, it’s essential to take a close look at the state of affairs. In recent seasons, the Panthers’ special teams have been a mix of solid performances and frustrating inconsistencies. While the team has had standout players and moments, they have also faced challenges that prevented their special teams from being a true asset to the squad.

1. Kicking Game: Consistency vs. Inconsistency

The most visible part of any special teams unit is the kicking game, which includes the kicker, punter, and long snapper. For the Carolina Panthers, the kicker position has been somewhat unstable in recent seasons. In 2024, Eddy Pineiro served as the Panthers’ kicker and demonstrated some flashes of brilliance, but also missed several key kicks during high-stress moments. Pineiro has been a reliable leg for the Panthers at times, but like many kickers, his consistency under pressure is something that needs improvement.

When it comes to punting, the Panthers have been relatively stable, with Johnny Hekker providing solid performances for the team. However, Hekker’s tenure is reaching a point where his performance is increasingly being scrutinized, especially given his salary and the possibility of younger, more cost-effective alternatives becoming available.

As for long snapping, the Panthers have had reliable players in recent years, but that unit can sometimes go underappreciated until it falters. The reliability of the snap is crucial for both the kicker and punter, so Carolina’s front office will likely keep an eye on that position in 2025 as well.

2. Return Game: Underwhelming Results

When it comes to returning kicks and punts, the Panthers have faced a lack of explosiveness. In past seasons, the Panthers have struggled to generate consistent yardage on returns, which can significantly limit their starting field position. Whether it was Raheem Blackshear or Shi Smith, the team has failed to produce a dynamic return threat that could change the complexion of a game.

In a league where field position is often pivotal to success, having a reliable and explosive returner can make a big difference. While Carolina’s return game hasn’t been disastrous, it hasn’t been a major weapon, either. This lack of a game-changing returner has kept the Panthers from taking full advantage of special teams opportunities.

3. Coverage Units: A Mixed Bag

In terms of coverage, the Panthers have had some strong performances in 2024, but they’ve also allowed significant yardage on both kickoffs and punts. Carolina’s special teams have generally held their own in coverage situations, but there have been occasions where the team allowed long returns that led to field position advantages for their opponents.

This inconsistency in the coverage units has meant that Carolina’s special teams have often failed to provide a clear advantage, and occasionally, they’ve even put the defense in difficult positions by allowing big returns. An overhaul in this area could be a potential priority for the Panthers heading into 2025.

What Are the Likely Reasons Behind a Potential Overhaul?

Given the challenges outlined above, it’s understandable why there’s growing speculation that the Panthers could be looking at a special teams overhaul in 2025. There are a few key reasons why the front office may feel that the time is right to make changes in this crucial phase of the game.

1. Inconsistent Results on Key Plays

While the Panthers’ special teams have had moments of brilliance, they have often been inconsistent when it matters most. Whether it’s missed field goals, poor returns, or allowing big yardage on kickoffs, special teams breakdowns have occasionally cost Carolina valuable field position or even contributed to losses.

In a league where games are often decided by small margins, even a minor issue on special teams can be a significant blow. A missed field goal or a long return allowed could easily swing momentum, turning a potential win into a heartbreaking defeat. If the Panthers hope to contend for playoff spots and potentially make a deep postseason run, they’ll need to shore up this area of the game.

2. A Need for Youth and Fresh Energy

Special teams often require a different skill set than traditional offensive and defensive roles, and with the Panthers looking to continue their rebuilding efforts in 2025, they may be seeking new faces in special teams. Young players who have fresh energy, speed, and passion can help revitalize units that may be underperforming.

Additionally, the Panthers’ current special teams players have been around for a while, and it could be time for the team to inject some youth into the roster. A younger player with the potential to be a dynamic returner or someone who can add an element of speed and coverage ability to special teams could be just what the unit needs.

3. A Shift Toward a More Balanced Team

In recent seasons, the Panthers have been focused on rebuilding their offense and defense, with a particular emphasis on developing young quarterback Bryce Young and improving the defense. However, as they continue to grow, they need to become a more well-rounded team. A strong special teams unit can be the difference between a team that contends and one that remains mired in mediocrity.

Special teams can also be the key to a more aggressive game plan, providing an offense with better starting field position or flipping the field when the defense gets a stop. An improved special teams unit can give the Panthers an edge in close games, a factor that could be pivotal as they continue to improve in other areas.

4. Salary Cap Considerations and Roster Flexibility

Finally, salary cap considerations could play a role in the Panthers’ decision to overhaul their special teams. The NFL salary cap dictates that teams must manage their roster wisely, balancing star power with cost-effective depth. With players like Johnny Hekker and Eddy Pineiro set to hit free agency, the Panthers may be tempted to look for younger, cheaper options to fill those roles, thus freeing up cap space for other positions.

This could be the ideal time for the Panthers to make changes, as they have a few veterans whose contracts may be burdensome on the cap, but who may not be producing at the level expected. By freeing up cap space, they can invest in other key areas such as offensive line or defensive depth, which will ultimately create a more balanced team, with special teams being an important part of that overall strategy.

How Could the Panthers Address Their Special Teams Needs?

If the Panthers do indeed decide to overhaul their special teams unit in 2025, several potential changes and strategies could be employed to improve the group.

1. Targeting Young Players in the Draft

One way the Panthers could address their special teams needs is by targeting players in the 2025 NFL Draft who have the speed, agility, and ball-handling ability necessary to improve the return game. There are always a few players in the draft class who excel as return specialists, and adding one of them to the roster could immediately pay dividends.

Additionally, the Panthers could look to draft players with versatility—guys who can contribute on special teams while also serving as key backups in other areas. For example, a wide receiver with good hands and speed could provide a valuable option on punt and kick returns, while also being available for offensive plays.

2. Upgrading the Kicking Game

While Eddy Pineiro has shown potential, the Panthers may want to explore the possibility of bringing in a more consistent and reliable kicker. There are several kickers in free agency each year who could potentially be an upgrade. If Pineiro’s inconsistencies become a liability for the team, the front office may look for a new option to help close out tight games.

3. Improving the Coverage Units

The Panthers could look to add players to the roster who specialize in special teams coverage. These players, often called “core special teams players,” typically focus on making tackles on kickoffs and punts. By bolstering the special teams coverage, Carolina can reduce the number of long returns allowed, giving their defense a better chance to succeed.

Additionally, upgrading the special teams coaching staff might be an option if the team feels that the unit’s struggles are partly due to a lack of proper development or strategic planning. A coaching change could bring a fresh approach and improve the unit’s overall performance.

4. Exploring Trade or Free Agency Options

Finally, the Panthers could look to the free-agent market or make trades to acquire a proven special teams player who can immediately step in and make an impact. Whether it’s a dynamic returner or a solid backup kicker or punter, there are always options available for teams looking to upgrade their special teams units. By being proactive in free agency or trade talks, Carolina could quickly solidify their special teams and make it an area of strength.

What’s Next for Carolina’s Special Teams?

The future of the Carolina Panthers’ special teams unit remains uncertain, but the writing may be on the wall for significant changes. Given the team’s struggles in consistency, return game, and coverage, it seems likely that 2025 will bring about a special teams overhaul, whether it’s through player development, roster changes, or coaching adjustments.

If the Panthers want to become a more balanced and competitive team, improving their special teams will be an essential step in that process. While it may not be the most glamorous area of the game, special teams play an undeniable role in determining the outcome of games, and Carolina’s inability to make the most of that phase of the game has been a key contributor to their struggles.

As the 2025 offseason approaches, the Panthers’ front office and coaching staff will likely be evaluating the potential for significant changes to the special teams unit. With a young quarterback and a growing defense, improving special teams could be the final piece that allows the Panthers to take the next step toward contending for championships once again.