Has Dan Morgan proven he can turn the Carolina Panthers into a successful team?

As of 2025, Dan Morgan, the General Manager (GM) of the Carolina Panthers, is still relatively new in his role, having been hired in 2021 after a lengthy career as a linebacker in the NFL. While it’s too early to definitively say whether he has proven his ability to turn the Panthers into a consistently successful team, we can examine his actions and decisions up to this point to assess his trajectory.

Morgan’s approach as GM is deeply tied to his background as a former player, which influences his decision-making process. Having been part of a successful team with the Panthers, including their Super Bowl appearance in 2003, Morgan brings an understanding of what it takes to win at the highest levels of professional football. His experience and reputation as a fierce competitor in the NFL lend him credibility, and thus expectations were high when he took over as GM. However, as with any new leadership figure in a complex organization like an NFL team, the results of his tenure take time to manifest fully.

Initial Impressions: A New Era

Morgan’s first significant test came in the 2021 NFL Draft. At this time, the Panthers were in a rebuilding phase following several years of underperformance. Under head coach Matt Rhule, the team had struggled to establish a consistent identity, particularly on offense. By 2021, the Panthers had a promising defense but were still searching for the right quarterback and offensive playmakers. The 2021 draft was critical for Morgan to make the right selections and set the tone for the future.

Morgan’s first draft in 2021 was a strong indication of his strategic mindset. The Panthers selected cornerback Jaycee Horn with the 8th overall pick, which was widely praised as a good move given the team’s need to strengthen its secondary. Horn had a promising rookie season before an injury cut it short, but his selection showed Morgan’s commitment to building the defense, a priority that reflected his own defensive-minded career. The second-round pick, wide receiver Terrace Marshall Jr., added depth to the offense, which was also a step in the right direction given the Panthers’ need for a stronger receiving corps.

In addition to these key draft decisions, Morgan made some important moves in free agency and trades. Notably, in 2021, the Panthers acquired quarterback Sam Darnold in a trade with the New York Jets. While this move was seen as an attempt to fix the team’s ongoing quarterback issues, Darnold’s underwhelming performance raised questions about Morgan’s evaluation process. The decision to trade for Darnold did not yield immediate success, and it contributed to the Panthers’ continued struggles on offense.

However, Morgan’s other moves in the 2021 offseason showed his understanding of team-building. He signed defensive players like linebacker Denzel Perryman, who helped strengthen a unit that was already a team strength. He also continued to bolster the roster with experienced veterans in key areas, seeking both leadership and talent.

The Coaching Change and Shifting Focus

By the middle of the 2022 season, the Panthers’ performance under Matt Rhule, despite Morgan’s efforts, had been disappointing, culminating in Rhule’s firing after a 1-4 start to the season. This marked another critical juncture in Morgan’s tenure as GM. The Panthers were stuck in a cycle of mediocrity and needed a new direction. Morgan’s handling of the coaching search would be one of the key tests of his ability to turn the franchise around.

Morgan opted for a coaching change in favor of Steve Wilks, who was promoted from defensive coordinator to interim head coach. Wilks, a former Panthers defensive back coach, was widely regarded as a strong leader. Under Wilks, the Panthers showed a marked improvement in play, even though they ultimately fell short of making the playoffs. Despite this, the team’s turnaround under Wilks proved that Morgan could identify talent within the organization and make adjustments when necessary. However, Wilks was not retained as the head coach, which led to further scrutiny of Morgan’s decisions regarding leadership.

Morgan then brought in Frank Reich as the new head coach in 2023. Reich, with his experience as a former NFL quarterback and head coach, was seen as a good fit to help the Panthers develop a more effective offense. This decision seemed to align with Morgan’s broader approach of blending experienced leadership with talent development. While it is too early to judge the full impact of Reich’s hiring, the choice demonstrated Morgan’s commitment to stabilizing the franchise and creating a more well-rounded coaching staff.

The 2023 NFL Draft and Rebuilding the Quarterback Position

The 2023 NFL Draft would prove to be another pivotal moment for Morgan. One of the most glaring issues facing the Panthers was their quarterback situation. After an underwhelming stint with Darnold, Morgan knew that addressing this position was paramount to the team’s future. The Panthers entered the 2023 draft with the 1st overall pick, which gave Morgan the opportunity to secure the best available quarterback prospect.

Morgan made the bold decision to trade up for the 1st pick in the 2023 draft, and with it, the Panthers selected Bryce Young, a star quarterback out of Alabama. Young was widely regarded as the most polished quarterback in the 2023 draft class, known for his intelligence, poise under pressure, and ability to make accurate throws. While it remains to be seen whether Young will reach his full potential, the selection of such a high-profile quarterback signaled that Morgan was committed to solving the Panthers’ quarterback dilemma once and for all. It also showed a willingness to invest heavily in the team’s future success.

In addition to selecting Young, Morgan focused on surrounding him with weapons. The Panthers bolstered their offensive line with key acquisitions, and they also drafted wide receivers like Jonathan Mingo, aiming to provide Young with the tools needed to succeed. The combination of these moves demonstrated a comprehensive strategy to help Young adjust to the NFL and maximize his potential.

Free Agency and Roster Moves in 2023 and 2024

Beyond the draft, Morgan has continued to make roster moves that align with his vision for the team. His free-agent acquisitions have been strategic and geared toward building a competitive roster. Notably, Morgan signed veteran players like safety Vonn Bell and defensive tackle Shy Tuttle to strengthen the defense, which remained a strength under Morgan’s leadership.

While the Panthers’ overall success in 2023 and 2024 is still developing, the early results of Morgan’s moves have been promising. Young’s growth and the team’s overall improvement on offense under Reich have been positive signs, though challenges remain. The continued success of the defense, driven by Morgan’s early draft picks and free-agent signings, has also provided a solid foundation.

The Future: Judging Morgan’s Success

As we look toward the future, the question of whether Dan Morgan has proven his ability to turn the Panthers into a successful team depends on how several key factors unfold. Firstly, the development of Bryce Young is critical to the long-term success of the franchise. If Young can become the franchise quarterback the Panthers hope for, Morgan’s decision to trade up for him will be seen as a defining move of his tenure.

In addition, Morgan’s ability to build a strong and balanced roster will be key to sustaining success. The Panthers must continue to develop talent, particularly on offense, and create a system that supports Young’s growth. The team must also remain competitive within the NFC South, which has been an unpredictable division in recent years.

Finally, Morgan’s ability to make adjustments to his approach, learn from his mistakes, and continuously improve the team will determine his overall legacy as GM. A successful NFL general manager must show adaptability in the face of changing circumstances, and Morgan’s ability to do this will be scrutinized in the years ahead.