Carolina Panthers Lathan Ransom warms up during the Carolina Panthers Rookie Minicamp in Charlotte, N.C., on Saturday, May 10, 2025. KHADEJEH NIKOUYEH Knikouyeh@charlotteobserver.com
The Carolina Panthers improved their depth chart over the past two months by adding several notable veterans and impressive rookies to their roster through free agency and the NFL Draft.
Now, with the organized team activities (OTAs) on the horizon, they’ll begin the evaluation process that will lead to the completion of their 53-man roster in September.
Here are six competitions worth monitoring during OTAs:
Center
The Panthers will stage a starting center competition between Austin Corbett and Cade Mays this offseason. Corbett has played well when healthy, but that’s been a rarity over the past two years. Mays did a strong job when called upon to replace Corbett during the second half of last season. If Corbett can keep his health in check, this should be one of the more intriguing competition throughout the summer. First step: Make sure the snapping to Bryce Young is on point during OTAs.
Kicker
Like with center, the Panthers will entertain a two-man kicking competition this summer. Nomad specialist Matthew Wright will battle undrafted rookie Ryan Fitzgerald. Despite having more experience, Wright is considered the underdog to Fitzgerald, who made all 13 of his field goal attempts at Florida State last year. Given the history of kicking competitions in Carolina, this one could be determined before the preseason.
Carolina Panthers rookie kicker Ryan Fitzgerald stands along the sideline during the team’s rookie minicamp practice on Friday, May 9, 2025. JEFF SINER jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
Kick/punt returner
The special teams unit, in general, is going through a transition period. Along with housing a new punter and the kicking competition, the unit is still figuring out its returner options. While Raheem Blackshear and David Moore handled the bulk of the return duties last year, the Panthers have brought in several players who have returner experience this offseason. Fourth-round pick Trevor Etienne is probably the favorite at the kick returner spot, and he could double up duties as a punt returner, too. Sixth-round pick Jimmy Horn Jr. and undrafted wideout Jacolby George could also factor into the competition. Xavier Legette and Hunter Renfrow might get some looks as well.
Outside linebacker
DJ Wonnum and Patrick Jones are now the veterans of the outside linebacker room following the departure of Jadeveon Clowney. The duo is expected to start at the position (at least early on) but they will be pushed by a pair of promising rookies. Second-round pick Nic Scourton and third-round pick Princely Umanmielen will look to prove they are ready to be heavily featured in the Panthers’ pass rusher rotation. If all goes well, all four will rotate heavily into the lineup and improve the pass rushing success of the front seven.
Carolina Panthers Nic Scourton warms up during the Carolina Panthers Rookie Minicamp in Charlotte, N.C., on Saturday, May 10, 2025. KHADEJEH NIKOUYEH Knikouyeh@charlotteobserver.com
Safety
As of now, Tre’von Moehrig is the only lock to start at safety. With a bunch of veteran free agents still lingering around the open market, it’s on fourth-round pick Lathan Ransom and second-year defensive back Demani Richardson to hold off a big post-offseason program move. Admittedly, that will be a tough task, as OTAs will feature limited contact, and physicality is a big part of the evaluation for safeties. At a minimum, Ransom and Richardson are competing to be on the field in big nickel packages.
Wide receiver
The Panthers have packed their wide receiver unit with depth this offseason. First-round pick Tetairoa McMillan is expected to be the team’s top target, while last year’s top pick, Xavier Legette, and trusty veteran, Adam Thielen, are expected to retain notable roles. Jalen Coker appears to be the best positioned returning wideout behind that trio after a strong second half to his rookie campaign. From there, a competition is brewing between Moore, Horn, George, Dan Chisena, Kobe Hudson and others. The Panthers are likely to keep six players at the position.
Carolina Panthers rookie wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan, center, breaks off the line as wide receivers Sevonne Rhea, left and Moose Muhammad III, right, look on during the the team’s rookie minicamp practice on Friday, May 9, 2025. JEFF SINER jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
The Charlotte Observer
Mike Kaye covers the Carolina Panthers for The Charlotte Observer. Kaye previously covered the entire NFL for Pro Football Network, the Philadelphia Eagles for NJ Advance Media and the Jacksonville Jaguars for First Coast News. He is a graduate of the University of North Florida.