After two years of heartbreak and just seven wins to show for it, Carolina Panthers fans are starved for hope. But according to one NFL insider, that hope may not be far off, thanks to a quietly strong offseason that’s starting to reshape the franchise’s trajectory.
Yahoo! Sports analyst Frank Schwab, who has long tracked rebuilds across the league, recently spotlighted the Panthers’ 2025 offseason as “productive,” highlighting several under-the-radar signings and a draft strategy that shows real signs of long-term planning.
“The Panthers’ rebuild isn’t easy, especially considering all the picks given up to draft Bryce Young,” Schwab noted. “They did pretty well to make improvements this offseason.”
That assessment carries weight. After a 2–15 finish in 2024, the worst record in the NFL, Carolina faced a laundry list of issues: a weak edge rush, an anemic receiving corps, holes in the secondary, and no clear backup behind RB Chuba Hubbard.
They didn’t land every big name on the market, but they did attack their most glaring needs. The defense, particularly against the run, was clearly the focus of free agency. The Panthers added safety Tre’von Moehrig, interior linemen Tershawn Wharton and Bobby Brown, edge rusher Patrick Jones, and linebacker Christian Rozeboom, all young, hungry players with upside.
Carolina Panthers 2025
Carolina Panthers safety Tre’von Moehrig
© Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
“This kind of talent infusion was needed,” Schwab said, emphasizing that simply stabilizing the defense gives the Panthers a foundation to build on.
On offense, Carolina made a bold move in the first round of the draft by selecting Arizona wideout Tetairoa McMillan, bypassing potential defensive stars like Georgia’s Jalon Walker. But Schwab defended the decision: “McMillan was the best player at a position of need.”
And the Panthers didn’t abandon the defense in the draft, either. They spent their second- and third-round picks on edge rushers Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen, betting that even one of them developing into a reliable starter could be a game-changer.
Though Carolina still lacks depth in several key areas, Schwab believes the rebuild has finally found its footing.
“It’s a long road back, but this offseason was a step in the right direction,” he said. “They’re off to a good start to eventually become a legitimate contender in the NFC South again.”
For Panthers fans, those words may feel like water in the desert. After years of turnover and missed opportunities, a glimmer of hope, or even a B+ offseason is enough to reignite belief.
Because rebuilds aren’t judged by perfection. They’re judged by progress. And for once, Carolina is finally moving forward.