The Carolina Panthers are less than a month away from the 2025 NFL Draft and have many needs. The team had a productive but one-sided free agency haul last month, and the Carolina faithful has even more questions about the future of their favorite team. By DIAMOND VENCES
The Carolina Panthers are less than a month away from the 2025 NFL Draft. And while the team has a plethora of needs, the Carolina faithful has even more questions about the future of their favorite team following a productive but one-sided free agency haul last month.
That’s why The Observer has brought back the Panthers mailbag to answer some of those inquiries from social media.
Panthers mailbag: Veteran safeties still available
Baloo on “X”(formerly known as Twitter) asks: Would really like some sort of update on Julian Blackmon or Marcus Williams.
Last week, GM Dan Morgan said the following about the safety position:
“Obviously, you guys saw that we brought in a few veterans. There are a few guys on the street that we like, that we think can help us, we’ll see what happens there. In the draft, I think there is a good crop of safeties there too. So, we know that that’s a position that we need to address. The numbers aren’t where they need to be there, but we’ll get there. We just have to stay patient, stay with the plan and let it happen.”
Indianapolis Colts safety Julian Blackmon (32) turns to run after intercepting a pass Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, during a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Grace Hollars/IndyStar USA TODAY NETWORK
My read on this situation is that Williams and Blackmon are still in play, but price matters for both sides. Clearly, Williams and Blackmon are in a standstill with the Panthers since their collective visit last week, and that hold-up is more likely to be focused on the financial side than anything else because playing time almost certainly won’t be an issue in Carolina with the current depth chart.
Williams is coming off a brutal final season in Baltimore, which led to his benching and eventual release. Still, his resume is lined with big plays, and he would, in theory, be an upgrade on a pretty shallow positional depth chart.
Blackmon, who would be an ideal complement to Tre’von Moehrig, has been in and out of the Colts’ lineup for years with consistent injury woes. Last season, he played with a shoulder injury that marred his performance. Blackmon and Williams both played well in 2023, and they both (probably) hope they can bounce back with a change of scenery.
Of the two veteran safeties, Blackmon seems like the more likely addition. He’s only 26 (so there’s room for long-term upside if all goes well), and the former third-round pick would be an ideal target for a one-year, incentive-heavy contract. His outlook feels somewhat similar to center Austin Corbett, where he has a lot to prove, but he also has enough experience to where you feel like he can potentially ascend if he can remain healthy.
Uneasiness on offense heading into the 2025 NFL Draft
Eric on “X” (formerly known as Twitter) asks: Our FA moves so far have done two things: fixed our front-seven depth and retaining our (offensive line). However, there is a general uneasiness around our offense not adding anything outside of (running back Rico Dowdle). It feels like Carolina isn’t doing enough to surround Bryce with weapons. Do we make a change?
Eric, it feels like they will address the offense on draft weekend — multiple times — because they basically need to in order to field a training camp roster.
Wide receiver, tight end and running back feel like three positions they will almost certainly address, it’s just a matter of when. Even with the very purposeful spending spree on defense, it’s important to note that the Panthers are still focusing considerably more money on offense this season.
According to Over The Cap, the Panthers are spending $148.18 million on offense. On defense, they’re spending $119.38 million.
So, using the draft to add to the offense on a cost-effective scale, and balance out the checkbook, makes sense. Typically, you want to supplement both depth charts with notable contracts and cost-effective draft prospects.
Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young, right, is congratulated by head coach Dave Canales, center and quarterback Andy Dalton, left, following Young’s rushing touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC on Sunday, December 22, 2024. The Panthers defeated the Cardinals 36-30 in overtime. JEFF SINER jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
This organization has a head coach who is a former WRs coach, an offensive coordinator who is a former WRs coach, and a WRs coach who is a former Pro Bowl wide receiver. If that trio can’t develop wide receivers, the plot has been lost. That is partially why, in my estimation, they’ve been somewhat adverse to dishing out big money and notable assets for veteran wide receivers.
Arizona wideout Tetairoa McMillian and Texas wideout Matthew Golden feel like legitimate Day 1 options for the Panthers. And if they pass on a wide receiver for a linebacker or edge rusher, there will still be some notable options on Day 2 explore, not only at wide receiver but at tight end and running back as well.
One could argue, even with the influx of veterans on defense, the Panthers’ offense could use a further youth movement of homegrown talent to grow with Bryce Young.
To the point about surrounding Young with weapons: I get it. But I’d argue that not having to operate under duress in shootout mode every week will do wonders for Young’s confidence, decision-making, play-calling fluidity and overall grasp of the game.
The Panthers allowed 31.4 points per game last year — there’s literally no way to be a sustainable winner, especially at the QB position, with the other side leaking like a spaghetti strainer.
Uniform refresher on the way?
Demetri from BlueSky asks: Here’s one out of left field: The team has tried a bunch of uniform combinations this past year — do you think we see a bit of a uniform refresh this year?
I don’t think you’ll get a uniform “refresher” in 2025, Demetri.
They’ve already “refreshed” the uniform twice over the past two years with the “process blue” color palette update and the satin black helmets. The Panthers seem really committed to keeping their franchise-long look, but they’ve broadened it with uniform combinations and slight alterations to things that a lot of general fans wouldn’t even notice.
In recent years, the uniform and helmet choices have been strategic — based on the importance of the game, the opponent and even the matchup location. Last year, the Panthers purposefully held off on using their “process blue” uniform combination with the satin black helmet until the home game in Munich, Germany, for instance.
Otherwise, they typically use the black helmets against division opponents or in national spotlights. The alternate helmets can be worn just three times during the season.
Panthers quarterback Bryce Young passes the ball to Chuba Hubbard Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024 in Charlotte N.C. as the Panthers hosted the Chiefs at Bank of America Stadium. TRACY KIMBALL tkimball@heraldonline.com
Those decisions obviously don’t get made until the schedule is announced in May. Once decisions are made, my understanding is the combinations are submitted to the league in the summer for approval.
The Panthers’ white jersey and silver pants combo turned out to be a sleeper hit among fans last year — so it’ll be interesting to see if/when that look is used again in 2025.
The Panthers also have two potential opportunities to play a road game in London (against either the Jets or the Jaguars), so the guess here is that if they do play overseas, you might see something unique, even if the base setting will be a white jersey as the road squad.
Jordan Matthews’ journey isn’t over
Jase on “BlueSky” asks: Will the team incorporate Jordan Matthews? The guy appeared in preseason last year to have something left in the tank.
A deep cut — we like that at The Observer.
Matthews’ journey from a No. 1 wideout to nearly being out of the league to being a depth tight end has been well-documented. He has endured a lot in his career, and part of that has been embracing special teams in his 30s. Last season, the Panthers clearly felt other tight ends were of better use on special teams, as Matthews only played in four games, despite being healthy the entire season.
Something that’s important to remember: While Matthews has added weight to play tight end after converting from wide receiver, he’s still on the smaller side for the position (6-foot-3, 236 lbs.).
Matthews tends to play roles more associated with running backs and wide receiver than tight ends or linebackers on special teams, which can create some issues on game days, because teams typically prefer faster players in the roles that Matthews plays. So, Matthews either needs to be super dynamic on offense, or indispensable in his special teams role to be active on Sunday. That’s a tough outlook for a 32-year-old former wideout-turned-tight end.
That said, if anyone can do that, it’s Matthews.
Carolina Panthers tight end Jordan Matthews catches a pass prior to training camp practice on Thursday, July 25, 2024. JEFF SINER jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
Based on league history, Matthews probably shouldn’t have been in the NFL beyond 2019. But he’s taken his transformation as seriously as one can take it, and he’s been an absolute gem of a leader in the locker room. He’s extremely well-respected by teammates, young and old, and the coaching staff respects his grit and intelligence. He’s good for the locker room culture, and he’s basically a coach for the young tight ends and wide receivers behind the scenes.
Ruling out Matthews at this point in the offseason would be foolish, but I’d be concerned for his outlook if the Panthers double dipped in the draft at tight end. That might be a tough situation for both sides — Matthews and the Panthers — to overcome for a chance of a breakthrough.
Speed round: More or less picks in draft?
@Ibechillin321 on “X” asks: What odds would you give for us trading back?
Good question. Last year, I was genuinely surprised when the Panthers traded up one spot into the first round. I would be really, really, really surprised if they traded up this year. I think, ideally, if the top targets are gone, they’ll likely trade back, even if it’s just a pick or three. I’ll go with 33%.
Dan on “X” asks: Is it more likely the Panthers walk away from the draft with less than nine picks or more than nine picks?
Given that I don’t expect them to trade up in the first round, this beat writer thinks it’s more likely that they walk away with more than nine picks. A trade back in the first round would be an easy win for that bet.
Edmund on Bluesky asks: In general, I’m surprised there hasn’t been any movement in the draft order (it’s usually around that time, isn’t it?). Do you think the Panthers may be a team who trade up/down in the first round? And do you think the lack of first-round pick trades so far reflects the quality of this year’s draft?
The Panthers are in a spot where they’d greatly benefit from a trade back. They have a ton of holes and most analysts agree that following the first four or five non-QB prospects, the caliber of talent drops off and kind of sticks together in a “very good but not great” talent pool until the end of the first round.
If they can trade back a few slots and improve their Day 2 outlook, whether it be with an improved second-round pick, an additional Day 2 pick, or something of that ilk, then they should heavily consider it. From there, they can pick from the “very good but not great” pile at a position of need or take the best player remaining on their board.
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.