In anticipation of the 2024 NFL Season, the Carolina Panthers find themselves at a crossroads, poised for a resurgence after a challenging previous season. As they prepare to navigate the tumultuous waters of professional football, the focus turns to strategic decisions that will shape the team’s destiny. Amidst the fervor of anticipation, the spotlight shines brightly on the Carolina Panthers, a team known for its resilience and tenacity on the gridiron.
Critical decisions loom as Carolina Panthers gear up for the 2024 NFL Season. With a less than stellar outing last season, they head into 2024 with no where to go but up. As with any winning organization, personnel matters, and that sentiment could not be anymore true for the Cardiac Cats of Carolina. Identifying position needs is essential to building a competitive team, so let’s dive into the three key areas where these cats must focus their attention.
Carolina Panther Position Needs No. 1: Wide Receiver
This team has grappled with wide receiver issues for decades, and 2024 is no exception. Despite investing in last year’s No. 1 overall pick, the receiving corps remains lackluster. Pass catchers like DJ Chark and Jonathan Mingo struggled to gain separation in 2023, leaving quarterback Bryce Young with limited reliable targets. To bolster the offense, free-agent options like Tee Higgins, Calvin Ridley, and Mike Evans1 should be explored.
Carolina Panther Position Needs No. 2: Offensive Line
While right tackle Taylor Moton has been a stalwart, other offensive line positions lack certainty. The interior saw multiple starters at left guard and right guard. Ikem Ekwonu and center Bradley Bozeman faced challenges in pass protection. The return of Brady Christensen and Austin Corbett will help, but this team needs reliable depth to protect their quarterback effectively1.
UPDATE: Bradley Bozeman to be released
Carolina Panther Position Needs No. 3: Pass Rusher
Now that Brian Burns has been gifted a non-exclusive franchise tag, the team’s top pass rusher is likely to stay with the Panthers in 2024. But what does this tag mean?
The non-exclusive franchise tag allows the Panthers to retain Brian Burns for one season. Here’s how it works:
- Burns can negotiate with other teams during free agency.
- If another team offers him a contract, the Panthers have the right to match that offer and keep Burns.
- If they choose not to match, the other team must compensate the Cats with two first-round draft picks.
- Burns receives a salary equivalent to the average of the top five salaries at his position or 120% of his previous year’s salary, whichever is higher.
Brian Burns, the team’s top pass rusher, is likely to suit up in the Process Blue jersey in 2024. However, contract negotiations or the franchise tag could impact his availability. The Panthers must ensure they have a strong pass-rushing presence to disrupt opponents’ offenses1.
Carolina Panthers Hot & Cold Draft History: Hits and Misses
Let’s take a trip down memory lane and revisit some notable draft moments in Cardiac Cats history:
Carolina Panther Draft Hits
- Cam Newton (2011): The first overall pick in 2011 by selecting quarterback Cam Newton. He went on to win the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award and led the team to a Super Bowl appearance in 2015.
- Julius Peppers (2002): In 2002, Peppers was drafted with the second overall pick. Peppers became a dominant force on the defensive line, earning nine Pro Bowl selections and becoming the franchise’s all-time sack leader.
- Steve Smith (2001): Wide receiver Steve Smith was a third-round gem in the 2001 draft. His fiery competitiveness and playmaking ability made him a fan favorite, and he holds numerous franchise records for receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns.
Carolina Panther Draft Misses:
- Jimmy Clausen (2010): The second-round selection of quarterback Jimmy Clausen in 2010 didn’t pan out as expected. Clausen struggled during his time in Charlotte, and the team moved on from him after just one season as a starter.
- Everette Brown (2009): Defensive end Everette Brown was a second-round pick in 2009. Despite high expectations, he failed to make a significant impact and was eventually traded to the San Diego Chargers.
- Dwayne Jarrett (2007): Wide receiver Dwayne Jarrett was a second-round pick in 2007. Unfortunately, he never lived up to his potential and struggled with consistency and off-field issues.
Seizing Opportunity
As the team embarks on the journey towards redemption in the 2024 NFL season, the weight of past challenges looms large. With a new head coach and an almost entirely new offensive coaching staff, the organization faces a formidable uphill battle. However, amidst uncertainty, lies opportunity. By making strategic moves this offseason, addressing critical position needs, and leveraging their draft history to learn from both hits and misses, this organization has the potential to transform challenges into triumphs. With careful planning and decisive action, they can pave the way for a season where the uphill battle is met with resilience, determination, and ultimately, success.
1 Comment
Thorough and thoughtful analysis!