The Carolina Panthers have made notable strides this offseason in strengthening their defense, at least on paper. However, despite their efforts, the team still finds itself among the weakest rosters in the NFL. Even if their defense has improved from historically bad to just below average, there remains much work to be done.
One of the most glaring issues for the Panthers is their lack of depth at safety. While they have made some moves in free agency, there is still a need for a high-caliber addition to shore up the back end of their defense. On the edge, the Panthers have a solid trio in Jadeveon Clowney, DJ Wonnum, and Patrick Jones II, but adding another impact player could elevate their pass rush to a more competitive level.
The team’s problems extend beyond the defense. Offensively, the Panthers have one of the least impressive skill position groups in the league. Their wide receiver and tight end units rank among the worst, and the offensive line, while respected by fans, is not viewed as favorably by analysts around the league.
A prime example of this discrepancy is left tackle Ikem Ekwonu. He took a step forward in 2024, earning a career-best 71.7 overall grade from Pro Football Focus. This progress led to Bleacher Report recognizing him as the Panthers’ most underpaid player. However, this praise comes with a caveat. The article notes that he is “no star” and was essentially chosen by default due to the team’s lack of other viable candidates. Still, as a 2022 first-round pick, the 24-year-old Ekwonu has developed into a dependable left tackle at a cost-effective salary of $6.9 million per year.
While the recognition is somewhat of a backhanded compliment, it underscores the Panthers’ roster struggles. Despite their improvements, they still rank only third-best in their division at best. For context, even an 8-9 season would be considered significant progress given their recent track record of losing seasons.
Ekwonu’s continued development is crucial, and while he is labeled as merely “fairly reliable,” offensive linemen often require several seasons to adjust from the college game to the professional level. In a franchise that has endured seven consecutive losing seasons, patience is necessary. Ekwonu deserves more time to refine his game, and the Panthers will need more than a single offseason to escape their prolonged slump.
In addition to their roster concerns, the Panthers have been actively exploring the free-agent market for defensive upgrades. One of the latest players linked to Carolina is veteran safety Marcus Williams. After spending five successful years with the New Orleans Saints, Williams signed with the Baltimore Ravens in 2022. However, injuries derailed his tenure in Baltimore, limiting him to just 11 games in 2024. His struggles culminated in a midseason benching, and he ultimately missed the final five regular-season games and the playoffs.
Williams’ past performance suggests he could be an asset to the Panthers if he can stay healthy. During his time in New Orleans, he was a consistent playmaker, recording 18 interceptions and multiple fumble recoveries. However, his inability to stay on the field in Baltimore raises concerns about whether he can return to his previous form.
Despite these concerns, the Panthers remain interested in adding Williams as they continue searching for defensive reinforcements. Carolina’s secondary, led by standout cornerback Jaycee Horn and the underrated Mike Jackson, could benefit from a veteran presence like Williams. However, his recent injury history makes him a risky investment.
The Panthers have been one of the busiest teams in free agency, addressing several weaknesses on defense. General manager Dan Morgan has signed five new players in an attempt to improve a unit that allowed 59 offensive touchdowns last season. The pass rush, which managed just 32 sacks, struggled to generate pressure, making life difficult for the secondary. Upgrading the defense remains a priority as the team prepares for the 2025 season.
Beyond free agency, Carolina has also been linked to potential trades. The team is reportedly exploring a deal to acquire a veteran edge rusher to strengthen their defensive front. Meanwhile, on offense, the Panthers continue evaluating options at wide receiver and tight end, as their current group remains one of the weakest in the league.
As the 2025 season approaches, Carolina’s outlook remains uncertain. While the team has made moves to address its deficiencies, the roster still has major holes. If they can add a few more impact players, they might be able to take a step forward. However, even with these improvements, expectations should remain tempered. The Panthers are still in rebuilding mode, and a return to competitiveness will take time.
For now, the focus is on development. Young players like Ikem Ekwonu must continue improving, and the team’s new additions must prove they can contribute at a high level. If things break right, Carolina could surprise some people in 2025. But for now, patience remains the key as the Panthers work to build a more competitive team.
