The Kansas City Chiefs are expected to have an even better offense in 2025 than they did last season, according to NFL insiders. With key weapons returning, further development from younger players, and a few smart offseason moves, the reigning Super Bowl champions are well-positioned to take another step forward offensively. But while things are looking up in Kansas City, the same cannot be said for the Carolina Panthers, who find themselves near the bottom of the NFL in terms of roster quality—even after a busy and seemingly productive offseason.
Despite the notable effort from Carolina’s front office, led by general manager Dan Morgan, the Panthers still have a long way to go. Morgan, who took over the job hoping to lead the franchise out of years of struggle, was aggressive in trying to rebuild the roster. The 2024 season exposed several glaring holes, most notably in the defensive unit and the lack of firepower on offense. Morgan addressed both areas, attacking free agency and the NFL Draft with a clear sense of urgency.
On paper, the Panthers improved in several important areas. The defense, which had earned the unfortunate distinction of being one of the worst scoring units in NFL history, was bolstered across all three levels. Carolina brought in experienced players in the secondary, linebacker group, and defensive line. These additions were intended to give the team a more balanced, physical, and modern defense capable of holding its own against today’s fast-paced offenses.
On the offensive side of the ball, the Panthers’ lack of reliable playmakers had been a major issue throughout the 2024 campaign. Carolina’s wide receiver group, in particular, lacked explosiveness and consistency. To fix that, the Panthers turned to the NFL Draft, selecting Tetairoa McMillan, a wideout widely projected as a top-10 talent. McMillan is expected to bring much-needed dynamism and big-play ability to a team that struggled to stretch the field last year.
However, despite these moves, the Panthers are still seen as one of the league’s weakest teams heading into the 2025 season. ESPN’s latest ranking of all 32 NFL rosters placed Carolina at No. 30—just two spots above the very bottom. This was a sobering reminder that while offseason optimism is common, the climb to respectability in the NFL is steep and often unforgiving.
According to ESPN, the Panthers’ wide receiver unit is now the team’s most promising position group. With McMillan headlining the corps, expectations are higher for the passing game. He is joined by a few returning players who could benefit from reduced pressure and more favorable matchups. The hope is that quarterback Bryce Young, entering his third year, can finally find rhythm and confidence if given better targets and more protection up front.
Nevertheless, ESPN also identified the safety position as the team’s weakest link. Last year’s snap leader at safety, Xavier Woods, has moved on. His spot will be filled by Tre’von Moehrig, a free-agent signing who flashed potential with the Raiders but has not yet reached star status. Behind Moehrig, there is considerable uncertainty. The rest of the safety room consists of Nick Scott, Demani Richardson, and rookie Latham Ransom, who was taken in the fourth round of the draft. None of these players have proven themselves as dependable starters at the NFL level.
Scott and Richardson both had limited playing time last season and failed to impress in their appearances. ESPN pointed out that the Panthers surrendered 6.94 yards per dropback in 2024, a figure that ranked second worst in the entire league. That level of inefficiency in pass defense puts significant pressure on both the safeties and the rest of the secondary to improve drastically if the team hopes to compete in 2025.
While the Panthers have reason to be encouraged by the individual moves they made, the overall quality of the roster remains a major concern. The team still lacks depth in several key areas, including the offensive line, cornerback, and linebacker. Injuries, a reality of every NFL season, could quickly expose those deficiencies.
Additionally, much hinges on the development of their young quarterback. Bryce Young showed flashes of promise but also struggled with consistency, accuracy, and decision-making under pressure. The hope is that with better receivers and an improved scheme, he can take a significant step forward. Still, the jury is out, and in the NFL, quarterback play can make or break a franchise’s fortunes.
In contrast, the Chiefs—despite being Super Bowl champions—continue to find ways to get better. Their roster remains loaded with talent, and head coach Andy Reid is widely regarded as one of the sharpest offensive minds in football. The Chiefs have managed to evolve while still building around quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who remains in his prime and continues to elevate everyone around him. Their ability to add contributors through the draft, develop depth, and retain key veterans is a testament to their strong front office and coaching continuity.
Kansas City’s offense is expected to improve because of a few specific upgrades. Wide receiver Rashee Rice is coming into his own, and rookie additions should help open the field even more. The offensive line remains a strength, and Travis Kelce—despite getting older—continues to be one of the most reliable tight ends in the game. Mahomes’ chemistry with his playmakers gives Kansas City a clear edge over most teams.
For Carolina, by contrast, the path forward is less certain. Dan Morgan may have had a strong offseason in terms of strategy and effort, but the raw talent simply isn’t there yet to compete with elite teams. Building a competitive NFL roster takes more than one or two good drafts or free agent hauls—it takes multiple years of consistent, high-level player acquisition and development.
So while the Panthers can take pride in a productive offseason and can look forward to seeing their rookies in action, the cold truth is that they remain in a rebuilding phase. Expectations should be tempered accordingly. The climb back to NFL relevance is underway—but it will require patience, smart roster management, and most importantly, time.
