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The Carolina Panthers have crossed the three decade mark of NFL existence. As one of the younger franchises in the league, Carolina lacks the “storied franchise” label. But that doesn’t mean the Panthers haven’t produced memorable campaigns.
The city of Charlotte witnessed multiple playoff runs. Then later two Super Bowl appearances. All after delivering franchise altering moves via the NFL Draft.
The NFC South franchise is currently in a slump. With seven consecutive sub .500 seasons entering 2025. Dave Canales and Bryce Young will be tasked to reignite this team.
But both men and the rest of the current Panthers are aware the franchise has dominated the league before. Including with a past league Most Valuable Player in Cam Newton.
From the Newton-led Panthers to Steve Smith, here’s a look at the 10 greatest Panthers teams of all time. Beginning with the one that started it all.
Final record: 7-9
Carolina walked into its debut with immensely low expectations. Many envisioned they’d end the ’95 season by landing the No. 1 pick of the 1996 NFL Draft. An 0-5 start added fuel to that vision.
Except the Panthers rolled up four straight wins to even their record. Which included knocking off annual NFC West heavyweight the San Francisco 49ers.
Frank Reich handled starting quarterback duties before eventually giving way to Carolina’s first-ever draft pick Kerry Collins. Veteran Mark Carrier scaled the 1,000-yard receiving mark.
Head coach Dom Capers, though, built the first blueprint on defense. Carolina rose to seventh across the league on that side of the ball. Lamar Lathon rose as the first defensive star in the Queen City by snatching eight sacks. The Panthers showed right out the gate they desired to become an immediate playoff contender, not the new kid who gets picked on.
Final record: 7-9
Smith went down hard in the Week 1 loss to the Green Bay Packers. A pileup of injuries later followed. And the Panthers sat at 1-7 overall — earning several write offs by NFL analysts and fans.
Carolina, however, showed it was still mathematically alive for the playoffs. The John Fox led Panthers won their next five games. Then positioned themselves for a possible final playoff spot in Week 17. Yet fell 21-18 to the New Orleans Saints.
Still, Carolina showed its resiliency. Julius Peppers is best remembered for rising as a Defensive Player of the Year contender. Muhsin Muhammad also returned to the 1,000-yard receiver club by delivering an NFL-best 1,405 yards and 16 touchdowns.
Final record: 11-5
Now we dive into the first playoff team to make this list. The ’17 Panthers were established already with Newton behind center. Except he gained a new valuable weapon.
Christian McCaffrey entered the fold and immediately changed the complexion of the offense. He handed the Panthers their first running/receiver threat.
The result led to an 11-5 finish....
