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The Carolina Panthers haven’t been a franchise associated with playoff expectations in recent years. However, that could begin to change in 2025. They just had an offseason dedicated to fixing one of the league’s worst defenses and giving former No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young more weapons. Carolina has quietly positioned itself as a team with serious breakout potential. Yes, most eyes will be on headliners like Young and first-round pick Tetairoa McMillan. That said, it’s the underrated names who may end up making the biggest difference this season.
In a division where every team feels within striking distance of a playoff berth, the Panthers will need more than just stars. They’ll need depth. They’ll need new contributors. And they’ll need a couple of overlooked pieces to step up in a big way.
The only real knock on Carolina’s offseason is that the franchise didn’t make changes to the front office or coaching staff. It left some fans wondering whether the Panthers missed an opportunity to elevate their leadership. Even so, the front office was anything but complacent when it came to the roster.
The defense was historically bad in 2024. It finished dead last in both PFF overall grade (44.9) and run-defense grade (37.5). It became the first unit in NFL history to allow over 3,000 rushing yards and 35 passing touchdowns in the same season. The Panthers responded with a defensive reload, adding key veterans and multiple rookies.
On offense, Young ended 2024 on a high note after an up-and-down campaign. Carolina also gave him another promising weapon by drafting McMillan at No. 8 overall. The early returns are encouraging. McMillan reportedly has been a focal point in OTAs, already establishing chemistry with Young.
That chemistry could be critical to unlocking the next phase of Young’s development — and to making Carolina’s offense something more than just functional.
Now let’s take a look at two overlooked Panthers who could become major contributors in 2025.
Carolina’s decision to sign safety Tre’von Moehrig to a three-year, $51 million deal in free agency didn’t generate splashy headlines. Still, it may end up being one of the most important moves of the offseason.
Moehrig is coming off a career year with the Raiders. He just posted personal bests in tackles (104) and tackles for loss (five). He also earned an 87.5 PFF run-defense grade, sixth among all safeties. That’s critical for a Panthers defense that allowed a historically bad 3,057 rushing yards last season. Carolina’s defensive backs consistently struggled with angles, tackling form, and run fits. These are all things Moehrig excels at.
Even more important than his production is Moehrig’s durability. He’s played in 66 of a possible 68 games since entering the league in 2021. He also led the Raiders in defensive snaps during that time. For a Panthers team that cycled through defensive backs last year, having a reliable presence on the back end...
