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The Carolina Panthers enter 2025 training camp at a crossroads. After two straight losing seasons, a long list of coaching changes, and heavy investment in a young quarterback, the Panthers are still trying to climb out of the NFC South basement. But there’s finally a glimmer of hope in Charlotte. Second-year head coach Dave Canales appears to have stabilized the locker room and reinvigorated a stalled offense, and the Panthers head into camp with cautious optimism—along with a few intriguing roster decisions that could set the stage for some surprising trade movement.
Growth, Not Greatness
Bryce Young looked overwhelmed as a rookie and early in his second season. However, a midyear benching in favor of veteran Andy Dalton proved to be a necessary reset. When Young returned to the lineup late in 2024, he showed clear progress in Dave Canales’ system—posting a 100+ QB rating in three straight games while tossing seven touchdowns, rushing for three more, and avoiding any turnovers to close the season.
The Panthers didn’t overhaul Young’s supporting cast this offseason, but they made key upgrades. Carolina used its first-round pick on dynamic wideout Tetairoa McMillan, pairing him with 2023 first-rounder Xavier Legette to create a physically imposing young duo. In the backfield, former Dallas Cowboy Rico Dowdle—coming off a 1,000-yard campaign—joins Chuba Hubbard, giving Carolina a steady one-two punch while 2024 second-rounder Jonathon Brooks recovers from another ACL injury.
On defense, Carolina addressed its league-worst 2024 unit by signing Tershawn Wharton and drafting promising edge rusher Nic Scourton. Those additions may help the Panthers climb out of the bottom ranks in points and yards allowed, but this remains a roster in transition.
A 2025 playoff push feels like a long shot. Still, if Young continues progressing and builds chemistry with his new weapons, Carolina could exit this season with a renewed sense of long-term direction. For now, development is the goal—and that may mean making some tough decisions on veteran talent.
Here we’ll try to look at two players who are sneaky Carolina Panthers trade candidates entering 2025 NFL training camp.
The Trusted Veteran in a Crowded Room
Adam Thielen has been everything Carolina hoped for since arriving in 2023: dependable, professional, and productive. He’s served as a security blanket for Bryce Young, especially in moments of chaos. But as the Panthers pivot toward building around a young core, Thielen’s role may become more situational—and more expendable.
Now 34, Thielen enters 2025 as the oldest player in a young and deep wide receiver room. Tetairoa McMillan, Xavier Legette, Jimmy Horn Jr., and Jalen Coker all bring youth, athleticism, and upside—qualities that align more with Carolina’s long-term plans. If any of them pop in camp or the early part of the season, Thielen could find his snap count reduced.
Still, that doesn’t mean Thielen lacks value. Quite the opposite. His precise route-running, sure hands, and veteran leadership are traits contenders covet, especially come November and December. He could be the ideal trade-deadline acquisition for a team looking...
