ClutchPoints
As the sun rises on the Carolina Panthers’ 2025 training camp, hope once again mingles with anxiety in Charlotte. The city buzzes with anticipation. Beneath the surface, though, urgency simmers. This isn’t just another camp for a rebuilding team. It’s a pivotal moment that could set the tone for the franchise’s next chapter. With a playoff drought stretching back to 2017 and a fresh regime hungry for results, the stakes are higher than ever for coaches, veterans, and especially for the Panthers’ embattled young quarterback.
The Panthers entered the offseason with a clear sense of urgency. They were determined to fix the glaring deficiencies that plagued their defense last year. Carolina’s unit was the league’s worst in 2024. It posted a dismal 44.9 PFF overall grade and an even more troubling 37.5 in run defense. In response, management launched a series of aggressive moves in both free agency and the draft. They reinforced the defensive line with fresh talent while re-signing key players like Derrick Brown in a bid to shore up their front. The addition of two promising edge rushers highlights the team’s commitment to turning around a struggling defense.
That same urgency extended to the offense. They showed a desperate need for weapons beyond the familiar faces. To boost third-year quarterback Bryce Young’s arsenal, the Panthers landed first-round rookie Tetairoa McMillan. He’s a potential game-changer. After last season’s leading receiver, Xavier Legette didn’t really pop, it was clear the offense lacked a true vertical threat. McMillan’s size, speed, and ability to consistently move the chains fill that void. The front office sees him as a rookie ready to emerge as Young’s top receiving option.
Yet, despite these moves, the Panthers continue to wrestle with a seven-year playoff drought. Tha’s the longest in franchise history. Since their last postseason appearance in 2017, Carolina has suffered through zero winning seasons and a combined record of 36-80. Still, an encouraging finish last year under new leadership has sparked hope. Although the Panthers may not be ready to declare a “win-now” mentality, the need to break their long-standing losing streak grows more pressing with every game.
Here we’ll try to look at the Carolina Panthers player who is under the most pressure as they enter the 2025 NFL season.
Hardly any player enters 2025 with more riding on his shoulders than Panthers QB Bryce Young. Just two years ago, Young stood atop draft boards as the consensus No. 1 overall pick. He was lauded for his poise, accuracy, and intangibles. Now, entering year three, he finds himself at a professional crossroads. It sure seems like his NFL future is as uncertain as ever.
Last season, Young’s struggles came to a head when he lost the starting job to veteran Andy Dalton by Week 3. It took Dalton’s suffering a thumb sprain for Young to reclaim his spot under center. From there, Young showed flickers of...
