NFL News: Panthers hope offensive player breaks out during 2025 season to help Bryce Young

Bryce Young showed that he has plenty of talent in the latter parts of last season. Now, it’s time for the Carolina Panthers to build around him. After plenty of talk this offseason about the need of a TE, it seems like the NFC South team didn’t listen and that’s because they think they have one of the most talented tight ends in the NFL.

Having said that, one thing is thinking you have gold, it’s another thing completely to actually have it. With TE Ja’Tavion Sanders, the jury’s still out but his raw talent is more than visible.

Carolina is eager to see what Sanders can become and that’s why they didn’t go all out looking for another tight end. The Panthers drafted Mitchell Evans in the fifth round, but this is more of a depth chart pick than anything else.

If Sanders explodes, the Panthers are lowkey stacked

The Panthers might have the most underrated skill players in the NFL. Carolina spent their first-round pick drafting WR Tetairoa McMillan, widely regarded as the best receiver in the draft. They also have veteran wideout Adam Thielen, who has been perennially underappreciated. The team also hopes second-year WR Xavier Legette takes another jump in his play.

Ja’Tavion Sanders #0 of the Carolina Panthers is introduced prior to the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Bank of America Stadium on December 22, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina.

This puts Sanders in a great spot. Having to cover all those receivers, if Sanders unleashes his potential, he will find himself open or with favorable matchups in coverage. Sanders had 342 yards and 1 TD, but he caught 76.7% passes thrown his way. He has safe hands. He also added 5.8 yards after catch per reception.

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In the running department, the Panthers will continue to trust RB Chubba Hubbard. However, they reinforced the depth chart with former Cowboy Rico Dowdle, who is fresh off a 1,000-yard, 5 TD season. Dave Canales’ team also drafted Trevor Etienne who stood out in Florida at college.

Dave Canales is establishing a new culture

Carolina has the fifth easiest schedule according to the opponent win % from last year. Bryce Young and co. will face teams that racked up a 45% record last year. This would indicate that Canales can coach a bit more aggressively and utilize all the weapons at his disposal.

During the last four games of the 2024 season, the Panthers went 2-2. However, Bryce Young flashed his talents and threw for 831 yards, 8 TDs to only 2 INTs. He also rushed for 112 yards and 4 TDs. That filled the franchise with hope and made them look for weapons to help him develop his best level.

This set the tone for Canales. A new culture where the Panthers play like they have nothing to lose. They don’t have big expectations, so why play conservatively? Canales is a very creative coach and now has the personnel to exploit his ideas.