Carolina Panthers open 2025 training camp with high hopes from Dave Canales, but a Bryce Young turnover to a rookie shows competition is fierce. Get the latest.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
The pads are on, the Charlotte sun is beating down, and the Carolina Panthers are officially back. Head coach Dave Canales kicked off 2025 training camp with a declaration of sky-high expectations, but it was a rookie who delivered the day's most telling message. On the final play of practice, OLB Princely Umanmielen announced his presence by stripping quarterback Bryce Young, a stark reminder that this year's camp will be defined by fierce competition on both sides of the ball.
I think the sky's the limit for this group. I think this is going to be a very competitive team. I don't think people are going to want to play us by the style of football that we play.
The vibe around the practice fields is noticeably different. Coach Canales has instilled a palpable sense of optimism, a feeling echoed by the players. 'This city has a lot of hope. They want a winner, and you can feel it,' said guard Robert Hunt, one of the team's key offseason acquisitions. 'The team feels that. We all want to be good.' This renewed energy, heavily featured across the team's social media, is the foundation Canales is building on, aiming to forge a tough, physical identity that will wear opponents down.
While optimism reigned on the field, a significant move happened off it. Veteran linebacker Josie Jewell made a selfless, team-first decision regarding his contract and injury status, a move that reportedly frees up around $4.4 million in precious cap space. While the maneuver is mature and could allow Jewell to return later in the season, it immediately shines a spotlight on the team's biggest question mark: linebacker depth. With Jewell sidelined for now, the pressure mounts on players like Trevin Wallace, who was forced into action last year. It’s a calculated risk that gives the front office flexibility but leaves the middle of the defense vulnerable.
Unfortunately, the linebacker room isn't the only area of concern. The initial injury report is already raising eyebrows. Star defensive tackle Derrick Brown (knee) and tight end Tommy Tremble (back) are both considered questionable for Week 1, a major blow if they aren't ready. They're joined by a growing list of ailing players, including linebackers Claudin Cherelus (toe), D.J. Wonnum (back), and DJ Johnson (concussion). With rookie running back Jonathon Brooks already on the PUP list as he recovers from his ACL tear, the Panthers' depth will be tested from day one. To help with camp bodies, the team made minor signings, bringing in QB Trey Swilling and TE Tyler Mabry.
The first day of camp delivered exactly what fans have been craving: action, drama, and a clear vision for the future. The optimism from Coach Canales is infectious, but the reality of the NFL is already setting in with Umanmielen's statement play, Jewell's tough decision, and a concerning injury list. How Bryce Young and the offense respond to this aggressive defense, and how the team navigates its thin depth at key positions, will be the defining stories to watch as training camp unfolds. The journey to becoming a team 'people don't want to play' has officially begun.
