Panthers' 2025 sleeper buzz! GM Dan Morgan's near Rams draft trade & more prime-time games revealed. Get the inside scoop on Carolina's bold moves. June 2025.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
Panther Nation, what a whirlwind Thursday! Just as analysts are pegging Carolina as a potential 2025 NFL sleeper team, the schedule drops, confirming the league sees it too – get ready for more prime-time action! And if that wasn't enough, newly unearthed footage shows just how close GM Dan Morgan came to pulling off a major draft day blockbuster with the Rams. It's clear the front office isn't afraid to make bold moves to get this team back to contending status.
Analysts are calling the Carolina Panthers one of the NFL's biggest sleeper teams for 2025... being touted as potential playoff contenders.
Hold onto your hats, folks! Behind-the-scenes footage released today gave us a fascinating glimpse into the war room during the 2025 NFL Draft. It turns out the Panthers and Los Angeles Rams were deep in negotiations for a significant trade that ultimately didn't materialize. While the specifics of the players or picks involved remain tantalizingly vague, the intensity of the discussions highlights the aggressive strategy GM Dan Morgan is employing. This near-miss shows the front office is actively exploring every avenue to improve the roster, even if it means swinging for the fences. It's a bold new era, and we almost saw a massive shake-up!
The wait is over! The Carolina Panthers officially unveiled their 2025 NFL schedule, and it’s packed with intrigue. Most notably, the Panthers are back under the prime-time lights for multiple contests this season, a clear nod to the heightened expectations surrounding the team. The season kicks off with a challenging pair of road games, which will be an early test for Dave Canales' squad. This schedule, combined with the growing 'sleeper team' narrative fueled by offseason upgrades, suggests the Panthers are no longer being overlooked. Analysts point to key roster improvements and the revamped coaching staff as reasons why Carolina could be a surprise playoff contender after last year's struggles.
While the big picture news is exciting, the on-field grind continues. Highlights from Tuesday's OTAs (June 3rd) showcased some exciting developments. Rookie wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan and tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders are already turning heads, with quarterback Bryce Young reportedly showing improved chemistry with his new weapons. Defensively, additions like cornerback Chau Smith-Wade and defensive tackle Jaden Crumedy were making their presence felt in drills, flashing the potential that made them draft targets. It's early, but these are the positive signs fans have been craving.
Unfortunately, not all news from the facility was positive. The team confirmed that running back Jonathon Brooks will miss the entire 2025 season. Brooks, still recovering from a torn ACL suffered late last season (Week 14), has been placed on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, officially ending his season before it could begin. This is a tough blow for the promising young back and leaves a significant question mark in the Panthers' backfield. The team will need to assess its options to fill this void.
On the financial front, the Panthers are operating with a bit of flexibility. As of June 1, the team holds just under $18.7 million in salary cap space. This figure comes after the release of veteran pass rusher Jadeveon Clowney. While having cap space is good, a portion of it is earmarked for the rookie pool. Notably, second-round pick, edge rusher Nic Scourton, remains unsigned. Reports suggest that negotiations are ongoing, centering around the guaranteed terms of his contract. Getting Scourton signed will be a priority as the team looks to bolster its pass rush.
With a blend of tantalizing 'what-ifs' from the draft, a schedule that screams 'we're ready for the spotlight,' and the bittersweet realities of roster development, the Panthers are undoubtedly a team to watch. The coming weeks will be crucial as contract negotiations continue and the team gears up for training camp, where these promising glimpses will hopefully solidify into consistent, game-winning performances. Keep Pounding!
