Panthers open 2025 camp with eyes on Bryce Young's development under Dave Canales, but the defense takes a hit with the release of LB Josey Jewell.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
The buzz is back in Uptown Charlotte. The Carolina Panthers officially kicked off the 2025 training camp on Wednesday, and all eyes were on quarterback Bryce Young. But as the Dave Canales era truly gets underway, the initial optimism was tempered by a significant blow to the defense before the first whistle even blew.
The Panthers released veteran linebacker Josey Jewell due to ongoing concussion symptoms, a move described as a 'significant loss for the defense.'
Despite national media projecting another sub-playoff season with around six wins, the feeling inside the organization and among the fanbase is one of cautious optimism, centered entirely on Bryce Young. Entering his third year, Young is looking to build on a scorching end to his sophomore campaign, highlighted by that spectacular 5-touchdown masterpiece in the season-finale win over Atlanta. With a more stable coaching situation under Dave Canales and new weapons like rookie receiver Tetairoa McMillan, the pressure is on Young to take the next step. His development is the single most important storyline of this camp.
While the offense is generating excitement, the defense took a major hit. The team announced the release of veteran linebacker Josey Jewell, who is dealing with lingering concussion symptoms. It's a tough blow for a player and a massive loss for a defense that was counting on his leadership. Defensive Coordinator Ejiro Evero, back for another season, now faces the challenge of replacing that veteran presence. The good news is that other key players, like linebacker Claudin Cherelus, are returning to full health after missing significant time in 2024. The unit will need to rally quickly.
The Panthers are starting camp with a few key players on the mend. Tight end Tommy Tremble landed on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list with a back issue and is considered week-to-week, though the team hopes he'll return in 3-4 weeks. Defensive lineman Bobby Brown III and punter Sam Martin are on the Non-Football Injury (NFI) list with hamstring issues but are expected back soon. Meanwhile, edge rusher DJ Wonnum is being brought along slowly as he recovers from the quad injury that ended his 2024 season. To address depth, particularly in a secondary hit hard by injuries last year, the team signed cornerback Tre Swilling right before practice began.
Day one is in the books, and the narrative for the 2025 Panthers is already taking shape. It's a story of hope versus adversity. Can Bryce Young silence the doubters and elevate this offense? And can Ejiro Evero's defense overcome the early loss of a leader to become the formidable unit it's expected to be? The coming weeks of camp will provide the first real answers as the Panthers forge their identity under Dave Canales.
