Tag: dan morgan

Panthers QB Bryce Young is asked which WR he wants team to add

Panthers QB Bryce Young wasn’t going to fall into Kay Adams’ trap.

Even when he’s not on the field, Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young remains poised in the face of pressure.

Young, who has been making the rounds at Super Bowl LIX’s “Radio Row,” joined Thursday’s episode of Up & Adams. And with quite a few big-name wide receivers possibly on the move this offseason, host Kay Adams asked the soon-to-be third-year passer who he’d like to recruit to the Panthers.

But Young, as he always has in his chats with the media, avoided the trap.

“It’s not my call,” he replied with a smile. “I trust Dan [Morgan] and I trust the front office to make those calls. There’s a lot of people, for sure, that I have a lot of respect for . . . and I’ll talk to probably more privately.

“I trust in Dan, though. He’s gonna get it right one way or another.”

One specific name that has popped up for Carolina is Garrett Wilson, who could be at a crossroads with the New York Jets. The wheels started to turn on a potential union when Wilson endorsed Young in a tweet last month.

That, however, is all speculation.

So, like Young said—we may just have to trust in Dan, and not the rumor and innuendo, on this one.

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Panthers GM Dan Morgan is asked what he’s looking to add this offseason

The Panthers are on the prowl for some playmakers this offseason.

The Carolina Panthers want the ball in 2025.

President of football operations and general manager Dan Morgan recently sat down for a chat with Carla Metts Gebhart of Charlotte Sports Live. And with the offseason set to really kick in over the coming weeks, Gebhart asked Morgan what kind of players he’ll be looking to add for the upcoming season.

“We’re gonna look to bring passionate football players, first of all. And then we’re gonna look for playmakers on both sides of the ball,” he replied. “So, defensive side—guys that can take the ball away, guys that can affect the quarterback.

“And on the offensive side, guys that can make plays—whether receiver, tight end. Guys that can just make big plays. We were kinda missing that element on both sides of the ball this past year. So we’ll attack that.”

That element was especially missing on Carolina’s defense, which set a new NFL single-season record for points allowed. The Panthers finished the campaign tied for the third-lowest amount of sacks (32) and eighth-lowest amount of interceptions (nine).

Carolina also relinquished a staggering 179.8 rushing yards per game, by far the most in 2024. The next closest team, the New Orleans Saints, gave up 141.4 rushing yards per contest.

So, yeah, they’ll be looking to fix that problem as well.

“And I think on the defensive side, on our front, we gotta get a little stronger there so we’re able to stop the run,” Morgan added. “We’re just gonna look to get better in every avenue. In every position, we’re just gonna try to get stronger and create the most competition that we can.”

Hopefully for Morgan and the Panthers, the offseason breeds competition so that the competition can breed success.

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Panthers CB Jaycee Horn is asked if he wants to stay in Carolina

Panthers CB Jaycee Horn wants to be around for the glory days.

Carolina Panthers president of football operations and general manager Dan Morgan expressed his desire to keep cornerback Jaycee Horn around for the long haul during his end-of-season press conference nearly two weeks ago. But is the feeling mutual?

Horn was a guest on Wednesday’s episode of The Jim Rome Show, where host Jim Rome asked the 25-year-old defender about his future in the NFL. And Horn, who will be entering the fifth and final year of his rookie contract in 2025, seems like he wants that future to be in Carolina.

“I’m a guy that’s kinda building on loyalty,” he told Rome. “I wanna be where I was drafted. I seen those struggling days as a Panther when I first came in, even still going through a little bit of them now.

“And I know the team is going in the right direction, the organization’s going in the right direction and Charlotte’s a cool spot. So I’d definitely love to be there and be a part of the change and see the glory days.”

The former eighth overall pick is currently experiencing some glory days of his own, as he was selected to the 2025 Pro Bowl Games back on Jan. 2. The all-star nod is the first such honor of Horn’s four-year pro tenure.

2024 saw Horn, who missed 29 of a possible 51 games over his first three campaigns, play in a career-high 15 outings. He also posted bests in combined tackles (68), tackles for a loss (five), sacks (2.0) and passes defensed (13).

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Panthers’ biggest needs heading into the 2025 offseason

The Panthers have quite a few needs for 2025, and most of them reside on the defensive side of the ball.

Despite missing the playoffs for the seventh consecutive season, the Carolina Panthers took a refreshing step forward in 2024.

They went from two wins in 2023 to five wins this year, they won’t be going forward with a different head coach and, perhaps most importantly, they may very well have their franchise quarterback in Bryce Young.

But this seedling is going to require some more water before it really starts budding next fall.

So for the Panthers to keep growing, they’ll have to address these needs during the offseason . . .

What are the Panthers’ biggest needs for 2025?

1. EDGE

All things considered, outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney had himself a pretty decent campaign. But when your best pass rusher is an 11th-year veteran who recorded 5.5 sacks, you probably need some more firepower.

Carolina is fresh off allowing the most points ever in a single season (534), and their punchless pass rush certainly played a part in that dubious honor. The Panthers notched just 32 sacks, tied for the third-fewest in 2024.

Other than rostering Clowney off the edge, the unit does have D.J. Wonnum—who gave a fine account of himself in his shortened season. But this defense needs a certifiable sack artist, one who can free up Clowney more often and push Wonnum into a more suitable role as a rotational presence.

2. DL

If Carolina suffered mightily from their lack of pressure, then their run defense might tell the pass rush to hold its beer.

The Panthers relinquished a ridiculous 179.8 rushing yards per game, by far the most in the NFL. To put that number into perspective—the next closest team, the New Orleans Saints, allowed 141.4 rushing yards a contest.

This unit will certainly get a boost from the return of Pro Bowler Derrick Brown, who went down for the season after tearing his meniscus in Week 1. He will, however, need some upgrades beside and behind him.

3. DB

Xavier Woods, Jordan Fuller and Nick Scott combined to account for 83.1 percent of Carolina’s snaps amongst safeties. All three are slated to become free agents this offseason.

Cornerback Mike Jackson, maybe the most pleasant surprise of the year, is also looking for a new contract. If he walks, the Panthers would definitely need a new No. 2 to pair with Pro Bowler Jaycee Horn.

But even if they were to retain at least some of those guys, the Panthers need more playmakers in their secondary. Their nine interceptions were tied for the fifth-fewest in the league.

4. ILB

All three of Carolina’s top inside linebackers—Shaq Thompson, Josey Jewell and Trevin Wallace—had their seasons abbreviated by injuries. By the time Weeks 17 and 18 rolled around, the Panthers were forced to entrust the middle of their defense to special teamers and practice-squad members.

The outlook is still cloudy entering 2025. Thompson will be a free agent coming off an Achilles tear, Jewell wasn’t always a reliable tackler and Wallace is still learning the position.

5. WR

It wouldn’t be a Carolina Panthers offseason if we didn’t bring up the need for a wideout.

While Young took a very encouraging step in his development over the season’s last 11 weeks, he shouldn’t taking his next one with a 35-year-old Adam Thielen as his best target. And although Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker flashed at times as rookies, neither are likely to grow right into the No. 1 receiver Young should have for 2025.

6. TE

There’s a similar conundrum at the tight end position.

2024 fourth-round pick Ja’Tavion Sanders looked quite solid . . . in spurts. He, like Legette and Coker, is not a surefire solution at the moment.

Plus, Tommy Tremble and Ian Thomas are headed to free agency.

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Panthers GM Dan Morgan names players he wants to keep in Carolina for the long term

Panthers GM Dan Morgan has a few building blocks in mind.

The building blocks for the Carolina Panthers are beginning to stack up.

President of football operations and general manager Dan Morgan returned to the microphone on Monday for his post-regular season press conference. He addressed the future of cornerback Jaycee Horn, who will be entering the 2025 campaign on his fifth-year option.

“Jaycee is obviously the focal point of the defense, somebody that we’re gonna want here long term and we’re gonna work on getting him a long-term deal,” Morgan stated.

Horn, who missed 29 of a possible 51 outings over his first three NFL seasons, bucked the unfortunate trend in his fourth to become a first-time Pro Bowl selection. The 2021 eighth overall pick, even in his limited appearances prior to 2024, has proven that he’s one of the game’s very top corners.

Morgan was also asked about Carolina’s first-round pick in the following draft, left tackle Ikem Ekwonu.

“Yeah, I think Ickey fits right in there,” he replied. “We think a lot of Ickey. I think he’s got better every single year. I think he made strides this season. I think [offensive line coach] Joe Gilbert and his staff have done a really good job with the O-line in general. So, yeah, I see Ickey as a piece that we want around here for a long time.”

Ekwonu improved from a disappointing sophomore campaign the year prior. The Charlotte, N.C. native was given a 66.2 pass-blocking grade from Pro Football Focus, besting his 62.3 from 2023, as well as a career-high 80.5 run-blocking mark.

The Panthers will have to decide if they want to exercise Ekwonu’s fifth-year option in the spring. (Spoiler: They will.)

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Panthers GM Dan Morgan is asked if he’s looking to add a ‘big-time receiver’ this offseason

Will the Panthers try to make a run at a “big-time” receiver this offseason?

With strong endorsements from his owner, his head coach and the greatest player in franchise history, quarterback Bryce Young seems to be the “guy” for the Carolina Panthers. So now that that’s settled, will the team’s front office try to find “the guy” for him?

President of football operations and general manager Dan Morgan hit the lectern for his post-regular season press conference on Monday. Amongst a bevy of questions regarding the offseason, Morgan was asked if he’ll have his sights on acquiring a “big-time receiver” in the coming months.

“Every option’s on the table,” he replied to Joe Person of The Athletic. “Whether receiver, whether corner, offensive linemen, linebacker, D-linemen—like, we’re gonna look to just add really good football players. It’s not gonna be specific to any position or need.”

That position may once again be a need for Carolina. The only wideouts who will be under team control heading into the new league year are 34-year-old Adam Thielen and soon-to-be second-year youngsters Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker.

If Morgan and the Panthers are shooting for the big time, they might be able to take their shot at signing Cincinnati Bengals standout and Clemson University product Tee Higgins in free agency.

If it’s the draft, where they hold the eighth overall pick, Carolina may be in range for the likes of Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan or Missouri’s Luther Burden III near the top of the first round.

But for now, and just how it’s always been for Morgan’s regime, everything remains on the table.

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Panthers GM Dan Morgan talks approach for free agency, draft in 2025

Panthers GM Dan Morgan wants to be “smart, but aggressive” in attacking the 2025 offseason.

The Carolina Panthers are looking to be smart, but aggressive in their approach for the 2025 offseason.

President of football operations and general manager Dan Morgan put a bow on his team’s 2024 season in a talk with reporters on Monday. He was asked what he thinks will be the focal point in the front office’s mission to improve the roster over the next few months.

“I think the focal point will be to bring in very good football players,” Morgan replied. “Wherever those players are at, either side of the ball, we’re gonna look to add to, obviously, the defense and the offensive side. So, we just wanna create a lot of depth and competition on this team, and that’s gonna start with free agency.”

Much of that work could come to the defensive side, where the Panthers allowed the most yards per game (404.5) after finishing fourth overall in 2023. Carolina also allowed the most points ever in a single season (534), a feat they reached on the Atlanta Falcons’ 38th point of yesterday’s overtime win.

Morgan was also asked about how he’ll look to attack the draft, especially with a top-10 selection in his pocket.

“We have a process,” he stated. “We’re gonna be really thorough in that process. I think, again, just going back to previous conversations—we just have to draft really good players and playmakers, guys that are difference-makers, especially in the top 10. So, whoever that guy is, we’re gonna feel like is gonna be a difference-maker for us. Yeah, we’ll be excited about that.”

The Panthers, at 5-12, will pick from the eighth overall position of the 2025 NFL draft.

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Panthers GM Dan Morgan gives his thoughts on team’s 2024 season

Panthers GM Dan Morgan on his team’s 2024 season: “I do feel like we’re making a lot of progress.”

Carolina Panthers president of football operations and general manager Dan Morgan declined to put any expectations on his team’s 2024 season back in July. And now that the season has ended, he’s putting those non-expectations into perspective.

Morgan, a day removed from the Panthers’ Week 18 win over the Atlanta Falcons, spoke with reporters this afternoon. He began the presser with his thoughts on the year.

“Obviously, not the season that we really wanted in terms of the record,” he stated. “However, I do feel like we’re making a lot of progress. Things are trending in a really good direction. I feel like the culture’s changing here, guys are starting to feel what it’s like to win. We only have five wins, but it feels like the momentum is kinda building. I think guys are feeling good about the direction the team is going.”

The team went from two wins in 2023 to five here in 2024. Four of those five victories came over the final 10 games, a stretch that even included near-upsets of a couple of Super Bowl favorites in the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles.

That run also played host to the emergence of second-year quarterback Bryce Young. Young, who had been benched after just two games, returned to the starting lineup in Week 8 and proceeded to become one of the league’s top playmakers at the position.

Morgan later added that Young’s breakout, as well as a few other encouraging developments, can be partly attributed to the work of another guy who just finished up the first season in his new job—head coach Dave Canales.

“I think Coach Canales—he did a really good job with this team,” Morgan said. “I think you saw guys get better on the offensive side of the ball. Dave and his staff have done a really good job with Bryce, with young wideouts out there. Just kinda developing these guys, growing these guys. So, again, I feel like we’re headed in a really good direction that we’re all really excited about right now.”

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Report: ‘The Teppers are letting the football people do the football things’

Report: Panthers owners David and Nicole Tepper are “showing confidence in general manager Dan Morgan and head coach Dave Canales.”

The change may very well be real for the Carolina Panthers.

Tomorrow’s matchup against last year’s NFC East champion Dallas Cowboys will kick off with the Panthers as the betting favorites, the first such instance for the team since the 2022 campaign. There are a few important factors to attribute that standing to—including a No. 1 overall pick who is actually playing like a No. 1 overall pick and a head coach whose game plan and vision have made a positive impact on the locker room.

There may, however, be another person or two to credit.

Dianna Russini, senior NFL insider for The Athletic, highlighted the organization’s recent turnaround in her newest column from Saturday morning. She notes that owners David and Nicole Tepper are “letting the football people do the football things.”

Russini writes:

Carolina Panthers owners David and Nicole Tepper strongly believe they have the right leaders in place. The owners are sticking with their vision for the future, showing confidence in general manager Dan Morgan and head coach Dave Canales. Both will be back next season, and it’s easy to see why — ownership is thrilled by the steady growth of second-year quarterback Bryce Young, who’s starting to show off his special qualities. Tepper has a high standard, and losing close games to good opponents still isn’t good enough, but this team is trending in a different direction than it was just two months ago.

The Teppers, particularly David, have received some criticism in the past for being a bit too hands-on with the football side of the operation.

Whether or not that’s fair, the results haven’t been kind to the billionaire businessman—who has cycled through four different full-time head coaches and 10 different starting quarterbacks in his seven years as owner. Those seven years, in addition, have failed to yield a single winning season.

But even at 3-10 as we enter Week 15, this losing record feels very different.

As Russini also wrote, the Panthers are “no longer beating themselves with costly mistakes” and have been remarkably competitive of late. Carolina—in their last three outings—nearly pulled off impressive upsets of the 12-1 Kansas City Chiefs, the 7-6 Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the 11-2 Philadelphia Eagles.

So while the wins still have to come, the outlook for the Panthers certainly feels the brightest it has in quite some time.

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Panthers RB Jonathon Brooks, his injury and his increasingly debatable selection

RB Jonathon Brooks wasn’t too popular of a pick by the Panthers in the spring. And now that he’s re-torn his ACL, is it fair to question their selection?

The Carolina Panthers suffered two heartbreaking losses at Lincoln Financial Field this past Sunday. Not only did they lose the game, just missing out on the biggest upset of the 2024 season, but they also lost one of their very talented rookies.

Running back and 2024 second-round pick Jonathon Brooks re-tore the ACL in his right knee during his first and only carry of the Week 14 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. His rookie campaign was officially ended on Tuesday, as the team placed him on injured reserve.

This is the second tear to the same ACL in as many years. Brooks saw his collegiate career cut short in November of 2023, when he sustained the first tear while still playing for the University of Texas Longhorns.

Brooks’ year, which was already condensed upon missing the first 10 games of the season, is now over after only three appearances. And with ACL recoveries needing long-term fixes, the 21-year-old may not see in-game action again until 2026.

So, this latest setback has brought back the question that clouded this relationship when it first began—was Brooks worth the selection for the Panthers?

Was a running back worth the 46th overall pick, a spot the organization actually traded up to?

Why not take a prospect at a position of more immediate need—such as cornerback Mike Sainristil, center Zach Frazier or wide receiver Adonai Mitchell?

Was Brooks really the best available player on their board?

And if so, why take a player who is coming off a major injury?

When president of football operations and general manager Dan Morgan originally jumped to take Brooks, the intention was to surround quarterback Bryce Young with enough talent as possible. Brooks was arguably the best player at his position in last spring’s class and his talent would’ve given Carolina a potent one-two punch in the backfield, with veteran Chuba Hubbard leading the way.

The Panthers were expected to be a run-first team under first-year head coach Dave Canales. And with his regime focused on growth and development, Brooks was primed to eventually phase out Miles Sanders—the last regime’s failed free-agent signing from 2023.

In hindsight, no one could’ve expected Brooks to re-injure his knee. There is always risk in each draft selection, and not every one of them is going to work out as planned.

Now, this isn’t to say that Brooks is already a mistake—by any stretch of the imagination. The Panthers weren’t trying to build their team around the running back position—they’re trying to build it around their quarterback, and Brooks is an offensive weapon who was their top talent at that part of the draft.

But we won’t know, perhaps for a few more years, if Brooks really was the right call or not. He is a gifted running back—one that could’ve gone in the first round had he not been injured and one that would’ve provided a whole new dimension to the Carolina offense if he stayed healthy.

So while it is fair to question the investment, there is no definitive answer to it—at least not yet.

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