Carolina Panthers Show Signs of Progress Ahead of 2025 Season

The city of Charlotte is seeing renewed hope as the Carolina Panthers gear up for the 2025 NFL season. After a second half of the previous season highlighted by an impressive run from rookie quarterback Bryce Young, the Panthers are looking to build on their success. Many fans and analysts alike are feeling optimistic about Carolina’s chances in an otherwise weak NFC South division.

While significant improvements have been made to the Panthers’ roster during the offseason, there are still several areas of concern. Notably, analysts from various outlets have pointed out that the tight end position has been a glaring weakness. According to Dalton Wasserman from Pro Football Focus, Carolina had the lowest-graded tight end unit in the NFL last season. Their sole significant addition, fifth-round pick Mitchell Evans, puts them in a precarious spot.

The tight end group is largely comprised of Tommy Tremble and Ja’Tavion Sanders, both of whom have yet to prove they are ready for a starting role. Tremble finished with a mere 52.7 grade across his first four seasons, while Sanders posted a similar 52.5 in his rookie year. However, it would be unfair to label the Panthers’ tight end unit as the absolute worst in the league based solely on these grades. Sanders was hindered by a neck injury in the latter part of the season, which likely affected his performance.

Before his injury in Week 12, Sanders had shown promise and ability. His absence from the lineup resulted in a lack of production, as he went without a catch in three games following his return. With the potential duo of Sanders and Evans, there is a chance that this position could evolve into a strength for the Panthers, thanks to Sanders’ athleticism and Evans’ standout performance at Notre Dame.

As the Panthers prepare for the season, it will be interesting to see how they address the tight end position and whether young players can step up. Coach Steve Smith also touched on the development of other players like rookie receiver Tetairoa McMillan, emphasizing the need for improvement. The upcoming season will be crucial for Carolina as they aim to solidify their roster and carve out a place in the NFC.