With only one week left until the official roster cutdowns, here are the predictions for which players will make the 53-man roster for the Carolina Panthers. This season is make-or-break for second-year quarterback Bryce Young. The addition of offensive-minded head coach Dave Canales, who seemed to resurrect Baker Mayfield and Geno Smith’s careers, hopefully signals massive improvements for the Panthers’ offense this season.
Carolina Panthers Offense
Quarterbacks (3) - Bryce Young, Andy Dalton, and Jack Plummer
Outside Looking In - Jake Luton
I believe Carolina will likely release former Oregon State quarterback Jake Luton. It was announced on Monday that Luton would be placed on injured reserve for an undisclosed reason. This leaves three quarterbacks on the depth chart: Bryce Young, presumed to be the starter unless something significant happens; Andy Dalton, who will likely serve as the backup unless something else happens; and Jack Plummer, who will be the third-string.
However, I think there is a chance that Carolina could let go of Jack Plummer. During the preseason, Plummer looked terrible. There is an argument that the Panthers would have beaten the New York Jets if a quarterback like Andy Dalton was playing.
Running Backs (4) - Chubba Hubbard, Jonathan Brooks, Miles Sanders, and Raheem Blackshear
Outside Looking In - Mike Boone and Jayden Shirden
The Carolina Panthers should keep four running backs on the roster. Canales and Brad Idzik, the Panthers' offensive coordinator, are considering focusing on the running game to support Bryce Young in a new offensive scheme. Therefore, they have no reason not to have four running backs, especially with Brooks rehabbing from his knee injury.
Tight End (4) - Tommy Tremble, Ian Thomas, Ja’Tavion Sanders, and Jordan Matthews
Outside Looking In - Feleipe Franks, Jesper Horsted, and Jacob Hollister
I believe the Carolina team will keep four tight ends for two main reasons. Firstly, they need depth options at this position. Secondly, Carolina's tight end position has been weak. Jordan Matthews performed well during training camp and made a strong case for why he should be included in the 53-man roster. Sanders appears to be a rookie ready for a successful regular season. Tremble and Thomas have both been on the roster for several years and don’t seem to be at risk of losing their spots.
Feleipe Franks is unlikely to make the roster due to insufficient production in training camp and preseason. However, if the Panthers wanted extra depth at the tight end position, they could have ended up keeping Franks. Unfortunately, Jesper Horsted and Jacob Hollister will not make the roster because there is too much competition at the tight end position to keep them.
Wide Receivers (7) - Diontae Johnson, Adam Thielen, Jonathan Mingo, Xavier Legette, Terrance Marshall Jr., Ihmir Smith-Marsette, and Jalen Coker
Outside Looking In: Mike Strachan, David Moore, and Sam Pinckney
The Panthers are focused on strengthening their arsenal to support Bryce Young. New General Manager Dan Morgan has brought in veteran wide receiver Diontae Johnson (formerly of the Pittsburgh Steelers) to provide experienced leadership and Adam Thielen for the younger receivers such as Legetter, Coker, and Mingo. Smith-Marsette and Mingo also contribute crucial leadership skills to the team.
An unexpected potential addition to the roster is Undrafted Free Agent Jalen Coker, who has been impressing during training camp and capturing the attention of the Panthers’ fanbase. Mike Strachan, Sam Pinckney, or David Moore could still secure a spot on the roster if Canales decides to keep eight wide receivers for the 2024-2025 season, although this is unlikely for Carolina.
Offensive Line (9) - Ikem Ekowonu, Damien Lewis, Robert Hunt, Austin Corbett, Taylor Moton, Yosh Njiman, Cade Mays, Brady Christianson, and Chandler Zavala
Outside Looking In - Badara Torre, Andrew Raym, Jeremiah Crawford, Ike Botteger, and Jack Anderson
Before I gexplainwhy these nine gentlemen will make the roster, it's important to note that the Carolina Panthers will likely aim to retain as many offensive linemen as possible, which may increase this number. Carolina's main challenge last season was protecting Bryce Young, who was frequently under pressure during plays.
In the off-season, Carolina acquired Damien Lewis from the Seattle Seahawks and Robert Hunt from the Miami Dolphins, demonstrating a significant investment in the offensive line from the Front Office. Hunt signed a five-year contract with the Panthers worth up to 100 million dollars, while Lewis signed a four-year deal worth 53 million dollars. The Panthers could keep any of the linemen outside looking in as depth options at a position desperate for depth.
Carolina Panthers Defense
Defensive Line (6) - A’Shawn Robinson, Shy Tuttle, Derrick Brown, LaBryan Ray, and Jayden Peevy
Outside Looking In - Junior Aho and Ulumoo Ale
Carolina is running a 3-4 defense, so they will aim to retain more linebackers than defensive linemen. Junior Aho and Ulumoo Ale have shown promise in the preseason, but there is significant competition for both to secure a spot. Nevertheless, they both have a solid chance to make the 53-man roster ,as they had similar, decent stats against the Jets. A’Shawn Robinson had a good season with Carolina last year.
I predict Jayden Peevy will make it for the last spot in the defensive line position group. He was able to somewhat stand out in Carolina’s most recent preseason game. Shy Tuttle had a decent season last year. But he hopes to improve on his 19 solo tackles from last year. Derrick Brown had a fantastic 2023 campaign and will be considered a leader for a relatively young team.
Linebacker (7) - Josey Jewell, Jadevon Clowney, Shaq Thompson, Trevin Wallace, DJ Johnson, Michael Barrett, and Tae Davis
Outside Looking In - Luiji Vilain and Derrick McLendon
The Carolina Panthers plan to retain seven linebackers, which may come as a surprise. However, due to their 3-4 defensive system, they will retain a greater number of linebackers and solid depth at this position.
During the offseason, General Manager Dan Morgan, a former Carolina Panthers linebacker, acquired Josey Jewell from the Denver Broncos for three years at $18,570,000. Additionally, they signed Jadeveon Clowney on a two-year, $20 million contract.
It is unlikely that Carolina would keep eight linebackers on the roster. It would be hilarious if Luiji Vilain made the roster - the Mario reference would be fantastic. Because of this, Vilain or Derrick McLendon will likely not make the roster.
Trevin Wallace, a former Kentucky Wildcat, was chosen in the third round as the 72nd pick in the recent draft. He has been performing exceptionally well in training camp and preseason. This is how much of a training camp standout this guy has been, his stats from Carolina’s preseason game against the Jets. Wallace made five total tackles (two solo tackles and three assisted tackles) and was a dominant force on the field, causing significant trouble for Nathaniel Hackett’s offense.
Cornerbacks (6) - Jaycee Horn, Dane Jackson, Troy Hill, Chau Smith-Wade, D’Shawn Jamison, Jammie Robinson, and DiCaprio Bootle
Outside Looking In - Quandre Mosley, Chris Wilcox, and Willie Drew
This position has been a major concern for Carolina in recent seasons. In summary, the Cornerback group's performance declines if Jaycee Horn is not on the field. Carolina will aim to retain as many cornerbacks as possible to provide depth options like the offensive line.
Before joining the Panthers, Dane Jackson was a dependable cornerback for the Buffalo Bills. Jackson will complement Jaycee Horn, who will form a formidable duo. If Carolina decides to retain Qandre Mosley, Chris Wilcox, and Willie Drew, they would provide excellent depth in a position that has been a weakness for Carolina these past seasons.
Safeties (4) - Xavier Woods, Jordan Fuller, Rudy Ford, and Sam Franklin Jr.
Outside Looking In - Demani Richardson
The Panthers will benefit from Woods' veteran leadership. Sam Franklin's outstanding performance on special teams ensures he earns a spot on the roster. Rudy Ford provides solid depth at safety and aims to make a significant impact with Carolina. Additionally, Jordan Fuller, who was previously with the Los Angeles Rams, is eager to make his mark with his new team, Carolina.
Demani Richardson is unlikely to make the roster because there isn't enough production to keep the former Texas A&M tight end.
Carolina Panthers Special Teams
The special teams lineup is pretty straightforward, with Eddy Pineiro as the kicker and Johnny Hekker as the punter, who has been performing exceptionally since joining the team. Ihmir Smith-Marsette will be responsible for fielding punts, although Raheem Blackshear's speed would make him an excellent choice for punt returns.
JJ Jansen will be the Panthers' long snapper for the upcoming season. He is aiming to break the record for the most games played as a Panther (currently, the record is 243 games). JJ Jansen has been with the Carolina Panthers since 2009, and this upcoming season will be his 16th season with the team.
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