Dave Canales, in his first season as an NFL head coach, helped take a Carolina Panthers team that won two games in 2023 to one that won five in 2024. Now that the Panthers are seemingly on the verge of having a breakout season, they could be a bigger threat to add an impact star.
Related: 2025 NFL mock draft: Who should the Panthers draft?
Carolina Panthers insider: Keep an eye on Milton Williams signing
The Carolina Panthers still need more help on both sides of the ball after having the 23rd-ranking scoring offense and 32nd-ranked defense. Boasting the eighth overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft gives the Panthers a good chance of landing an impact player, but Carolina could make waves, far before the draft kicks off.
According to Panthers insider Joseph Person, fans should keep an eye out for players such as nose tackle D.J. Jones from Denver or even Eagles Super Bowl hero Milton Williams.
“The Panthers won’t fill all their defensive needs in free agency. But keep an eye on names like Eagles, Eagles DT Milton Williams, Broncos NT D.J. Jones (who has ties to Carolina defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero) and some of the top free agent safeties. The idea is to get the depth chart to a place where GM Dan Morgan can go best player available in the draft.”
The Athletic on Carolina Panthers free agency targets
After investing into the offensive interior last offseason, now the Panthers appear ready to upgrade a defense that was historically bad, allowing more points than anyone else in league history. Yet, whether Williams chases a big paycheck in Carolina or prefers a more ready-made contender remains to be seen.
Related: Promising Carolina Panthers rumors on NFL free agency plans, several targets revealed
