It’s always a good sign in the NFL when a team can learn from its own mistakes and adjust moving forward. This is especially true given the recent history of the Carolina Panthers and their historically stubborn owner David Tepper who have routinely bumbled the most important position in football since Tepper arrived in Charlotte back in 2018. Heading into the 2024 offseason, it appears Tepper and the Panthers have committed in making sure their current quarterback has the best possibility for success moving forward.
New Panthers G Robert Hunt is an excellent offensive lineman and also a legit run after catch weapon! pic.twitter.com/UZmKM6m2mB
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) March 11, 2024
Now entering his second season after being the first overall pick the year previous, quarterback Bryce Young becomes the first quarterback since Cam Newton to be the Week 1 starter in consecutive seasons. Given Young’s first season was a bit disastrous, in large part thanks to an abysmal supporting cast, the Panthers are intent on maximizing ways for their young leader to succeed.
Carolina has spent this offseason dumping money into what was their biggest weaknesses from last season on the offensive side of the ball in an effort to ensure Bryce Young has everything he needs to develop as their starting quarterback. Dumping $153 million dollars in contracts for guards Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis in free agency, as well as snagging one of the best separating receivers in the league from the Steelers in a trade in Diontae Johnson.
New Panther WR Diontae Johnson
5'10, 183 (#18)14.1 ypc/5 TD last season pic.twitter.com/X7V0OAwnU0
— John Ellis (@1PantherPlace) March 12, 2024
These moves to dump resources into the offense have come at a bit of a cost however. Three of Carolina’s best players on the defensive side of the ball have departed via free agency or trade. Brian Burns, Frankie Luvu, and Jeremy Chinn have been staples of this defense for years and were large contributors into making it a respectable unit. It takes maturity to understand how to build around your young quarterback and understanding the sacrifices that have to be made to do that. Building from the outside in to make sure your investment in Young reaps profits is one investor move Tepper certainly has right.
