All Panthers

Back-breaking stat should make the Panthers' offseason plans crystal clear

The Panthers can no longer afford to ignore this position.
Zach Roberts|
Dec 15, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jalen Coker (18) celebrates with tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders (0) and wide receiver Xavier Legette (17) after scoring a touchdown in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
Dec 15, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jalen Coker (18) celebrates with tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders (0) and wide receiver Xavier Legette (17) after scoring a touchdown in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

In this story:

Carolina Panthers

The Carolina Panthers defense is in utter shambles. The league's worst unit last year by a fairly wide margin has one legitimate cornerback, one legitimate defensive tackle, and one legitimate linebacker on the roster. Everyone else is either gone, bad, or could be upgraded.

That side of the ball needs a lot of attention, especially after seeing what the Philadelphia Eagles (the league's best defense) did in the Super Bowl. However, a new stat has arisen that should twist Dan Morgan's arm. As bad as the defense is, the Panthers need pass-catchers pretty badly.

New stat proves how much Bryce Young needs another weapon

According to ESPN analytics, Jalen Coker was a shockingly good receiver last year. He ranked first for the Panthers and 23rd among the 158 total players that ESPN looked at for these metrics. Adam Thielen, who was reliable last year, ranked 51st. That's not incredibly inspiring, but it's solid for an aging veteran who probably shouldn't be a WR1 on any offense.

Every other pass-catcher on the roster ranked outside the top 100. Rookie tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders was 114th. Tommy Tremble, who is now a free agent, was 132nd. Last year's first-round pick Xavier Legette was astonishingly ranked 134th. Veteran David Moore was 150th.

The Panthers' pass-catching unit is in dire straits. Moore is a complete non-factor. Legette appears poised to be a bust. Tremble is gone, and Sanders was not that great last year as well. Only Coker and Thielen were remotely good, and two men do not make a passing offense.

Adam Thiele
Dec 29, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Adam Thielen (19) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

It wasn't a secret that the Panthers arguably needed a wide receiver or maybe a tight end in the offseason, but this new look at how bad the pass-catchers were in 2024 proves that the team has to get Bryce Young some help.

Maybe it's in free agency, with Tee Higgins (pipe dream) or Chris Godwin. Maybe it's via the draft, with Tetairoa McMillan or Emeka Egbuka. Perhaps it's by way of trade, with Davante Adams or Michael Pittman Jr. on the radar.

- Enjoy more free Panthers coverage with Carolina Panthers on SI - 

Steve Smith says he’s done with Cam Newton after ‘losers’ comment

Luke Kuechly reveals stance on potential comeback with the Panthers

Panthers predicted to pick ‘powerful playmaker’ in 2025 NFL draft

Bryce Young gets candid on embattled Carolina Panthers receiver

Published
Zach Roberts
ZACH ROBERTS

Zachary Roberts is a journalist with a wide variety of experience covering basketball, golf, entertainment, video games, music, football, baseball, and hockey. He currently covers Charlotte sports teams and has been featured on Sportskeeda, Yardbarker, MSN, and On SI.

Home/News