Panthers Wire Mailbag: What fans want to know at the bye week

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Panthers Wire Mailbag: What fans want to know at the bye week

Jared Feinberg · Panthers Wire

Thu, Nov 14, 2024 ·

4 min read

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For the first time since 2022, the Carolina Panthers have gone streaking . . . in a good way.

This past Sunday's overtime victory in Munich, Germany gave head coach Dave Canales and company their second straight win. Albeit a somewhat difficult one , the 20-17 triumph over the New York Giants has the team and its fans feeling good entering their bye week.

So as we settle in for the break, let's dig into the mailbag and answer some of your questions following the team's international walk-off . . .

Note: questions have been edited for clarity

Top free-agent targets in 2025

Sep 29, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (5) runs for yards after catch against Carolina Panthers linebacker Shaq Thompson (54) and safety Xavier Woods (25) during 1st quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Who are your top (insert number) pending free agents the Panthers could target this offseason? – Shawn R.

Great question to start this mailbag, Shawn. There's likely to be some quality starting talent the Panthers could acquire in the open market this offseason. Here's my top three:

No. 3:QB Justin Fields

You might be wondering why the team should sign a quarterback with Bryce Young 's recent resurgence, and it's mostly due to the unknown that remains for the final stretch of the season. And even if Young is still with the team in 2025, there needs to be competition in that room—something Fields can bring with a dynamic skill set and some real arm talent.

No. 2: S Jevon Holland

The former second-round draft choice out of Oregon is one of the best players at his position. You would think the Miami Dolphins could bring him back on the $19.4 million projected franchise tag or on a long-term extension. If they don't, the Panthers should do everything possible to sign him. Holland is a versatile safety with great range, ball skills and football intelligence that would make the entire secondary better.

No. 1: WR Tee Higgins

Panthers fans were clamoring for their team to trade for the standout wideout, who the Bengals have been reluctant to sign to a long-term deal. So if Higgins walks, this is a prime opportunity for Carolina to secure a true No. 1 playmaker.

The former Clemson Tiger may seem like your prototypical big-jump ball receiver, but he's much more than that. He can create after the catch and can separate with skill. A room of Higgins, Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker would be enticing for whoever is under center.

Fixing the defense

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - MAY 10: Defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero of the Carolina Panthers looks on during rookie minicamp on May 10, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)

What do you think is the best path for the Panthers to take to fix their defense? – Jack L.

There's been much discussion around Carolina's struggles defensively. They've allowed the most points per game this season (31.0), the third-most total yards (386.9) and the fifth-most yards per play. Yet, in the team's recent string of success, they have given up just 17 and 22 points, respectively, to the Giants and New Orleans Saints .

The Panthers have gotten better at recording takeaways, as they've notched five over their last three outings. Plus, the return of outside linebacker D.J. Wonnum , as evidenced on Sunday, has increased the pass-rush productivity.

Nonetheless, addressing the defense must be a priority this offseason. In addition to free agency, the 2025 draft may present some opportunities to snag some talent—especially with the high-end talent of the upcoming class.

There have been flashes of what Carolina's defense could become. Having Pro Bowl defensive lineman Derrick Brown back in the fold would obviously help, and they must get younger across the board while installing quality starters and depth along the unit.

This may not be a one-year fix. It will likely take time to construct this unit from the ground up.

Playing time for rookies

Sep 15, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks (24) walks off the field after the second half against the Los Angeles Chargers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Will Jalen Coker begin to get more snaps than David Moore? And, with Chuba Hubbard being on a heater, how do you work Jonathon Brooks into the rotation? – @chall30417

On the contrary, as Coker and Moore had almost the same snap count against the Giants. The undrafted rookie played 53 snaps while the veteran was on the field for 50. This is the most snaps Coker has played this season, and his count will likely hover around the 80- to 90-percent share going forward.

Will the impending return of Adam Thielen , however, cut into Coker's time? I will argue that this won't be the case. Coker has shown to play on the perimeter as an X or movement Z receiver, and played most of his collegiate snaps on the outside. Thielen will likely see his snap rate at around 70 percent, with Moore still seeing the field in relief.

As for the second part of your question, I would expect Brooks to take over Miles Sanders ' role as the change-of-pace, third-down back who can be a reliable pass protector and receiver. This puts Sanders' future into question, as he does not provide any value on special teams.

Don't expect Brooks to have a higher snap count than what Sanders has had in games this season. He'll still be eased into action.