By: Michael Higgins

The Carolina Panthers have put themselves into one of the worst situations in the NFL. Lack of ownership combined with poor coaching has seen far too many players in Charlotte fail to reach their potential. Last season, Carolina went 3-14. This may be a good thing for some franchises as it can lead to a franchise QB taking the helm. Unfortunately, The Panthers traded DJ Moore and the pick that was used to take a generational talent in QB Caleb WIlliams in exchange for QB Bryce Young. Whether it was his fault or not, Young was one of the worst starting quarterbacks in the league last year. WIthout a first round pick, they are not slated to be much better.

Carolina’s biggest loss this offseason occurred when they traded superstar EDGE Brian Burns. Without Burns, they will be troubled to find someone who can help collapse the pocket. The notable losses include WRs DJ Chark and Laviska Shenault, TE Hayden Hurst, C Bradley Bozeman, LB Frankie Luvu, and SAFs Vonn Bell and Jeremy Chinn.

They were able to make subtle additions that should help the progression of a young team in the dark depths of a rebuilding phase. They traded for WR DIontae Johnson and signed IOL Robert Hunt, DL A’Shawn Robinson, EDGEs Jadeveon Clowney and K’Lavon Chaisson, LB Josey Jewell, CB Dane Jackson, and SAFs Nick Scott and Jordan Fuller.

In the draft, Carolina attacked the offensive side of the ball. They traded up to take WR Xavier Legette. They also took RB Jonathan Brooks and TE Ja’Tavion Sanders to sure up that side of the ball.

Being in the worst division in football will make more for some easier matchups, no games are easy for the 2024 Carolina Panthers. They will be underdogs in every single game this season.

The Panthers start the season in New Orleans against the Saints, host the Chargers, play the Raiders on the road, and host the Bengals. If the Panthers are to pick up a win this season, it will be in this opening month. The Panthers will start the season 1-3. 

They open October in Chicago against the Bears, host the Falcons, then have back-to-back road games against the Commanders and Broncos. The Panthers, again, go 1-3 in October.

The Panthers start November with two home games against the Saints and Giants before a Week 11 bye. They close the month at home against the Chiefs. The Panthers go 0-3 in November.

The final stretch of the season does not open any more opportunities for success. The team hosts the Bucs before traveling to take on the Eagles, play the Cowboys and Cardinals at home, then finish the season with two road games against the Bucs and Falcons. The Panthers go 1-5 to close out the season.

I have the Panthers going 3-14 in the 2024 season. This will obviously be an expected, but disappointing, result. In a draft class that may not have an elite quarterback prospect, this will be a less than advantageous year to be the worst team in the NFL.

2023 Record: 2-15

2024 Prediction: 3-14