{"id":863201,"date":"2026-04-10T14:48:24","date_gmt":"2026-04-10T14:48:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/863201\/"},"modified":"2026-04-10T14:48:24","modified_gmt":"2026-04-10T14:48:24","slug":"panthers-biggest-draft-goal-is-only-possible-thanks-to-free-agency-frenzy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/863201\/","title":{"rendered":"Panthers\u2019 Biggest Draft Goal Is Only Possible Thanks to Free Agency Frenzy"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u201cNineteen months ago,\u201d explained Filice, \u201cfirst-year head coach Dave Canales benched Bryce Young. In the moment, it felt like the former No. 1 overall pick\u2019s starting days in Carolina could be over. Then Andy Dalton sprained his thumb in a car accident, thrusting Young back into the lineup. The youngster played significantly better in the second half of that 2024 campaign, and the Panthers rewarded him with the first-round selection of Tetairoa McMillan<\/a>.\u201d <\/p>\n

Dan Morgan<\/a> hit the jackpot in drafting WR Tetairoa McMillan <\/p>\n

It turned out to be a great decision by Panthers\u2019 general manager Dan Morgan. The popular opinion was that the team would use the eighth overall selection a year ago on a much-needed edge rusher. Instead, Morgan opted for the 6\u20195\u201d, 212-pound target from the University of Arizona. McMillan would start all 17 games, and led the club in catches (70), receiving yards (1,014) and touchdown receptions (7). The former Wildcat\/turned Panther was named the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year<\/a> in 2025.<\/p>\n

\u201cWith a true WR1 at his disposal, Young took another big step forward,\u201d added Filice, \u201callowing Carolina to win its first division title in a decade. Now the quarterback is heading into the fourth year of his rookie contract, a crucial season that could determine whether the Panthers hand him a nine-figure extension. Give the 24-year-old every chance to succeed by drafting a true batterymate at center and another playmaker at one of the skill positions.\u201d<\/p>\n

Carolina could give QB Bryce Young more help via the draft<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images\n <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n Corey Perrine\/Florida Times-Union \/ USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images\n <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n Joe Rondone\/The Republic \/ USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images\n <\/p>\n

Per usual these days, there are quite a few intriguing wide receiver<\/a> and tight end prospects <\/a>that should be available when the Panthers are on the clock with the 19th overall selection.<\/p>\n

This is a team that has gotten better on both sides of the ball under Morgan and Canales. While Young\u2019s progress has been evident, he needs to be a more consistent performer and also eliminate those slow starts that plagued him too often this past season. Giving the three-year pro another reliable target and a little more help up front would certainly be a step in the right direction.<\/p>\n

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