The Panthers devoted significant attention to enhancing their offensive lineup during the offseason, aiming to provide quarterback Bryce Young with reliable targets. One of their key acquisitions was former Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson.
In March, Carolina and Pittsburgh executed a trade that sent Johnson to the Panthers, while the Steelers received cornerback Donte Jackson and the 178th pick in the draft, ultimately used to select Iowa defensive end Logan Lee. Adam Thielen, the veteran among the Panthers’ receiving corps, expressed enthusiasm about Johnson’s arrival, describing him as a remarkable football player whose agility, change of direction, and ability to track the football immediately bolstered the team.
“Diontae, he’s just a special football player,” Thielen remarked in an interview with NFL Network. “The way that he moves and changes direction and can really track the football, you could tell it was an instant boost to that group and our team. So, I’m very excited about that.
However, Carolina’s efforts to fortify their receiving corps did not end with Johnson. Without a first-round pick in the April draft, the Panthers traded up to secure the 32nd overall pick, previously held by the Bills after a swap with the Chiefs. With this selection, they drafted wide receiver Legette, the seventh receiver chosen in the first round. Thielen also praised Legette, highlighting his diverse skill set and physical attributes that promise to complement the existing roster.
“It’s great to have a talented rookie coming in that has a different skill set from the rest of us,” Thielen noted. “He’s a big, strong, physical, fast guy that could do a lot of things. When you are able to have a few guys that could do a lot of different things, it creates a very easy, organic way to have success on offense.”
The Panthers’ strategic focus on offensive improvement stems from their commitment to developing around Bryce Young, the top pick in the previous year’s NFL Draft. Young’s rookie season was challenging, marked by offensive struggles that placed Carolina last in yardage and second-to-last in points scored across the league. The team’s offensive line also struggled, allowing a league-high 62 sacks on Young, highlighting the need for substantial improvement.
Looking ahead to the 2024 season, the Panthers appear poised for a turnaround, banking on their offseason moves to yield significant dividends. Central to this optimism is the appointment of offensive-minded Dave Canales as the new head coach. Known for his expertise in quarterback development, Canales is expected to provide Young with the guidance needed to thrive in his sophomore season.
Beyond bolstering their receiving corps with Johnson and Legette, Carolina made substantial investments in their offensive line, securing Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis through lucrative contracts in free agency. Moreover, they continued to strengthen their roster during the draft by selecting Jonathon Brooks, a standout running back from Texas, in the second round.
The culmination of these efforts will be evident as the Panthers convene for training camp starting July 24. With an enhanced offensive arsenal and a renewed coaching strategy under Canales, Carolina aims to emerge as a formidable force in the upcoming season, poised to overcome the challenges that plagued them in the past and chart a course towards success in the competitive landscape of the NFL.
