Panthers predicted to land $12 million Super Bowl champion in major defensive upgrade | Sporting News

The 2024 season marked seven consecutive years of losing football for the Carolina Panthers .

However, finishing 5-12 was a clear improvement from their 2-15 campaign the year before, showing signs of progress amid their ongoing rebuild.

Despite the struggles, there were promising developments.

The Panthers won two of their last three games, and seven of their final nine matchups were decided by one score or less.

Additionally, quarterback Bryce Young began showing progress in his second season after a slow start.

Head coach Dave Canales still has plenty of work ahead, and another strong offseason will be crucial in making the Panthers a more competitive team.

The team currently sits around the middle of the league in available salary cap space, with over $25 million to spend, according to Over The Cap .

One of their biggest areas of need is pass rush, which they will likely address in both the 2025 NFL Draft and free agency.

USA Today's Jacob Camenker predicts that the Panthers will target Philadelphia Eagles free agent Milton Williams to bolster their defensive front.

"The Panthers spent the 2024 offseason building up their offense," Camenker wrote.

"Now, they need to re-invest in their defense.

Specifically, they need to target some pass-rush help, both on the interior and the edge.

They can likely get a top pass rusher with the No.

8 pick.

Adding an interior rusher like Williams, who had 40 total pressures in 2024, would help further Carolina's rebuild under Dave Canales." Williams, now a Super Bowl champion, also recorded one pass deflection, one forced fumble, five sacks, 10 quarterback hits, and seven tackles for loss last season.

According to Spotrac , he is projected to command a three-year, $36 million contract, averaging $12 million annually.

Adding Williams would be a major step in strengthening the Panthers' defensive front, though they will likely need additional reinforcements through both the draft and free agency to build a unit capable of making a real impact in 2025..

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