Locked On Panthers

The Carolina Panthers are faced with a significant decision on the first night of the 2025 NFL Draft. The team has clear concerns regarding their defensive performance and needs to address these issues during the offseason. The most pressing needs on defense are at defensive tackle and edge rusher. However, it’s worth considering whether drafting a cornerback with the 8th overall pick might also be a smart move as the Panthers work to rebuild their struggling defense.It was announced on Monday that Shaq Thompson will not be returning to the Panthers for the 2025 season after spending all ten years of his career in Charlotte. Where does Shaq rank among the top defensive players in Carolina Panthers history?In other news, Jonathan Allen, the defensive tackle for the Washington Commanders, has become the latest veteran to request a trade. Would a trade for Allen make sense for the Panthers? Or would it be more beneficial for them to address the defensive tackle position through the draft or free agency?Julian Co

In this week's NFL Squad, the crew discusses whether or not Abdul Carter will be the 1st overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft and whether or not if it's more important in today's NFL to have a game-changing pass rusher in comparison to other positions. Plus, will Ja'Marr Chase become the NFL's highest paid non-QB this offseason or could there be another player that gets that type of bag and is banning the Tush Push the right move by the NFL and where might players like Harold Landry, Jonathan Allen, and several others play this next season if traded?Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!FanDuelRight now, new FanDuel customers can get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in Bonus Bets if your first FIVE DOLLAR bet wins!Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. G

Can the Carolina Panthers secure their future with strategic draft picks? As the NFL draft approaches, the Panthers face crucial decisions to bolster their defense and wide receiver lineup. With edge rushers and interior defensive linemen in high demand, the team must identify game-changing talent to enhance their roster.Join host Julian Council and draft expert Damian Parson as they explore potential picks like Jalon Walker and Kenneth Grant. They discuss the Panthers defensive needs, the importance of a dominant edge rusher, and the potential impact of acquiring a true number one wide receiver. The conversation also touches on the possibility of trading for Tee Higgins, adding intrigue to the Panthers draft strategy.Don't miss this insightful discussion on the Carolina Panthers path to success. Tune in for expert analysis and predictions that could shape the team's future.Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!FanDuelRight now, new FanDuel customers can get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in Bonus Bets if your

Carolina Panthers general manager and president of football operations, Dan Morgan, spoke to the media on Tuesday afternoon at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. Morgan answered questions about the team's roster-building focus this offseason as free agency approaches. Are the Panthers fully committed to rebuilding the defense, or will they take a balanced approach to team building?Morgan also provided updates on the status of several returning players and those heading to free agency. He made it clear that negotiations are still ongoing with Pro Bowl cornerback Jaycee Horn regarding an extension, while kicker Eddy Pineiro is allowed to explore the free agency market.The Panthers are facing a number of injuries this offseason, as second-year players Xavier Legette, Trevin Wallace, and Jonathon Brooks will be rehabbing over the coming months.Julian Council shares his reactions to all that Morgan discussed on Tuesday afternoon. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!FanDuelRight now, new FanDuel customers

Shaq Thompson's departure from the Carolina Panthers marks the end of his 10-year career with the organization. What does this mean for the Panthers at linebacker heading into free agency?Explore the implications of this major roster change as Julian Council breaks down the impact on the Panthers defense. With Trevin Wallace and Josey Jewell poised to step up, the discussion covers potential free agency targets like Lavonte David and Bobby Wagner. Discover how the Panthers plan to navigate salary cap challenges and the potential for extending Jaycee Horn's contract.Will the Panthers new linebacker duo rise to the occasion? Tune in for an in-depth analysis of the team's evolving strategy and what it means for their upcoming season.Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!FanDuelRight now, new FanDuel customers can get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in Bonus Bets if your first FIVE DOLLAR bet wins!Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA.FANDUEL DISCLAIMER

The NFL Scouting Combine is back in Indianapolis this week, where the top draft prospects have a chance to meet with all 32 teams. The Carolina Panthers arrive in Indy with several clear draft needs. Julian Council examines which positions are currently the highest priority for Carolina, along with those that could be sensible for the Panthers to address and which prospects the team should keep an eye on this week at The Combine. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!FanDuelRight now, new FanDuel customers can get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in Bonus Bets if your first FIVE DOLLAR bet wins!Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA.FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text

The Carolina Panthers announced on Friday that they have released cornerback Dane Jackson following one season with the team. Julian Council reacts to the Panthers no-brainer decision to let Jackson go. The Panthers also announced several coaching additions on Thursday as they've hired Renaldo Hill as secondary coach, AC Carter as outside linebackers coach, Keyshawn Colmon as offensive assistant, and Kevin Peterson as defensive assistant. While also elevating current staffers to bigger roles ahead of the 2025 season. Julian answers listeners mailbag questions, including questions pertaining to the Panthers pursuit of veteran edge rushers this offseason. Could a Haason Reddick return to Carolina be in order? Is Joey Bosa a candidate to come to Carolina if he's released in Los Angeles?Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!FanDuelRight now, new FanDuel customers can get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in Bonus Bets if your first FIVE DOLLAR bet wins!Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with

In this week's NFL Squad, the crew discusses which teams who finished near the bottom of the NFL last season will more than likely remain in the basement this upcoming season, which NFL Draft prospect is the best pound for pound player, a debate on Cam Ward/Shedeur Sanders, and where players like Sam Darnold, Cooper Kupp, Aaron Rodgers, and Deebo Samuel would be the best fits.Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!FanDuelRight now, new FanDuel customers can get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in Bonus Bets if your first FIVE DOLLAR bet wins!Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.

On Wednesday, the NFL issued a memo to clubs projecting a salary cap range of $277.5 million to $281.5 million per team for the 2025 season. This estimate exceeds what teams had anticipated, as most were budgeting for a salary cap between $265 million and $275 million. With the projected salary cap increase of $22.1 million to $26.1 million, how will this affect the Panthers as they head into free agency?According to Over The Cap, the Panthers are expected to have around $24 million in available cap space. Julian Council discusses potential moves the Panthers could make to create additional salary cap space.Additionally, the NFL's franchise tag window opened on Monday. While the Panthers currently do not have any players on their roster who are candidates for the franchise tag, there are several players they will be monitoring over the next 12 days to see what decisions their current teams make.Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!FanDuelRight now, new FanDuel customers can get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS

In 2024, the Carolina Panthers defense had a disastrous season, infamously setting an NFL record for the worst scoring defense. Despite these poor performance numbers, the Panthers' defensive coordinator is set to return for a third season with the team. Given the struggles faced during the 2024 season, there are several pressing needs for improvement across the defensive unit. The question remains: Can Dan Morgan and Brandt Tillis successfully rebuild the Panthers' defense in just one offseason?As the Panthers look ahead, three major questions loom over the team this offseason. According to Julian Council, the primary concerns are whether the Panthers will extend Jaycee Horn's contract, whether they will add help on the EDGE rusher front, and how they will address their ability to stop the run in 2025?What should the early expectations be for the Panthers' defense leading up to the free agency period?Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!FanDuelRight now, new FanDuel customers can get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY D

The Carolina Panthers announced on Friday that long snapper JJ Jansen will return for his 17th season with the team in 2025. While Jansen is all set to come back, will Eddy Pineiro and Johnny Hekker also return with the Panthers next season?Pineiro has established himself as one of the most accurate kickers in the NFL, but will his choice to skip OTA last offseason, along with his limited leg strength, prompt the Panthers to seek another kicker, like Matthew Wright, who they signed last week?Hekker hasn't been a Pro Bowler or All-Pro since 2017. With his best days behind him, should the team consider getting younger at the position?Which free agent special teams performers should the Panthers prioritize before the new league year begins?Julian Council evaluates how the Panthers should approach special teams this offseason.Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!FanDuelRight now, new FanDuel customers can get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in Bonus Bets if your first FIVE DOLLAR bet wins!Download the app or head

How will the Carolina Panthers reshape their safety room for the upcoming NFL season? With key players like Xavier Woods and Jordan Fuller facing free agency, the Panthers are at a crossroads.Julian Council breaks down the Panthers 2024 safety performance, spotlighting standout moments from undrafted free agaent rookie Demani Richardson and the struggles from the rest of the starting unit. He explores potential free agency targets like Trevon Moehig and Javon Holland, and considers draft prospects such as Malaki Starks and Andrew Makuba. Council's analysis offers a strategic look at how the Panthers can balance their roster needs while maintaining a competitive edge.Tune in to discover how the Panthers plan to tackle their safety challenges and what moves could redefine their defensive strategy.Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!FanDuelRight now, new FanDuel customers can get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in Bonus Bets if your first FIVE DOLLAR bet wins!Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get starte

Cam Newton stirred controversy in Panthers Nation earlier this week when he stated in a podcast that when he arrived in Carolina as the No. 1 overall pick, he entered a "locker room of losers." One former player who took issue with this comment was Steve Smith Sr., who was Newton's top receiver during his first few years with the team. This isn't the first time Newton has been critical of the organization recently, prompting Panthers fans to wonder about the state of his relationship with the team.The Panthers are one of four teams—alongside the Atlanta Falcons, Tennessee Titans, and Seattle Seahawks—eligible to be featured on HBO's *Hard Knocks* this season. Given Bryce Young's impressive turnaround, are the Panthers the most compelling option among these teams?Instead of selecting a player with the eighth overall pick in the NFL Draft, should the Panthers consider trading back to address more needs within the top 100 picks?Julian Council addresses these listener questions in this week's edition of the Weekl

In this week's NFL Squad, the crew discusses which teams are closer to the Philadelphia Eagles after their Super Bowl win, which NFL trade makes sense for Aaron Rodgers, Deebo Samuel, or Cooper Kupp. Plus, the squad discusses the ideal fit for their respective teams in the NFL Draft.Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!LinkedInLinkedIn Jobs helps you find the qualified candidates you want to talk to, faster. Post your job for free at LinkedIn.com/LOCKEDONNFL. Terms and conditions apply.PrizePicksDownload the app and use code lockedonnfl to win $50 instantly when you play $5. You don't even need to win to receive your $50 bonus, it's guaranteed! Prizepicks. Run Your Game.Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNFLFanDuelRight now, new FanDuel customers can get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in Bonus Bets if your first FIVE DOLLAR bet wins!Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA.  FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online r

Finally healthy for a full season, Jaycee Horn demonstrated why the Carolina Panthers decided to exercise his fifth-year option, despite him missing 29 games in his first three seasons with the team, as Horn earned Pro Bowl honors in 2024. He is set to play under the fifth-year option in 2025, but will the Panthers choose to extend Horn this offseason? If they do, where will he rank among the highest-paid cornerbacks in the NFL?Mike Jackson emerged as one of the best acquisitions for the Panthers in 2024, ranking among the league's best with 17 pass deflections and providing stability opposite Horn by playing 99% of the defensive snaps during the season. Will the Panthers re-sign Jackson to a long-term deal this offseason?While Horn will return as a starter at one of the outside cornerback spots, second-year player Chau Smith-Wade should resume starting full-time in the slot. If the Panthers can retain Jackson, they will likely have their starting cornerback trio set. In that scenario, how will the team appro

In 2024, the Carolina Panthers linebackers were among the most injury-plagued units on the roster, as the team had to start six different players at the position due to Shaq Thompson's season-ending Achilles injury, along with Josey Jewell and Trevin Wallace facing their own injury challenges. Julian Council reflects on how the Panthers linebackers performed during a season marked by injuries.  Shaq Thompson has spent the last ten seasons with the Carolina Panthers, marking the entirety of his NFL career. However, after missing 28 games over the past two seasons and heading into free agency this offseason, has Thompson's time in Carolina reached its conclusion?  How will the Panthers address the linebacker position this offseason? Will they focus on the future and draft another linebacker prospect?Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!LinkedInLinkedIn Jobs helps you find the qualified candidates you want to talk to, faster. Post your job for free at LinkedIn.com/LOCKEDONNFL. Terms and conditions apply.PrizePi

The Carolina Panthers pass rush has been virtually nonexistent over the past few seasons. Although the team once featured Brian Burns and Haason Reddick, they now lack a significant impact player at the EDGE rusher position. However, could Jadeveon Clowney or D.J. Wonnum provide a spark in 2025 after showing signs of improvement in 2024? Julian Council examines how the Panthers' pass rushers performed last season.In recent Mock Drafts, two of the most popular picks for the Carolina Panthers have been Georgia pass rushers Jalon Walker and Mykell Williams. Given the team's needs along the edge, is it almost certain that they will select a pass rusher with the eighth overall pick?How will the Panthers address their struggling pass rush this offseason? Did Clowney and Wonnum do enough to earn another year in Carolina? Could Super Bowl standout Josh Sweat be a target in free agency? Are the Panthers key players in the Myles Garrett sweepstakes? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!LinkedInLinkedIn Jobs helps you

In 2024, the Carolina Panthers faced the worst defensive season in franchise history, marking one of the most challenging years defensively in modern NFL history. A significant factor in this struggle was the performance of the defensive line throughout the season. Pro Bowl defensive tackle Derrick Brown was lost for the season after Week 1, and the players expected to fill his role did not meet expectations. However, there was a silver lining in A'Shawn Robinson, who might earn another chance to start in 2025. Julian Council will review the defensive line's performance in 2025.As free agency and the draft approach, the Panthers will likely focus on strengthening their defensive line. Should they pursue a veteran player or prioritize the future by drafting a promising prospect?Shy Tuttle was a notable free agent signing for Carolina two years ago, but he has not lived up to expectations as a starting nose tackle. Is Tuttle likely to be let go this offseason?Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!LinkedInLinked

Super Bowl 59 is scheduled to take place in New Orleans on Sunday afternoon, but the major topic of conversation during Super Bowl week has been the offseason destinations of two of the NFL's biggest stars. On Monday, former NFL Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett informed the Cleveland Browns of his desire to be traded in his pursuit of a Super Bowl victory. Later that week, the Los Angeles Rams notified former NFL Offensive Player of the Year Cooper Kupp that they would be looking to trade him away from LA this offseason.The Carolina Panthers find themselves in desperate need of a dynamic edge rusher, while also looking to enhance their receiving corps. Will the Panthers make a move for either Garrett or Kupp this offseason?Julian Council examines the challenges and advantages the Panthers would face in trading for Garrett, as well as his thoughts on whether Kupp would be the ideal receiver fit for Bryce Young and the offense in 2025.Additionally, Luke Kuechly and Steve Smith Sr. were not named to th

The Carolina Panthers offense required significant improvements during the 2024 offseason, and nearly a year later, it's evident that general manager Dan Morgan successfully built a capable unit around second-year quarterback Bryce Young. As the new offseason approaches, should Morgan focus on maximizing Young’s talent after his impressive turnaround in the season's second half?While the Panthers may have resolved their quarterback situation heading into free agency, there are still numerous questions about the rest of the offense. Will Carolina pursue a top-tier wide receiver to support Young this offseason? How will the center position be addressed? Can the Panthers retain Taylor Moton while also reducing his cap hit?What should the early expectations be for the Panthers offense as the NFL calendar moves into its roster-building phase? Julian Council provides insights into the current state of the Carolina Panthers offense ahead of free agency.Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!BetterhelpDiscover your r