The Carolina Panthers have taken a lot of heat over the last several seasons, and rightfully so. After having the NFL worst 2-15 record, the team’s offseason approach has not pleased the fanbase in the slightest.

According to Panthers Culture, a social media account on the platform X (formerly Twitter), they mentioned how everything they wanted for the Panthers is exactly what the Houston Texans have been doing.

As you may have heard, the Texans are having a stellar offseason and are in prime position to take the AFC South by storm in 2024. Their ability to surround second year quarterback C.J. Stroud should not be overlooked; however, to mention how the Texans are “running laps around Carolina” is not completely accurate.

Both situations seem similar but are completely different. The Texans were primed with multiple first round draft picks and had over $100 million in cap space, with many more draft picks still in their hands ready to go at the end of April. While the Panthers have made some questionable moves, such as trading Brian Burns to the New York Giants for just pennies on the dollar, the offseason moves that the organization has done should not go completely unnoticed; they are trying.

Offseason moves that the Panthers have accomplished thus far include the following additions:

• Guard Robert Hunt (5 Years $100 million)
• Guard Damien Lewis (4 Years $53 million)
• Wide Receiver Diontae Johnson (via trade)
• Tackle Yosh Nijman (2 Years $8 million)

Bolstering the offensive line and getting a playmaking receiver via a trade in Johnson are moves that help second year quarterback Bryce Young and his development. Young last season was running for his life at times and their non-ability to establish a running game in an efficient and effective manner really hurt them as a whole. With these offensive moves, the line gets stronger which will directly impact Young and his confidence as he heads into year two.

Other offseason moves that benefit the team are the additions of several defensive gems who came over in free agency. These players include:

• Defensive tackle A’Shawn Robinson (3 Years $22.5 million)
• Linebacker Josey Jewell (3 Years $18.5 million)
• Safety Jordan Fuller (1 Year $3.25 million)
• Safety Nick Scott (1 year $1.292 million)
• Cornerback Dane Jackson (2 Years $8.5 million)
• Outside linebacker K’Lavon Chaisson (1 Year $2.5 million)

These are defensive athletes who have started and have production in the NFL. Despite the social media takes, it is never easy to lose but it also is extremely hard to compare your favorite organization to another one and what they’re doing. It is unfair and should not occur. While the Texans are the favorite to win the AFC South, the Panthers in their NFC South seem like the outlier, but in this league anything can happen.

I expect the Panthers and their offseason moves to improve the team, not hinder it. The hiring of head coach Dave Canales should yield positive results as he was brought in to improve Young and his production. If Canales can bring the energy that he has thus far with his solid teaching approach, the tide will turn rather quickly for the blue and black.