The NFC South may be the weakest division in football heading into 2024. But make no mistake, the Carolina Panthers still have their work cut out for them.
In 2023, they went 2-15 in the first and only year of the Frank Reich era. That season also led to former general manager Scott Fitterer being shown the door. With a new regime in town, the Panthers look to right the wrongs of the past.
Let’s face it, the three other teams in this division are better and more equipped than the Panthers to win games in 2024 and beyond. Most of the pressure should be on Bryce Young – the 5-foot-10 quarterback who was put through the wringer during his rookie season. With all of the roster additions Carolina made, the signal-caller needs to show some legitimate growth in Year 2.
However, the Panthers’ NFC South rivals also made some additions themselves. These four could cause huge complications in Dave Canales’ pursuit of progression next season.
Carolina Panthers should worry about Kirk Cousins
Even though the Atlanta Falcons have largely had a terrible offseason, they significantly upgraded at quarterback. That cannot be argued by any Carolina Panthers fan.
Kirk Cousins inked a four-year, $180 million deal, which is an overpay. To make matters even more confusing, the Falcons then proceeded to draft Michael Penix Jr with the No. 8 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft, making for an awkward and odd dynamic.
One thing is for sure, Cousins has been an extremely efficient quarterback his entire career and will be a huge boost to this team. Since becoming a full-time starter in 2015, he’s averaged 4,555 passing yards, 32 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions per season.
If we couple Cousins’ efficient production with a strong offensive line, very good weapons in Drake London, Kyle Pitts, and Bijan Robinson, and what appears to be a capable defense, the Falcons could be a huge problem in the NFC South.
Frankly, it’s hard to envision them not winning the division unless something crazy happens. During that same timeframe, Cousins’ teams have gone 74-60-2, so it’s not like he’s losing much.
Carolina Panthers should worry about Chase Young
Chase Young was the No. 2 overall pick of the 2020 NFL Draft. Unfortunately, it has not quite panned out that way.
He’s still a plus player along the defensive line and was a new addition by the New Orleans Saints this offseason. Given his usable production and already having played for what will be his third team, Young feels like this generation’s Jadaveon Clowney.
Young amassed 7.5 sacks, seven tackles for loss, and 15 quarterback hits between the Washington Commanders and San Francisco 49ers last season. The former Ohio State star’s production isn’t eye-popping by any means, but he’s proven to be a capable player who can disrupt the passer.
With the Carolina Panthers offensive line still being unproven, Young could be a thorn in the sides of Bryce Young and the offense. He’s not going to be a game-wrecker, but this is the type of savvy, modest addition that helps teams.
Carolina Panthers should worry about Kool-Aid McKinstry
A 2024 NFL Draft pick by the New Orleans Saints, Kool-Aid McKinstry comes into what was already a very strong secondary in New Orleans. He was projected to be a first-round caliber player who ended up falling. He had 23 passes defended across his career at Alabama, so he’s got a knack for the ball.
Here is his draft profile from Lance Zierlein of NFL.com:
“Three-year starter and former five-star prospect with a quirky name and consistent game. McKinstry is patient and well-groomed in matching the outside release and riding the inside release from press. He’s confident to handle business on an island and is able to stay in phase as the route travels vertically. He’s not overly fast but does play with plus acceleration to close out crossing routes or make aggressive plays on the catch point. As with most college corners, McKinstry will need to transition some of his open-field hand usage into quality footwork to avoid downfield penalties. He’s more aggressive in coverage than he is as a tackler and could find himself forced to prove his toughness in that area. McKinstry is more of a pure cover man than a playmaker, but his poise, intelligence and athleticism should lead him toward becoming a good outside corner with scheme versatility.”
–Â Lance ZIerlein, NFL.com
It’s hard to envision McKinstry not playing a big role in the secondary immediately. He’s a very sound player, so the Carolina Panthers will again have to keep tabs on another talented defensive back residing in the NFC South.
That’s without mentioning other stud defensive backs like Marshon Lattimore, Paulson Adebo, and A.J. Terrell. This is set to be a massive year for Bryce Young and his development. He’ll surely have a tough test with a slew of talented looking to throw a wrench into his plans.
Carolina Panthers should worry about Jordan Whitehead
Jordan Whitehead returns to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers secondary after beginning his career with them. He had a two-year stint with the New York Jets and signed a two-year deal with the Bucs this offseason.
Whitehead isn’t among the elites at safety. However, he’s been quite productive across his NFL career, which began in 2018.
Across a 17-game season, Whitehead averaged two interceptions, eight passes defended, 63 total tackles, and five tackles for loss. He gets everywhere on defense and is a plus player on the backend. Now, the defensive back gets an opportunity to rekindle an old, highly productive relationship.
He reunites with perhaps the best safety in the NFL in Antoine Winfield Jr. Whitehead and Winfield combined for seven interceptions, 6.5 sacks, 21 passes defended, and 219 total tackles the last time they played together. One has to determine that this once-prolific tandem is going to be a problem for quarterback Bryce Young and the Carolina Panthers in 2024.
The Panthers have gotten busy this offseason to remake the roster. The huge offensive line additions of Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis figure to play massive roles in that unit taking a step forward. General manager Dan Morgan also addressed the wide receiver room, adding Diontae Johnson via trade and Xavier Legette at No. 32 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft.
As of now, the ball is squarely in Young’s court. The personnel on offense in Carolina might not be elite, but it’s perfectly good enough for the team to get an accurate reading on the second-year signal-caller out of Alabama.
The 2023 season was far from Young’s fault. At the same time, the Heisman Trophy winner needs to show some legitimate progression in 2024. If not, Carolina’s quarterback situation becomes even murkier.
Overcoming Whitehead and Winfield during Carolina’s two games against the Buccaneers will go a long way to alleviating concerns.
