The Carolina Panthers didn’t need another reminder of how far they have to go. After finishing the 2023 season with a dismal 2–15 record, undergoing yet another coaching change, and watching No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young struggle under poor protection and a lackluster supporting cast, the franchise has been in rebuild mode for months.
But even as Panthers fans have clung to new head coach Dave Canales’ positive energy, GM Dan Morgan’s aggressive moves, and a promising 2024 draft class, a recent national ranking threw cold water on the optimism.
According to a surprising offseason analysis, the Carolina Panthers were named the worst team in the NFL in a particularly head-scratching category: offensive weaponry.
Yes—dead last among 32 teams when it comes to wide receivers, tight ends, and running backs. Lower than the Giants, Patriots, and Broncos. Even below teams rebuilding from scratch like the Titans or Commanders.
The ranking has sparked debate across the league. Is this brutal evaluation fair? Is it an overreaction to a miserable 2023 season—or a sign that the Panthers still have massive holes despite a new regime?
Let’s break down the controversy and evaluate whether Carolina truly deserves the label as the league’s weakest skill-position group.
The Ranking That Sparked the Firestorm
The evaluation came from a major NFL media outlet’s “Offensive Weapons Rankings”, an annual deep-dive assessing each team’s running backs, wide receivers, and tight ends, independent of quarterback play and offensive line.
The Panthers were ranked 32nd out of 32—worse than the barren wide receiver rooms in New England and Pittsburgh. The author cited “a lack of explosive playmakers,” “developmental questions around key rookies,” and “unproven veterans occupying critical roles.”
Key excerpts from the critique included:
“There’s potential in Carolina, but very little production to lean on. Bryce Young was failed in 2023, and the weapons around him—while reshuffled—still lag behind NFL standards.”
“Diontae Johnson is a decent WR2 miscast as a WR1. Rookie Xavier Legette has upside but comes from a simple college route tree. Miles Sanders was a non-factor last year. There are too many ‘maybes’ in Carolina.”
The harsh tone didn’t go unnoticed. Panthers fans and local analysts quickly fired back, noting offseason improvements and potential breakout candidates. Still, the critique struck a nerve because it touched on a lingering question from last season:
Does Carolina have enough playmakers to help Bryce Young succeed?
2023 Flashback: Why the Label Stuck
To understand the ranking, we need to revisit the trainwreck that was the 2023 Carolina offense.
- Bryce Young finished with just 11 touchdowns and was sacked 62 times.
- The Panthers had zero 1,000-yard pass-catchers.
- Their leading receiver was veteran Adam Thielen, who turned 34 and slowed considerably down the stretch.
- Miles Sanders, the team’s splashy free agent at running back, was outplayed by journeyman Chuba Hubbard.
- Tight end Hayden Hurst missed time and underperformed after signing a $21 million deal.
The offensive scheme, directed by Frank Reich and then interim coach Thomas Brown, lacked identity and creativity. Defenses stacked the box, dared Carolina to throw deep, and routinely smothered the Panthers’ limited options.
Carolina ranked 31st in yards per game (265.3) and last in points per game (13.9)—historically bad numbers in a pass-happy league.
In that light, it’s not hard to see why national evaluators remain skeptical.
Offseason Changes: A Case for Optimism
However, critics may be overlooking the significant steps the Panthers have taken to revamp the offense.
1. Diontae Johnson (WR) – Trade Acquisition
Carolina flipped cornerback Donte Jackson to Pittsburgh to acquire the veteran wideout, who brings elite separation skills and quickness out of the slot. Johnson, 27, had over 1,100 receiving yards in 2021 and routinely ranks among the NFL’s leaders in route success rate.
Yes, he has struggled with drops. But with a stable quarterback and defined role, Johnson could be a high-volume safety valve for Young—especially in a system designed by Canales to accentuate timing routes.
2. Xavier Legette (WR) – 1st-Round Draft Pick
The Panthers used the No. 32 pick on South Carolina’s Legette, a dynamic receiver with size (6’3”, 227 lbs), speed (4.39 40-yard dash), and explosiveness after the catch. He had a breakout 2023 season with over 1,200 yards and 7 touchdowns in the SEC.
Legette is still raw in terms of route nuance, but he adds a vertical threat and YAC potential that the Panthers sorely lacked. His ceiling? Think Deebo Samuel-lite with more contested catch ability.
3. Jonathon Brooks (RB) – 2nd-Round Draft Pick
If not for a torn ACL, Brooks might’ve been the first running back off the board in 2024. The former Texas standout rushed for 1,139 yards and 10 TDs in just 10 games and flashed elite vision, patience, and burst.
Assuming full recovery, Brooks could take over as the RB1 by midseason. His three-down skill set gives Carolina the modern backfield threat that Sanders failed to deliver in 2023.
4. Ja’Tavion Sanders (TE) – 4th-Round Steal
Another Texas product, Sanders was considered one of the best receiving tight ends in the class. He offers fluid route-running, dependable hands, and mismatch potential.
If used correctly, he could form a dynamic duo with veteran Tommy Tremble, especially in two-tight end sets that Canales used frequently in Seattle and Tampa Bay.
5. Coaching Overhaul
Finally, the arrival of Dave Canales cannot be overstated. As Tampa Bay’s offensive coordinator, he helped Baker Mayfield revive his career and oversaw breakout seasons from players like Rachaad White and Cade Otton. His scheme is predicated on rhythm, spacing, and play-action—all tailored to help quarterbacks and elevate skill talent.
Why the National Ranking Still Feels Flawed
Despite the legitimate struggles in 2023, ranking the Panthers dead last in weapons seems rooted in past perception, not present projection.
Here’s why the criticism may be unfair:
1. Other teams have it worse
- New England: JuJu Smith-Schuster, rookie Ja’Lynn Polk, and Kendrick Bourne? That’s worse.
- Denver: Courtland Sutton and a bunch of question marks.
- Giants: Darius Slayton and Jalin Hyatt? Come on.
- Raiders: Davante Adams is elite, but the rest is barren.
- Chargers: After losing Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, they’re leaning on rookies and castoffs.
Carolina at least has youthful upside. Legette, Brooks, and Sanders could develop into long-term building blocks. Johnson is a proven pro. Tremble is emerging. The cupboard isn’t overflowing, but it’s far from empty.
2. The Panthers are finally fitting the scheme to their talent
In 2023, nothing meshed. The coaching staff failed to maximize Young’s quick processing and short-area accuracy. The offensive line crumbled. Plays took too long to develop.
With Canales in charge, expect quicker reads, RPOs, shallow crossers, bootlegs, and more designed opportunities for skill players to work in space. That will elevate the perceived talent on the field.
3. This group is unproven, not untalented
That’s an important distinction. Carolina may not have a top-10 receiver or back, but it has multiple players who could break out. That’s different from a roster filled with aging vets or low-ceiling journeymen.
What the Panthers Are Saying
Despite the outside noise, the Panthers have made it clear they’re confident in their group.
Dave Canales during rookie minicamp:
“We believe in what we’re building. We brought in guys who fit how we want to play—smart, tough, explosive. We’re not here for rankings. We’re here to work.”
Dan Morgan, post-draft:
“We didn’t just draft athletes—we drafted football players who want to be great. I think the offense is going to surprise a lot of people.”
Bryce Young, OTAs:
“The energy’s different. Everyone’s competing. Everyone’s bought in. We know what we’re capable of.”
The Road Ahead: Prove-It Time
Ultimately, the only way for Carolina to silence critics is on the field. The good news? The schedule provides early opportunities.
- Week 1 vs. New Orleans: A test against an aging but tough defense.
- Week 2 at Las Vegas: A chance to exploit a rebuilding secondary.
- Week 4 vs. Arizona: Could be a breakout game for Young and Legette.
If the offense shows cohesion, even modest early production will shift the narrative. That means:
- Bryce Young looking confident and protected.
- Johnson and Legette making plays after the catch.
- Brooks and Sanders producing chunk runs.
- Sanders and Tremble creating red zone mismatches.
The bar isn’t “top 5 offense.” It’s competence, rhythm, and momentum.
Not the Worst, Just the Most Misunderstood?
The Panthers’ offensive weapons may not scare defenses yet, but calling them the NFL’s worst is a stretch—especially when factoring in age, upside, and schematic fit.
The real story is one of rebirth, not rock bottom. Carolina is undergoing a transformation, and while the results won’t be immediate, the foundation is clearly stronger than the one they had 12 months ago.
Fans should view the ranking as what it really is: a snapshot of past dysfunction, not a prediction of future failure.
And if everything clicks? The Panthers won’t just rise out of the basement—they might become one of 2024’s surprise offenses.