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USA Today
13-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
4 Panthers players who are under the most pressure in 2025
The Carolina Panthers may not be in "win-now mode" just yet, but the burden to break their losing ways remains heavy. Not since 2017 has the team clinched a playoff berth. That seven-year drought, now the longest such streak in franchise history, has yielded zero winning seasons and a combined record of 36-80. And even despite finishing the first campaign under their new regime on an encouraging note, the Panthers should be feeling some pressure over the coming months. Here are the four players who may be feeling it most here in 2025 . . . QB Bryce Young Young put his nightmarish start to 2024 behind him with a strong resurgence down the stretch. The 23-year-old totaled 2,327 yards, 20 touchdowns and six picks over the season's final 10 outings, helping lead the Panthers to a relatively respectable 4-6 mark. But Young will need more than just a 10-game sample to really scrub his underwhelming rookie campaign and last year's benching away. Luckily, he's in a pretty good spot to do so in Year No. 3—where he should benefit from the continuity under head coach Dave Canales as well as the capabilities of a solid offensive line and wideout room. If the former No. 1 overall pick cannot prove he's the franchise quarterback the organization drafted him to be, then Carolina might have to pivot at the position for 2026. WR Xavier Legette That aforementioned wideout room includes Legette—who, unlike Young, didn't inspire much hope to close out last season. The 2024 first-rounder amassed just 497 receiving yards while leading the team with eight drops—one of which cost the Panthers a huge upset win over the eventual Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles. Legette failed to stake his claim as the No. 1 target, a role that'll likely be seized by 2025 first-round selection Tetairoa McMillan. He might also lose ground to fellow second-year receiver Jalen Coker, who was more consistent as a rookie. 2025, however, will offer up a fresh slate for Legette. He should be healthier than he was in 2024 and should have a more defined role, perhaps as a Deebo Samuel-type weapon, in Carolina's growing offense. OT Taylor Moton The Panthers don't seem to be committed to Moton beyond the upcoming campaign. According to Joe Person of The Athletic, some within the organization have questioned the ninth-year veteran's ability to maintain his health moving forward. Moton, who turns 31 in August, missed the first three games of his NFL career in 2024 because of triceps and knee injuries. As he enters the final year of his contract, Moton might have to prove to Carolina—and maybe the rest of next offseason's tackle-needy teams—that he can still handle the wear and tear of the trenches. OLB D.J. Wonnum All things considered, Wonnum gave a decent account of himself in the first season of his two-year deal in Carolina. Even after missing a bit more time than expected due to complications from multiple quadriceps surgeries, he still managed to post 4.0 sacks and 22 pressures over eight contests. He'll likely head into the regular season as one of two starters off the edge for the Panthers. But Wonnum could eventually see his duties overtaken by Nic Scourton or Princely Umanmielen, the team's promising picks from Day 2 of the 2025 draft. Follow @ThePanthersWire on Twitter/X for more Panthers content.
Newsweek
08-07-2025
- Sport
- Newsweek
Vikings Hit With Troubling J.J. McCarthy Prediction
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The Minnesota Vikings were one of the feel-good stories of the 2024 NFL season. From Sam Darnold's career renaissance that led to him snagging a $100 million contract with the Seattle Seahawks in free agency to Aaron Jones' bounce-back 1,100-yard rushing season following an injury-shortened 650-yard season the year before, there were plenty of storylines coming out of Minnesota. While the team's season ended with a disappointing 27-9 blowout loss to the Los Angeles Rams in the wild-card round of the playoffs, most believe the Vikings are poised to be right back competing for a playoff spot in 2025. However, Bleacher Report NFL analyst Moe Moton isn't one of them. In his latest column, Moton predicted the team from each division that will finish in last place, and the Vikings were his pick for the NFC North. And while there are a number of reasons Minnesota could miss the playoffs one season after going 14-3 and finishing in second place in the division, Moton believes if Minnesota struggles next season, it'll be because of second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy. "The Minnesota Vikings will go from one of the league's biggest surprise playoff teams in 2024 to a disappointing squad this year," Moton wrote. "Though head coach Kevin O'Connell has proved himself to be a quality play-caller, he can't wave a magic wand to expedite first-year starter J.J. McCarthy's development. More NFL: Patrick Mahomes Doesn't Hesitate to Name Greatest Pass-Rusher He's Ever Faced J.J. McCarthy #9 of the Minnesota Vikings evades a tackle as he looks to pass the ball in the second quarter of the preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders at U.S. Bank Stadium on... J.J. McCarthy #9 of the Minnesota Vikings evades a tackle as he looks to pass the ball in the second quarter of the preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders at U.S. Bank Stadium on August 10, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. More"The 22-year-old is coming off a lost rookie year in which he needed multiple surgeries to repair a torn meniscus from last August. He has to get back into playing shape while building a rapport with his teammates." Darnold left big shoes for McCarthy to fill. The former No. 3 overall pick put up career numbers, passing for 4,319 yards, 35 touchdowns and 12 interceptions with a passer rating of 102.5. He ranked fifth in the league in both passing yards and touchdowns, and sixth in passer rating. More NFL: Caleb Williams Is Already Better Than $55 Million QB, Says NFL Analyst Though McCarthy had quite an impressive career at Michigan—he had a 27-1 record as UM's starter and led the school to back-to-back College Football Playoff appearances while throwing for 6,226 yards, 49 touchdowns, 11 interceptions—he's an unproven commodity in the NFL, and he's coming off a major injury. O'Connell has told reporters at every turn he's fully confident in McCarthy's ability to pick up where Darnold left off, but until he actually proves it, the 22-year-old signal-caller is sure to have his share of skeptics. "McCarthy's inexperience could cost the Vikings some games against formidable opponents," Moton added. "... Without a complementary ground game, the QB could struggle through the first half of the season before he finds his rhythm. The Vikings will hover around .500 until McCarthy makes significant strides."
NBC Sports
01-07-2025
- Sport
- NBC Sports
Despite knee issues, Taylor Moton confident he has more good years ahead
Panthers right tackle Taylor Moton turns 31 next month and has had some recent injury issues. The Panthers, though, didn't draft his heir apparent. He heads into the final year of his contract looking for another one. 'Looking forward, I do believe I have another contract in me,' Moton told Joe Person of 'But right now my focus is on the 2025 season and making sure I do whatever I can to have the best season I can for everybody involved.' Moton was a part of a 2017 Panthers draft class that also included Christian McCaffrey, Curtis Samuel and Harrison Butker. Moton, who has played 129 games with the team, hopes to finish his career where he started it. His health will have the final say in how long he plays. Moton began his career appearing in 120 consecutive games before a triceps injury last October kept him out two games. He missed a Week 17 games with a knee issue and was limited during the offseason program with a minor pectoral injury. His knees are the biggest concern, though the athletic training staff has come up with a plan to help keep him on the field. 'It's chronic stuff. Most linemen deal with it,' Moton told Person. 'But it's just figuring out what we can do to make sure it's limited and I'm still able to explode off it, which right now I can and I feel like I can in the future. After a while, you start learning more about it and what can we do to make sure it's as little of an issue as possible. I feel like I'm moving like I was when I was younger.'
New York Times
01-07-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Panthers OT Taylor Moton thinks he still has good years — and another contract — ahead of him
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Given Taylor Moton's expiring deal and aging knees, there was some talk during the offseason about whether the Carolina Panthers would consider drafting a successor for their soon-to-be 31-year-old right tackle. That didn't happen this year and might not next, depending on how general manager Dan Morgan decides to handle Moton's contract situation. However, there could be an intriguing option with close ties to Moton … provided Morgan is willing to wait 16 years for Thomas Moton to become draft-eligible. Advertisement Moton's only child turned 5 in June. And while Thomas wasn't overly big as an infant, his growth chart suggests he could wind up in the identical big-and-tall suits as his 6-foot-5, 325-pound father. 'He has definitely filled out,' Moton said. 'Because now he's 70 pounds, which I think is the average 8-year-old or so.' Thomas Moton participates in at least one recreational sport for every season, and his dad has enjoyed watching them all. However, Moton isn't ready to be a full-time Little League dad yet, not with some meat still on the bone of his playing career. 'Looking forward, I do believe I have another contract in me,' Moton said recently. 'But right now my focus is on the 2025 season and making sure I do whatever I can to have the best season I can for everybody involved.' Moton would love to finish his career with the team that took him in the second round pick as part of a 2017 draft class that also brought Christian McCaffrey, Curtis Samuel and Harrison Butker to Charlotte. Butker's stay was brief. Not so with Moton, who began his career by playing in 120 consecutive games, including 104 starts, before a triceps injury last October sidelined him for two games. Moton's durability and blocking prowess led the Panthers to sign him to a five-year, $85 million extension before the 2021 season. The team remains bullish on Moton's abilities, but some in the organization question how he'll hold up health-wise in his 30s. In addition to the triceps injury last year, Moton also sat out a Week 17 game at Tampa Bay with a knee issue. He was limited during OTAs and minicamp with a minor pectoral injury. However, Moton's knees seem to be the most significant cause for concern, although he believes the training staff has a good plan in place to keep him productive. 'It's chronic stuff. Most linemen deal with it. But it's just figuring out what we can do to make sure it's limited and I'm still able to explode off it, which right now I can and I feel like I can in the future,' Moton said during a phone interview with The Athletic. Advertisement 'After a while, you start learning more about it and what can we do to make sure it's as little of an issue as possible. I feel like I'm moving like I was when I was younger.' The analytics say Moton is still performing at a high level. According to Pro Football Focus, Moton allowed one sack in 538 pass blocking snaps in 2024. By comparison, Panthers left tackle Ikem Ekwonu gave up seven sacks in 593 pass block snaps, per PFF. Ekwonu had the better run blocking grade, while Moton's 80.5 pass blocking grade ranked 19th among 140 tackles. When center Austin Corbett signed with the Panthers in 2022, he viewed Moton as one of the best pass-blocking tackles in the league. He's since revised his thinking. 'Now the thing that's changed is I think he's the best pass-blocking tackle by far,' Corbett said. 'To be able to watch his consistency over my three seasons with him, the things that he does — I don't know why he's not being talked about (more). Awesome.' Dave Canales didn't go quite that far when discussing Moton at the NFL owners meeting in April. The Panthers coach likes what Moton brought to the right side of the line during Canales' first season in Carolina. 'He still plays really good football,' Canales said. 'He's an excellent pass protector. He's great on the front side of those runs. He moves people. So until those things are not apparent, we love having him.' After Moton had his contract restructured in each of the past three years, Morgan and executive vice president of football operations Brandt Tilis resisted doing so again this offseason. Instead, they've indicated they'll allow Moton to play out the final year of his contract, despite a $31.3 million salary-cap number that accounts for 11.2 percent of the team's cap. 'I think we're fine either way. We can leave the contract how it is, and we're fine from a cap perspective,' Morgan said at the NFL combine. 'Obviously, we love Taylor. We love everything about him. But right now we're just going to stay put and Brandt, myself and Dave, we'll get together at the right time and talk about his future in terms of long term.' Advertisement Moton's preference would be to stay with the Panthers. His parents relocated to Charlotte about the time Thomas was born, and he also has family in nearby Gastonia. 'I have a lot of family here. I love the city. I love it here, and it's been home for quite a while,' he said. 'But things like that, I fall back to control what I can control. And that's just having the best year I possibly can for the guys, for the organization, for the city. For a lot of reasons. It's important to me.' Moton also likes the direction the team is headed under Canales and Morgan, whom he called a 'tremendous GM.' The Panthers successfully rebuilt the offensive line last season by signing free-agent guards Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis, then kept the line intact by bringing back Corbett, center Cade Mays and Brady Christensen, one of the team's most versatile linemen. 'I love the group we have right now. I'm so happy the whole offensive line is coming back. That's something in this league (that is) very unusual,' Moton said. 'To not just have the starters coming back, but all the other people ready to go behind us, it's awesome.' Moton took great pride in his Ironman status. His streak of 104 consecutive starts is the longest in franchise history, topping those of Mike Minter (94), Jordan Gross (84), Greg Olsen (82) and Julius Peppers (78). He aims to get started on another one. 'It hurt that my body gave out and it couldn't perform anymore. That definitely was a blow,' he said. 'But you get this adversity in your life and the next step is, what do we do to conquer this adversity, get back on track and do everything we can to make sure that adversity isn't a problem anymore?' Some of those steps involve precautionary measures, such as wearing braces on his arms and legs. Moton, who turns 31 in August, also stays in close contact with the training staff with the goal of playing a full season — and then some. Advertisement 'My body's been feeling good. No triceps problems right now, no knee problems,' he said. 'The knees have been feeling good and excited about doing whatever I can (to play) 17 games plus — plus playoffs. Every play is a sprint, but the whole season is a marathon.' The Panthers haven't made the playoffs since Moton's rookie season, when he played in every game as an extra blocker/eligible tackle and a regular on the extra point/field goal team. Moton struggles with the fact that the Panthers haven't been back to the postseason since. 'It hurts. Losses suck. You feel for all the staff and coaches, personnel, everybody that put so much time and effort into this to not get the result that they deserve,' he said. 'Same thing with the players — we're always working our butts off, doing everything we can. So to fall short, it makes it that much more disappointing.' Moton doesn't have big vacation plans this summer. He'll go to the beach for a few days and host his annual youth camp next weekend in his hometown of Lansing, Mich. Otherwise, Moton will continue training for his ninth NFL season while enjoying time with his son, who has started playing flag football — aggressively at times. 'He's loving being on defense tracking down the flags. Sometimes it's more than just grabbing the flags,' Moton said with a laugh. 'So he's got a little bit of toughness to him, which I appreciate.' Like father, like son.
USA Today
29-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Analyst suggests Vikings add more help in the secondary ahead of training camp
Analyst suggests Vikings add more help in the secondary ahead of training camp The Minnesota Vikings appear to have a Super Bowl-ready roster. However, one of the weaker position groups on the roster appears to be in the secondary, which could spark a move before training camp begins in two months. Moe Moton of Bleacher Report went through the 32 teams and addressed one move he believed every team still needs to address this offseason. He, like many, believes the Vikings need to address the secondary. Moton says Los Angeles Rams safety John Johnson III could be the perfect addition to the unit. At safety, the Vikings have Harrison Smith and Josh Metellus in starting spots and not much behind them. Fourth-year veteran Theo Jackson and third-year pro Jay Ward have played 285 career defensive snaps combined. Johnson has experience at both safety positions, and he can also take on assignments in the slot. Last September, he suffered a hairline fracture in his scapula. Now healthy, the 29-year-old can fill multiple roles. There are a few issues with this move. The Vikings gave Jackson a contract extension this offseason that was reminiscent of the one they gave to Metellus before the 2023 season, when Metellus took on a larger role with the defense. Jackson may not have many snaps under his belt, but the coaching staff and front office believe he is ready to contribute. Therefore, the needs within the Vikings' secondary lie at cornerback, not safety, before the season begins. More importantly, Moton wants the Vikings to sign Johnson. However, according to Spotrac, Johnson is still on the Rams' roster despite his injury. The Vikings would have to trade for Johnson, and that seems unlikely for a 29-year-old coming off injury who would be sitting no higher than fourth on the depth chart. Look for the Vikings to make another significant move between now and training camp. But John Johnson probably won't be the target.
