CHARLOTTE — This week, all the attention will be on the people who are going away.
When teams reduce their rosters from 90 to 53, that's natural, since nearly 1,200 NFL players are becoming unemployed all at once.
But we also need to spend a second thinking about what has been gained in the last week.
Extending right tackle Taylor Moton's contract through 2027 is a good piece of business at multiple levels for the Panthers, and when we talk about T-Mo, we often zoom in on his leadership or his durability or his work ethic or his character (he scolds teammates who litter or leave a mess), and those are all good things. But here's something we sometimes miss in those conversations.
Last year, he was the 19th-ranked tackle in the NFL (out of 140 graded by Pro Football Focus). But when you look at him historically, those numbers are even better. A deeper dive into the PFF numbers shows how good he's been over a long period of time.
Since 2018, when he entered the starting lineup and only briefly left, Moton ranks 14th among all tackles in pass blocking grade by PFF, among those with a minimum of 1,500 snaps. He actually has the second-most pass blocking snaps among those tackles during that span, speaking to both his durability and the fact that the Panthers have been behind a lot during some of those years.
The list of guys ranked higher than Moton over that time reads like a who's who of NFL pass-protectors: David Bakhtiari, Laremy Tunsil, Tristan Wirfs, Andrew Whitworth, Terron Armstead, Trent Williams, Jake Matthews, Ronnie Stanley, Rashawn Slater, Lane Johnson, Garett Bolles, Tyron Smith, and Mitchell Schwartz.
Nine of the 13 were first-round picks, and all 13 have either earned a spot on the All-Pro team (33 total appearances), the Pro Bowl (51), or both. The point is, to be better at this than Taylor Moton, you have to be really, really good at football.
That he's done it for teams that haven't had playoff success, or playoff appearances even, speaks to his level of achievement. There's something to be said about the persistence of hard work without tangible reward being the definition of faith, but that's starting to become another Taylor Moton intangible.
Tangibly, Taylor Moton is really good at his job. And now he'll be with three other guys who are good at theirs (Robert Hunt, Damien Lewis, and Ikem Ekwonu) for the next two years, which is good for everyone, especially Bryce Young. (Center Austin Corbett, also good at his job, is the only one on a one-year deal.)
That doesn't need to be lost in all the whirl about cuts and trades and whatnot. Keeping Taylor Moton around is a very good thing the Panthers did last week; that comes with the benefit of freeing up some cap room in the short term, which could prove useful.
Now, onto the mail.
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Are they seriously thinking about trading Adam Thielen? — Will, Rock Hill, SC
I mean, they'll listen to just about anyone who calls about anybody. That's very different than doing something about it.
The short version is like this. They're not going to give Adam away; he's too valuable to what they're doing here.
The Panthers need to depend on their offense this year while they continue to add on defense, and that ability would be compromised by getting rid of one of their most dependable targets. Adam Thielen catches footballs. He caught 103 of them in 2023 when not all that much went right for the Panthers. Last year, he caught 48 in 10 games, and sports writer math tells me that projects to 81.6 over a season. If you're catching 80 passes a season in the NFL, there's a reason you're getting that many opportunities, regardless of age.
Sure, he's 35, and in the final year of his contract. But that's a contract the Panthers added a raise to this offseason, because he has value here.
Things can always change. If someone makes an offer they can't refuse, they'd have to consider it. But it's a little like when the Rams were calling about trading up to No. 8 in this year's draft, and Morgan asked for a lot because he really wanted to draft Tetairoa McMillan instead. "I was kind of hoping that they would say no," he said of that deal.
Also, Thielen has a certain perspective on life in general that makes him good for a young team. Friday, when reports began to swirl that the Vikings had called (there are way more calls than calls that get reported), here's what Thielen did on his birthday when everybody was looking at him wondering if they should feel awkward.
He came to work early. Got a cup of coffee. Then he worked out, leading the sprint lines for receivers and DBs as they worked out in the stadium. Then, before meetings, he grabbed another cup of coffee and stood around the coffee machine, telling stories. In short, he spent the day being Adam Thielen.
There's a reason people are interested in having him around. The Panthers certainly are.
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I can't help but think that the Panthers could make a waiver claim for a CB and an ILB from a team that runs a similar defense to ours, which raises our floor for the season. They might be fourth on our depth chart this year, but it would improve our depth. Looking ahead, it looks like the Panthers will logically draft an ILB and a CB in the first three rounds next year (and probably an OL), so these folks may be one-year rentals, but if it makes us better this year, why not do it? — Bob, Aurora, CO
Those are areas of need, along with safety. You have accurately identified the thin spots. But waiver claims might not be as prevalent this year as they were last. They couldn't be, since when the Panthers were first in order, they claimed six guys who were cut from other teams (you know, 11.3 percent of the roster). Three of those guys, cornerback Shemar Bartholomew, linebacker/special teamer Jon Rhattigan, and offensive lineman Jarrett Kingston remain on the roster as of this writing, but this year will likely be different.
Morgan has been on the phone a lot lately, and he admitted during Thursday's broadcast on the Panthers Television Network that since they're eighth in claim order this year, they might have to do business differently.
"I think last year compared to this year, we were looking for like starters at the waiver wire and depth guys that were going to play an important role," Morgan said. "This year, we don't feel so much that way. We feel good about our roster; we just feel good about the roster as a whole that we're starting to gain some depth. We're starting to get the kind of players that we want to get here.
"But to your point, if we want to, since we're eighth in the order (this year), if we need to, we can swap late round picks if we really like a guy just to kind of get ahead of it. So there are ways to kind of get ahead of it. We're always looking into things. We're always going to be creative and try to do things to make this roster a better roster."
Stay tuned. A lot can happen between now and 4 p.m. on Tuesday.
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After watching the last three preseason games, I'm getting pretty disheartened. I was really excited about this season's team, and the sports writers have had great things to say about the players, old and new. But when they take the field for a game, they seem to turn into the teams of the last two years. I know the season hasn't started yet, but can you tell us something we're not seeing on the screen? As always, thank you for keeping us in the loop. — Linda, Charlotte
Faith isn't faith if you only have it when the lights are on, Linda. And what I saw on the screen Thursday was 33 dudes not playing who mostly will be a week from Sunday in Jacksonville.
It's easy to make way too much about preseason football. Making anything at all about the results of preseason football is probably a mistake. The Bills are pretty good. They went 1-2 in the preseason, including a 38-0 loss to the Bears. The Chiefs are pretty good; they went 0-3. Do we think they're no longer Super Bowl contenders because of the preseason? We do not. On the other hand, they've earned the benefit of the doubt.
But never let the results of preseason games change your mind about teams. Individuals, maybe, but never teams.
Here's what we know about the 2025 Panthers. They ought to improve over last year, considering the continuity on offense, and the big improvements on defense, including getting Derrick Brown back on the field. When Derrick Brown played his three snaps in the preseason, they forced the mighty 10-win division champion Texans into a three-and-out. Derrick Brown saves the world. Or something. (But seriously, when he's wearing that big 'ol cowboy hat he looks like a superhero. I'm pretty sure that if Hunter Renfrow had put that hat on, it wouldn't have stopped until it got to his shoulders. It's a really big hat.)
There are enough things in life to freak out about, Linda, and on a daily basis. Don't let preseason football be any of them.
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I love reading the Mailbag and have learned a lot. This is the first time I've submitted a question. With the additions to the receiving room and the addition of Rico Dowdle, I expected more from the offense than I have seen so far. With Chuba Hubbard and Rico and the offensive line back from last season, I totally expected more out of the running game. Can you explain why the first team offense hasn't been able to be better in the run game? Thanks. — Roger, Matthews, NC
Running the ball is a cumulative thing, like exercise or living life in moderation. You get more out of it when you do more of it. The 20th rushing attempt or 10th yoga class or fifth straight quiet weekend hits differently than the first one. Especially when you have Ekwonu, Lewis, Corbett, Hunt, and Moton leaning on you. Which I don't recommend in yoga class.
So, see the answer to Linda's question above, and recall that Hubbard and Dowdle combined for a grand total of 10 rushing attempts in the two games they played (for 23 yards).
Given their excitement about adding a 1,000-yard rusher as a complement to the one they already had, I suspect they intend to use them more than five times per game in the regular season. And because Dowdle is a different kind of back than Hubbard, I anticipate you'll see them use him in different ways.
But there's no real compelling reason to show that during the preseason.
Ask me again in mid-October if it's not working better, because I suspect the answer will be different.
And welcome to the 'Bag, we have a jolly time here, Roger. And to incentivize you to become a regular, I'll make you this week's Friend Of The Mailbag, and get the appropriate honorarium on the way.
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I was curious about Jalen Coker's decision not to join the other WRs and Bryce in Minnesota. During the offseason, when snippets about the sessions in Minnesota came out, I was a little concerned that he wasn't part of it. I feel like I have seen similar situations where receivers who didn't join the group missed out on the opportunity to build chemistry, and I was hoping Coker wouldn't be behind with all of the competition in the WR room. Fast forward, and it is clear he hasn't missed a step, using the time before camp to work on his body following the plan that Canales and the training staff crafted for him. Was there a reason it was better for him to stay in Charlotte for his conditioning work, or was the plan crafted based on his decision to stay? Glad he seems to be building on last year's successes. — Deirdre, Tega Cay, SC
After Coker missed some time in the early part of OTAs, they spent time with him to create a program to be in better shape for training camp. And it appears to have worked.
Coker was intentional about it and saw the results.
And because he took it seriously, he said he opted to stay here and work on that part of the game.
He appears to have missed out on a good time with the rest of the gang, but he said he wanted to focus on coming to camp in better shape, so he stayed in Charlotte and worked out at the stadium to get himself ready.
Besides, he knows these guys already, having made plays with Bryce already. Bonding is important, but catching touchdowns is the best way to build chemistry, and Coker has done that.
Between his conditioning and his increased work on special teams (where non-starting wide receivers have to contribute), Coker has proven this summer that he's taking this seriously.
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If Xavier Legette leads the team in receptions, yards, or TDs, would David Tepper agree to eat some raccoon with him? I suspect this would be pure gold in terms of motivation for XL and the team. As an aside, the video of XL talking to Guy Fieri about his raccoon recipe is hilarious.
Sorry for the silly question, but it cannot be as annoying as the trade hypotheticals you are peppered with, right? — Benjamin, Milton, GA
I'll ask Dave the next time I see him, it's been a minute. But I'm smarter than to put either words or raccoon into another man's mouth.
Although, a peppery crust is the key to a good raccoon. Adds a layer to the, shall we say, richness of the meat.
When XL brought some of his home cooking into the locker room last year, a few people tried it out of curiosity. I didn't need to. I come from hill folk, people who hunted and grew their own food (and distilled their own beverages, too).
Eating things you can't buy at the Harris Teeter isn't the novelty for me it is for other people, the same way that the fun stuff you see XL doing off the field doesn't distract from all that quiet work he did this spring and summer to get himself ready for the season.
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What player that could be cut from the 53-man roster and the Panthers want to get through waivers is most likely to make it through waivers and return to the practice squad? I am thinking it will be between David Moore and Jimmy Horn Jr.. What are the practice squad rules for a veteran like David Moore? — Keith, Pineville, NC
The receiver room will be the most-watched position during cuts, for good reason. And it's not limited to those two you mentioned.
Horn has enticing potential, but Moore has a lifetime of trust built up with Dave Canales, who has brought him to three teams now. And it's not really an either-or. You have to include Brycen Tremayne in this equation, who had a great camp and offers a lot of the special teams acumen Moore has, and could have a bigger role there (he might be the best punt-team gunner on the roster at the moment).
As for rules, anybody with four years of experience is a free agent upon being cut, and doesn't have to pass through waivers, meaning they can do as they please. Waivers (where other teams can claim you) are just for younger players. So teams will take that into account when constructing rosters. So theoretically, Moore or Renfrow could be on the practice squad if they choose, the same way Jordan Matthews was last year (he was called up before Week 1).
Teams can keep up to six guys with any amount of experience in the league among the 16 practice squad slots (17 if you count the international exemption, which they'd get for English linebacker Mapalo Mwansa).
And the reality is, a lot of those dudes end up playing for the team at some point in the year anyway. Of the 16 cats who started Week 1 on the Panthers practice squad in 2024, 13 of them ended up being activated for at least one game last season. And that doesn't count Matthews, who was on the 53 before the first game.
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Hey Darin! Senior year is finally here! It's crazy how fast time passes! My question for this week: If the starters are struggling to execute the basics, then why aren't they playing in Thursday's game? Isn't that what preseason is all about? Getting your starters ready to go before the season?
Also, what was one funny moment from your time in high school? — Zach, Charlotte
See above for my thoughts on the importance of preseason football. In short, I'm against it and would replace it with a joint scrimmage played in halves with a 15-minute concert break (Rob Base and Young MC could come back [RIP Biz Markie], or Sister Hazel, maybe). And then bring the starters from both teams out for the "second half."
There were lots of funny moments in my high school years, a few of which were intended to be that way. I was kind of a mess in high school, not like you, Zach.
We had a psychology teacher/track coach at Bunker Hill named Jeff Taylor (who would eventually become principal at my alma mater), who thought it would be amusing to offer extra credit points to a bunch of earnest but rural North Carolina high schoolers in the late 1980s if they could name the starting lineup for the 1976 Cincinnati Reds.
Not realizing he had a future sports writer/insufferable smart aleck/Johnny Bench fan in the back of his class, he was startled when someone replied: "You want that by defensive positions, or the batting order?"
I made an A in his class.
Speaking of, and it brings me great glee to say this at the end of the summer of your senior year, GET BACK TO CLASS, ZACH!
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And on that note, let's go lightning round, brought to you by the patron saint of the lightning round Jeff from Fuquay-Varina, to close it out this week.
Your honest opinion. Been a Panther fan since '96, I'm highly impressed with the strides we've made to improve our offense (and defense). I've seen others' opinions, but not yours. Where do you think we stand in the 2025 season? Wins and losses? Playoff-bound? I'm thinking and hoping we have a shot at the NFC South this year, at least a wild card. — Chris, Cape Hatteras, NC
Picking wins and losses in August isn't always helpful or wise, but how about if I just say "better" because I agree with the first part of your thesis, if not the second. They're two years removed from two wins and a year removed from five. Playoffs are a lot to ask, and a lot of stuff would have to break right for that to happen. It might.
I really don't have questions for you. The Happy Half Hour has answered everything. Good job guys! I do have a story, and it inspired me to ask this question to you. My quick version: I got stranded at the Atlanta airport, no rental cars, no hotels. Went Greyhound. Got home a day late and a few dollars short. I am curious to hear your worst travel story. — JP, Yadkinville, NC
Well, once upon a time, I was on a boat with a bunch of animals. And it rained for a month-plus, like, serious rain. And that place started to smell long before Day 39. Wait, I'm being told that was just training camp in Charlotte with the content team. That's still not worse than former XFL linebacker Ron Merkerson, who took a Greyhound to Spartanburg for 2001 training camp, not realizing they'd have given him a ride. Or that they'd cut him later that afternoon, before the first practice, after they signed some drafted rookie named Dan Morgan. (Click that link for Mailbag 1, the OG).
Thanks, and by popular demand (or something), the HHH will now air twice a week in all the normal audio places, and with moving pictures on the team's YouTube Channel. Our formerly weekly podcast, which some wizard decided to do every day during camp, will now come to you on Mondays and Thursdays during the regular season.
When is the jersey schedule coming out? — Roy, Carthage, NC
Hi! We're attending the Nov. 9 game for my husband's birthday and he's hoping to meet Sir Purr. Is there a way to arrange this? — Stephanie, Winston-Salem, NC
Is he willing to jam sardines or small birds in his pockets? This could be a naturally occurring win-win. (I learned everything I know from cartoons.)
Let me ask, I know a guy who knows a guy.
Was driving into the first preseason game, listening to the pregame show and heard you talk about hearing play-by-play on the Panthers app. I was one of the 300 who tried it and I was very pleased. Second half, it drifted a bit, but for the most part, I was happy. Best of all, it didn't use as much of the phone's battery as I feared. I really recommend it. Thanks, Darin for the heads up. — Omer, Wilkesboro, NC
It sounds like the results were even better for the second game.
That's what preseason is for, working out the kinks. Happy to help.
