CHARLOTTE — The good thing about having weekly blizzards is, all your supplies from last week's blizzard are still good.
A good snow day would be cool, primarily because they're still novel around here. Because it covers up all the imperfections, and makes the world look peaceful and quiet — which, as you might have noticed, it ain't.
But it also gives you a chance to catch your breath, and that's what this week has been about. The slow moment, between the end of a Panthers season, and the ramp-up that starts with the Super Bowl and Hall of Fame announcement, and pours straight into the combine, free agency, and the draft.
The content team is heading to San Francisco soon (along with a lot of current and former Panthers), where we'll bring you the latest on the Pro Bowl, Tetairoa McMillan's potential honors, and Luke Kuechly's Hall of Fame candidacy. So there's lots going on, and I recommend keeping it locked on Panthers.com, the socials, and the YouTube channel for all the latest.
We'll have it covered for you from every angle, while you wait, and wonder when all the @#$&!#$%@#%$! snow is going to melt.
Until then, there was still plenty of mail.
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Typing this one-handed at midnight while rocking my baby boy back to sleep. Please excuse typos due to lack of dexterity or abundance of sleep deprivation!
I would be curious to get your thoughts on the coaching carousel this year in the NFL. It seems like we have had an unusually high number of head coaching vacancies created by firing consistently successful coaches (e.g., 18 years for John Harbaugh in Baltimore, nine for McDermott in Buffalo). Seeing Tomlin "step down" (seemed like there was plenty of fan pressure there) after 19 years in Pittsburgh, I am puzzled by the idea of being unsatisfied with a coach who has no losing seasons on his resume. As a lifelong fan of our beloved Panthers franchise that has never had consecutive winning seasons (please correct me if I am wrong), that seems a bit crazy to me. What a peculiar contrast that we are so bullish (and rightfully so) on our head coach after an eight-win season (given our recent history) when the Bills' ownership was apparently done with their coach, who had turned their team into a perennial playoff contender after losing in overtime to the number one seed in the AFC in the divisional round. I guess my question is about how "success" is defined in such relative terms in the NFL and how that translates into the shelf life of head coaches.
OK, going to try and transfer him back to the crib now. Wish me luck! — David, Midlothian, VA
Context is everything. Dave Canales is a wild success after taking a team from two wins to five to eight, and that's valid, because stability is the state you want to attain in the NFL, and it's hard to get there when you're not there.
Staying there is really hard, and that's why people who can pull it off tend to have long shelf lives. But you also have to remember, there aren't rules that apply to all 32 teams, because each situation is different based on the owner, the fan base, and the collective expectations. So the fact that Canales led the team to the first home playoff game in 10 years matters here.
I saw a pundit last week criticize the Steelers for hiring Mike McCarthy because "they had a chance to go in a new, possibly exciting direction." To me, that's absurd, because a team that hasn't had a losing season in two decades doesn't need a new direction. It's already going the right way. Also, I remember when the Falcons went in a "new, possibly exciting direction" back in 2007, and Bobby Petrino went 3-10 and quit before the end of the season. Driving your motorcycle into a tree is "a new, possibly exciting direction" if where you were is the middle of the road.
There are other examples, some close to home, but you get the point.
Harbaugh, Tomlin, McCarthy, they're all great coaches, with Super Bowls and sterling records. But when George Seifert came here in 1999, he talked about every coach having a time limit, after which the message no longer resonated. This was after he went 98-30 (.766 winning percentage, the highest ever at that point) and won two Super Bowls with the 49ers.
Good luck with the baby. If you drop him while sending me Mailbag questions, neither one of us will ever hear the end of it.
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Hello Darin, I haven't missed a Mailbag all year and enjoy your thoughts on the season and the questions you get asked. I haven't missed a game (even while deployed to Afghanistan). With that said, do you think we should draft a new LB core or try to get someone from free agency? I really like Trevin Wallace, but believe he's accident-prone and isn't good at staying with the speed of the game. I'd love to hear your thoughts, thank you. — Thomas, Washington, DC
Thomas, I appreciate you. As for your question, the answer also could be "why not both?"
Since becoming general manager, Dan Morgan has addressed needs on the roster in a pretty direct manner. It was the offensive line two years ago, the defensive front seven last year. He's not afraid to take big swings.
And obviously, with Christian Rozeboom a free agent, and Wallace coming off another shoulder injury, which required surgery, inside linebacker is a place they'll be looking. That could be a legitimate free agent starter, as well as a draft pick, and then bring them to camp along with Wallace and the ascending Bam Martin-Scott and others, and see what happens. Morgan talks a lot about "increasing competition everywhere," and I could definitely see him throwing numbers at his old position.
Morgan has systematically made the roster more talented; the next challenge is making it deeper, because, as you may have noticed at that position this year, sometimes guys get hurt.
Also, anybody who's reading the Mailbag in Afghanistan has an outstanding chance of being this week's Friend Of The Mailbag. Salute.
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It seems that we dodged a bullet with the storm. I hope everyone is safe and warm. After watching the Seahawks play the last couple of weeks, I am wondering if our Jimmy Horn Jr. might develop into a Rashid Shaheed-type player. Do you think coach Canales will give him some opportunities on kickoffs or punt returns like Steve Smith did in his early years? I look forward to your keeping us up to date on what is happening during the offseason. — Roger, Matthews, NC
Careful counting your chickens on the weather. As I generally say when getting unexpected good news, "it's early yet."
But it's also early on Horn.
You're not going to put him on kick returns; he's too little. The new rules have turned that into what amounts to a run play, and that's a running back's job. Look at the difference in size between Chuba Hubbard (6-1, 210) and Horn (5-8, 174), and it's clear.
Punts are an option, where his "make one guy miss" skills could come in handy. But you also have to catch a punt, and that's not a job that everyone can do naturally. It takes time and reps, like most things in life, and he only returned 14 punts in four college seasons.
But you saw Horn do more and more on offense as the season went on, and that should continue. His speed gives him chances to add elements to the offense, as a runner and a receiver, and you could see Canales expand the playbook the more comfortable he got with the rookie on the field.
Trevor Etienne was OK on returns this year, and did enough to earn a vote of confidence after muffing the punt in the wild card game, and they want to build on his potential too.
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This is the point of the offseason where I feel that there is nothing to do beyond wait, so I'd like to share a funny story. My family and I (all Panthers fans, but I'm the most dedicated) were playing a game (the concept of it would take me too long to explain), and the following came up:
"Makes homemade bread":
Option 1: The middle school principal at my K-12 private school
Option 2: Bryce Young
Everyone voted for the principal except my mom, and her logic was as follows (quote slightly edited by me): "I know for a fact that [the middle school principal] does not make homemade bread, and I love the thought that Bryce Young secretly [gets the zen that makes him Ice Young] by [making homemade bread]." Anyways, my question: What do you do during this time of year, where just about the only Panthers news is mock drafts and rumors, to help you KEEP POUNDING!
PS: Can you ask Bryce if he actually DOES make homemade bread? — Micah, Gastonia, NC
I vow to commit a journalism and ask Bryce this, the next time I see him. I don't know if he bakes in the offseason, but he does consume carbohydrates from time to time, so it's not like he's anti-bread or anything. I've done versions of this before with players to see who has the most random skill. A surprising number of them can juggle.
I want to expand this, winter storm style. Who chops their own firewood? (I will absolutely judge a man by the size of his woodpile.) Who makes the best pot of chili? Who is weirdly competitive at board games or puzzles or cards, the stuff you do when the power goes out?
As for what I do during the offseason? I have recently learned that I have a wife at home, who's pretty cool to hang out with during a blizzard. Often during the season, I forget she's there. There are also non-work projects that don't always get enough of my time, which I try to catch up with. But the season never really stops, so the concept of the offseason is tricky. That's why I like a good snowstorm every now and then, because making yourself slow down is hard.
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Why won't you tell the public and fans how you voted for the Hall of Fame? Your silence discredits you. If you didn't vote Belichick you have no credibility. If you did, then tell the public like the other 21 sportswriter colleagues have rightly done. This is egregious incompetent injustice, and stains the Hall of Fame and sportswriters. Join your fellow colleagues by speaking out and demand others be revealed as the idiots they are. Otherwise you are just a SPINELESS coward with your silence. — Blair, Carson City, CA
Well, there are several reasons I'm not sharing my vote, but the most important one is, I care about rules. They're important in a functioning society, a shared framework we all have to live by. Without them, it's anarchy. And the Hall has asked that we not reveal our votes, particularly before the class is even announced. That's unfair to the people being voted on, who have already been subjected to a spectacle they did not sign up for.
That's enough for me.
But Reason No. 2 is I don't give a hoot in hell about the approval of an anonymous internet crowd. Your outrage does not entitle you to getting what you want. This comes as a surprise to many spoiled children and overly online adults. My principles are more important to me than your judgment. And by not saying who I voted for today, you don't know, no matter how many conclusions you jump to. All you're doing by assuming my intent is begging to be wrong. And brother (or sister, I remember Facts of Life, can you tell I was born in the 1970s?), there's a lot of wrong out there in those streets.
I've had respected reporters reach out to me, offering anonymity to tell them how I voted or what was said in the meeting, and I told them the same thing. No thanks. This process, flawed though it might be at times, is too important to be left to an online lynch mob, and I won't participate in it.
Reason No. 3 is that this process is also too important to be left to the passions of people who yell. The Hall wants a robust debate, conducted by people who know the game. The minute you make every vote known, that debate is automatically chilled, because there are people in that room who care far more about public approval than I do. In case you haven't noticed, the wisdom of the crowd isn't always wise, and sometimes what seems like a good idea in the moment has disastrous unintended consequences. If they want to do it that way, that's fine, but you're turning a vigorous debate into an online poll and I don't think that serves the public either.
Reason No. 4 is that, as much as it might disappoint people, this is likely more of a boring process story than a "sports writers hate Bill because he's mean to them" story. My friend and fellow voter Mike Sando has done a good job of summarizing this. Mike is smart and you should read and listen to him.
At the same time, I also believe in transparency. Sunshine is the greatest disinfectant. When the appropriate time comes, I'll happily share my ballot. Today is not the appropriate time, no matter how much you stomp your feet and pout and call me names.
I voted the way I voted. I will sleep well tonight, because my policy is to vote for the most deserving candidates on the ballot in front of me. This won't be the first time or the last my ballot is not the same as the announced results.
In short, who I voted for is none of your business, no matter how loudly you holler. Following the rules and doing the right things the same way every day is how I've tried to live my life. Your results may vary.
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As crazy as this Bill Belichick news is, are we in danger of Luke Kuechly being snubbed again? — Cliff, Cornelius, NC
Hope not. But tune in to NFL Honors next Thursday night and find out with me.
Here's what I'll tell you about Luke. I thought he was the best player on the ballot last year in his first year of eligibility, when he made it to the final seven and wasn't selected.
The new rules put in place prior to the 2025 cycle have had the desired effect, if the desire was for a smaller class. And if the Hall wants to induct three modern candidates a year, that's a decision they'll make, and I'll work within their framework.
As mentioned above, my policy has been to vote for the best players on the ballot, regardless of years spent as a finalist or any other factor. The members of that committee spend a ridiculous amount of time researching and studying to get it right, and each of the 50 can make their own decisions. And respectful of the players inducted last year (all worthy), none of them had Luke Kuechly's resume.
Luke was the best linebacker in the game, the entire time he was able to play it. He'd have likely won more than one defensive player of the year awards if he weren't playing at the same time as defensive end JJ Watt, because defensive awards tend to skew toward pass-rushers with big sack totals.
But he was named to the All-Decade team for the 2010s, and was an All-Pro selection in seven of the eight seasons he played. The only players who were named All-Pro a higher percentage of their careers were two guys named Barry Sanders and Jim Brown. The two guys Luke's ahead of on that list are Reggie White and Anthony Munoz.
If you're in a club of five with Barry Sanders, Jim Brown, Reggie White, and Anthony Munoz, you are, by definition, a Hall of Famer.
But after the new voting rules created a three-man class last year, it's reasonable to expect that again. And Drew Brees and Larry Fitzgerald entered the process this year, considered by most to be strong first-year possibilities. Brees is second in the things we count at his position behind Tom Brady. Fitzgerald is second in the things behind Jerry Rice. That's a strong argument.
So that could potentially leave one spot for either Kuechly, kicker Adam Vinatieri, legendary right tackle Willie Anderson, wide receiver Torry Holt, or the rest of this year's finalists. (The other effect of the new rules is that a deserving Steve Smith fell out of the final 15 this year, when five first-year eligibles came on, and only three players left the pool with gold jackets on.)
There are no certainties in this process. Not anymore.
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Hey Darin, love your articles. I'll get right to the question. Three years ago, Carolina made the draft trade to get Bryce Young. Sending a truckload of draft picks and our best WR DJ Moore to Chicago. Who won out in the long run? I guess they both won since they're both better, but Chicago made it farther in the playoffs. So they got the better end of the deal. — Paul, Corpus Christi, TX
I love it when people answer their own questions. They leave happy, and my hourly rate goes up.
You can spend your life playing the what-if game, and it makes for good conversation, I suppose. There's an alternate universe in which Sam Darnold, Christian McCaffrey, DJ Moore, Derrick Brown, Jalen Carter, Brian Burns, Frankie Luvu, and Jaycee Horn are playing for the Panthers in the Super Bowl next week, and a never-injured Luke Kuechly gets to retire as a champion the way Peyton Manning did.
But I'm not Ricardo Montalban, and this isn't Fantasy Island, though it would be fun to have a short sidekick in a matching suit. I could be like Big Enos Burdette and get a man with a mustache and a Pontiac Firebird go get beer for me (Can you tell I was born in the 1970s?)
What's done is done, and life moves on.
The Bears have a quarterback they dig in Caleb Williams, who is capable of doing amazing things. The Panthers have Bryce Young, who continues to improve every year, and he helped the Panthers do something they hadn't done in a decade. And we proceed.
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I say we need to get a first round running back, Jeremiyah Love would solidify our offense for a long time, and with a healthy Jonathon Brooks be the next thunder and lightning like DeAngelo and Jonathan Stewart, or get CJ Allen, the linebacker from Georgia — Shane, Rockwell, NC
Dang, did we forget about Chuba Hubbard already, the cat who ran for 1,195 yards and 10 touchdowns a year ago?
Love is certainly an impressive player, and as the Falcons have proven, you can be competitive in this league with an elite back.
A linebacker from Georgia seems more in line with needs, but if a top-10 back falls into their laps at 19, it might be hard to say no to that. Always draft the best player on your board; you'll rarely be disappointed.
Darin, what an end to the season, something not many seen coming. My question is, do you think that DC Ejiro Evero will be around next season, as he is being interviewed for several HC positions? Does he wish to remain a Panther or take an HC position?
I am looking forward to the 2026 draft, and free agency. Do you think that Dan and Dave are considering drafting a younger QB to learn under Bryce? Andy Dalton has been a solid backup and mentor for Bryce; however, I believe that if Bryce gets injured, Andy would not be able to lead us into the playoffs. I am excited that Dan and Dave will continue to bring in the DAWGs to strengthen the O Line, D Line, and defensive secondary, where we mostly get burnt with passing at the worst possible times. And I will end as my other old friend, Forrest Gump, always says, That's all I will say about that, LOL. Can't wait til the season starts again. Enjoy your summer, stay safe and well. Go Panthers — Kenneth, Stuttgart, Germany
Everybody would rather be a head coach than a defensive coordinator. You know why? Head coaches make more money.
If Evero doesn't get one of the remaining jobs, he'll be back. But he interviewed twice with the Raiders and is reportedly still under consideration. I think he'll be a good head coach because he's smart, organized, consistent, disciplined, knows how to talk to players and communicate his message, and has a track record of results. As it pertains to Las Vegas, he also has experience with a No. 1 overall pick quarterback in a less-than-ideal situation. He was here in 2023.
As for younger quarterbacks, Morgan mentioned it as a possibility, and it's always good to keep something in the pipeline. Andy is a valuable part of the structure around Bryce, and cracking his thumb early in the Buffalo game last year might not have been the truest indication of his continued ability to play football.
Plus, Andy has entered the old man strength phase of his life. And old dudes are often capable of great surprises. Never discount an old dude.
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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.
Hey Darin, do you think Ikem Ekwonu deserves a second contract despite his injury from the playoffs? — Brandon, Detroit, MI
The timing for Ekwonu was certainly unfortunate. Too soon to say, really. Many things depend on his recovery, from his perspective and the team's. But before the injury, he was an ascending player and an important part of what they're doing here.
Panthers fan since the 90s. Who are three or four players you think will be asked to restructure their contracts before free agency? Thanks! — Brad, Bartlett, IL
Stay out of this man's pocket, Brad. There are a lot of different ways to restructure. Some are pay cuts, and some are advance payments, which clear cap room without changing the cash outlay. There are a number of possibilities for both on the roster now. But they've also been deliberate in which ones they do, as Brandt Tilis tries to keep an eye toward the future, and deals they'll need to do down the road.
Why don't the Panthers defense play 'MAN'? Or Canales play Man or DC (in case we loose the guy already there and because I don't know how to spell his last name) Play Man? Or Dan Morgan play Man? I added Dan so he wouldn't feel left out. — William, Statesville, NC
Who is the man who would risk his neck for his brother man? John Shaft. (Can you tell I was born in the 1970s?)
When it comes to basketball, I'm with Bomani Jones — zone is for cowards. But that's a different sport.
This is my first time and sending you a message, so here's a little history, and you probably remember this. Have you heard of Kevin Greene and John Kasay? Those two are my favorite players in the Panthers history. And Keep Pounding. — Shawn, Aiken, SC
An old friend once told me that two great responses to any exchange can be "I'm aware" and "great to hear." So yes, I'm aware of both, since I presented Kevin in Hall of Fame discussions, and Kasay started calling me "Scoop" one day when I took off running to ask Dameyune Craig a question.
Please tell me that Bryce is not leaving. And coach is staying! — Vicki, Heath Springs, SC
Bonus Kasay story. One time, a well-meaning reporter asked John an almost-question during a rough patch for the team: "John, the fans just need to hear that everything's all right, and you guys are going to be OK."
John paused, nodded, and replied flatly: "Everything's all right. We're going to be OK."
Bryce is not leaving. Coach is staying.
Hi Darin, since the panthers are a sponsor of NC High School Athletics Association,does the panthers organization support their academic standard to participate in sports being 3 D's and a F? — Ed, Kannapolis, NC
Ed, I'm a Hall of Fame voter, spreading my GPA around this week is like salt in a wound. Also, we've got some serious punctuation, capitalization, and grammar issues here. You sure you want to throw rocks from that glass house?
Why would you use a two-dollar word when a 10-cent euphemism would do? Pedantic indeed! — Westray, Kershaw, SC
To confuse Ed.
I did my first mock draft this year. I wanted to know what you thought about it. I drafted Caleb OT, Deontae LB, Omar WR, Jake C, Zxavian DT, Diego QB, Dallen TE? — Chris, Inman, SC
Do these guys have last names, or is this like a Hornets legend Master P situation?
Mr Darin, how do you feel about the Panthers schedule next season, and what are your record predictions? — Matthew, Rochester, NY
I broke down the myth of the first-place schedule in last week's 'Bag. It's not the disadvantage people think it is. But picking records is a fool's errand anyway, especially before free agency or the draft, especially drafts of players without last names.
Tell me more (?) — Bryan, West Palm Beach, FL
Bryan here was reading last week, when Zach asked my favorite question. Haven't heard from Zach this week; he must be out saving the world or something.
But I will tell you more. We have some cool stuff coming this offseason, trust me.
