CHARLOTTE — Now that it's July, we're officially in the ramp-up to training camp and the start of the 2025 season.
So now's a good time to catch up with the Panthers' opponents this year and see what they've done this offseason to impact this year's matchup.
We'll go through these in order, so stay tuned for our breakdowns of the whole schedule.
OPPONENT: San Francisco 49ers
All-time series: Panthers lead 13-9 overall (Panthers lead 6-5 in Charlotte, Panthers lead 7-4 in the Bay Area).
Last meeting: The Panthers haven't seen the 49ers since Week 5 of the 2022 season, and the 37-15 loss turned out to be the last game of the Matt Rhule era. Derrick Brown blocked a field goal and batted down two passes that day, so that was something.
So to remember better times, here's a picture of Kerry Collins throwing during the 1996 sweep of the then-NFC West rivals (NFL geography didn't always make sense), as the Panthers won the division title in just their second year of existence.
2024 rankings and results
Record: 6-11
Total offense: 4th
Total defense: 8th
Personnel moves
Key additions in free agency: Traded for DE Bryce Huff. Signed TE Luke Farrell, S Richie Grant, WR Demarcus Robinson, CB Tre Brown, FS Jason Pinnock, LB Luke Gifford, QB Mac Jones.
Key additions in the draft: DE Mykel Williams, DT Alfred Collins, LB Nick Martin, CB Upton Stout.
Changes from last year: They can only hope they changed their luck from last year, as injuries to key players, including Christian McCaffery, Brandon Aiyuk, and many more torpedoed their season, as they lost seven of their final eight games.
But they also ushered in a new era this offseason by extending quarterback Brock Purdy's deal (five years, $265 million), rewarding the former Mr. Irrelevant for his play. Now, they have to put it together around a quarterback who is making actual money, and that transition is happening in front of our eyes.
They also traded Deebo Samuel to Washington, Jordan Mason to the Vikings, and lost a number of key pieces, including guard Aaron Banks, linebacker Dre Greenlaw, safety Talanoa Hufanga, and cornerback Charvarius Ward in free agency.
What to watch for in 2025: The Panthers return to prime time for this one, making their first Monday Night Football appearance since Week 2 of 2023 (a loss to New Orleans), and just their second since 2018. Overall, the Panthers are 10-8 all-time on Mondays.
The 49ers are recalibrating around an 11-man draft class and Purdy. But as the Panthers know, if McCaffrey is on the field, he's capable of doing something special at any time.
View photos from past games between the Carolina Panthers and San Francisco 49ers. Carolina holds a 13-9 edge in the all-time series.
Carolina Panthers Mike Tolbert (35) runs with the ball during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, Sept.18,2016, in Charlotte.
( Tom DiPace via AP)
Christian McCaffrey carries the football during the Panthers game against the 49ers on Sunday, Sep. 10, 2017.
Shaq Thompson and Luke Kuechly against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on Sunday, September 10, 2017.
Carolina Panthers Luke Kuechly (59) during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, Sept.18,2016, in Charlotte.
( Tom DiPace via AP)
San Francisco Ahmad Brooks (55) pressures Cam Newton (1) during an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, Sept.18,2016, in Charlotte.
( Tom DiPace via AP)
San Francisco 49ers Mario Manningham (82) during an N.F.L. game against the Carolina Panthers at Candlestick Park in San Francisco,CA. Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013.
(AP Photo/Tom DiPace)
Carolina Panthers Steve Smith (89) during an N.F.L. game against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park in San Francisco,CA. Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013.
(AP Photo/Tom DiPace)
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin (13) celebrates after a catch in the second half against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Sep. 17th, 2016 in Charlotte,NC. The Carolina Panthers won 46-27. (Logan Bowles via AP Images)
Carolina Panthers Devin Funchess (17) during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, Sept.18,2016, in Charlotte.
( Tom DiPace via AP)
ADVANCE FOR WEEKEND, DEC. 28-29 - FILE - In this Nov. 10, 2013, photo, Carolina Panthers middle linebacker Luke Kuechly, left, sacks San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernicl during an NFL football game in San Francisco. New York Jets coach Rex Ryan recently called Kuechly a "tackling machine" and said "if he's not the best middle linebacker in the league then I'm not sure who is." (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez, File)
Carolina Panthers Luke Kuechly (59) during an N.F.L. game against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park in San Francisco,CA. Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013.
(AP Photo/Tom DiPace)
San Francisco 49ers Colin Kaepernick (7) during an N.F.L. game against the Carolina Panthers at Candlestick Park in San Francisco,CA. Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013.
(AP Photo/Tom DiPace)
Carolina Panthers Cam Newton (1) during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, Sept.18,2016, in Charlotte. ( Tom DiPace via AP)
Carolina Panthers defensive end Reggie White (92) looks for a sack during 34 - 18 victory against the San Francisco 49ers Oct. 22, 2000 in an NFL football game in Charlotte. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
Carolina Panthers running back Fozzy Whittaker (43) runs upfield during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers at Bank of America Stadium, Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016 in Charlotte, NC. The Panthers defeated the 49ers 46-27. (Perry Knotts via AP)
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jeff Garcia (5) is pulled in the pocket against the Carolina Panthers Oct. 22, 2000 in Charlotte. (Al Messerschmidt via AP)
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) throws a pass in the first half against the Carolina Panthers, Sunday, Sep. 17th, 2016 in Charlotte,NC. The Carolina Panthers won 46-27. (Logan Bowles via AP Images)
Carolina Panthers and San Francisco 49ers on the line of scrimmage during an NFL football game aat Bank of America Stadium, Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016 in Charlotte, NC. The Panthers defeated the 49ers 46-27. (Perry Knotts via AP)
Carolina Panthers Charles Johnson (95) during an N.F.L. game against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park in San Francisco,CA. Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013.
(AP Photo/Tom DiPace)
Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera during an N.F.L. game against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park in San Francisco,CA. Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013.
(AP Photo/Tom DiPace)
Carolina Panthers' DeAngelo Williams (34) runs against the San Francisco 49ers' NaVorro Bowman (53) during the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 24, 2010. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers Greg Olsen (88) during an N.F.L. game against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park in San Francisco,CA. Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013.
(AP Photo/Tom DiPace)
San Francisco Blaine Gabbert (2) looks to pass during an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, Sept.18,2016, in Charlotte.
( Tom DiPace via AP)
Carolina Panthers Cam Newton (1) during an N.F.L. game against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park in San Francisco,CA. Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013.
(AP Photo/Tom DiPace)
Carolina Panthers Luke Kuechly (59) during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, Sept.18,2016, in Charlotte.
( Tom DiPace via AP)
Carolina Panthers free safety Mike Mitchell (21) celebrates after cornerback Drayton Florence, bottom, intercepted a pass by San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game in San Francisco, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013. The Panthers won 10-9. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)
Carolina Panthers outside linebacker Shaq Thompson (54) recovers a fumble and returns for a touchdown during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers at Bank of America Stadium, Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016 in Charlotte, NC. The Panthers defeated the 49ers 46-27. (Perry Knotts via AP)
Carolina Panthers' Steve Smith (89) runs as San Francisco 49ers' Nate Clements (22) defends in the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 24, 2010. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers Greg Olsen (88) during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, Sept.18,2016, in Charlotte.
( Tom DiPace via AP)
Carolina Panthers linebacker Sam Mills (51) looks into the backfield during an NFL game against the San Francisco 49ers in San Francisco, Nov. 5, 1995. The Panthers defeated the 49ers 13-7 and became the first expansion team to win defeat a defending Super Bowl champion in its inaugural season. (AP Photo/Kevin Terrell)
Carolina Panthers' Dante Rosario (88) runs as San Francisco 49ers' Demetric Evans (93) defends during the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 24, 2010. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers' Jonathan Stewart (28) runs against the San Francisco 49ers in the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 24, 2010. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
San Francisco 49ers' Frank Gore (21) runs against the Carolina Panthers during the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 24, 2010. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers' David Gettis (12) catches a touchdown pass as San Francisco 49ers' Shawntae Spencer (36) defends during the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 24, 2010. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers' Matt Moore (3) looks to pass against the San Francisco 49ers in the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 24, 2010. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers' DeAngelo Williams (34) is tackled by San Francisco 49ers' Patrick Willis (52) in the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 24, 2010. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
The San Francisco 49ers offensive line goes against the Carolina Panthers defensive line in the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 24, 2010. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers tight end Wesley Walls (85) is tackled by 49ers defensive back Ahmed Plummer (29) during a 31 to 29 Carolina Panthers win over the San Francisco 49ers on October 17, 1999 at 3Com Park in San Francisco, California. (AP Photo/Greg Trott)
San Francisco 49ers vs. Carolina Panthers at Candlestick Park Sunday, October 17, 1999. Panthers beat 49ers 31-29. Carolina Panthers running back Tim Biakabutuka (21). (AP Photo/Al Golub)
Carolina Panthers' Muhsin Muhammad (87) goes into the endzone for a 12-yard touchdown as San Francisco 49ers' Lee Woodall (54) holds on in the first quarter at Ericsson Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., Saturday, Dec. 18, 1999.(AP Photo/Rusty Burroughs)
San Francisco 49ers vs. Carolina Panthers at Candlestick Park Sunday, October 17, 1999. Panthers beat 49ers 31-29. Carolina Panthers linebacker Kevin Greene (91) rushes San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jeff Garcia (5). (AP Photo/Al Golub)
San Francisco 49ers vs. Carolina Panthers at Candlestick Park Sunday, October 17, 1999. Panthers beat 49ers 31-29. Carolina Panthers defensive back Doug Evans (33) tackles San Francisco 49ers running back Charlie Garner (25). (AP Photo/Al Golub)
Carolina Panthers linebacker Kevin Greene (91) looks for head coach Dom Capers to dump Gatorade on him during an NFL game against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, Sept. 8, 1996, in San Francisco. The Panthers won the game, 30-24. (AP Photo/Greg Trott)
Carolina Panthers tight end Wesley Walls (85) celebrates a touchdown catch during a 30 to 24 Carolina Panthers win over the San Francisco 49ers on December 8, 1996 at 3Com Park in San Francisco, California. (AP Photo/Greg Trott)
Carolina Panthers' Eric Metcalf (82) pulls in a pass over San Francisco 49ers' cornerback R.W. McQuarters in the third quarter Sunday, Oct. 17, 1999, in San Francisco. Carolina defeated San Francisco, 31-29. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)
San Francisco 49ers vs. Carolina Panthers at Candlestick Park Sunday, October 17, 1999. Panthers beat 49ers 31-29. Panther head coach George Seifert talks to Carolina Panthers quarterback Steve Beuerlein (7). (AP Photo/Al Golub)
San Francisco 49ers vs. Carolina Panthers at Candlestick Park Sunday, December 8, 1996. Panthers beat 49ers 30-24. Carolina Panthers quarterback Kerry Collins (12). (AP Photo/Al Golub)
San Francisco 49ers vs. Carolina Panthers at Candlestick Park Sunday, December 8, 1996. Panthers beat 49ers 30-24. Carolina Panthers tight end Wesley Walls (85). (AP Photo/Al Golub)
San Francisco 49ers vs. Carolina Panthers at Candlestick Park Sunday, December 8, 1996. Panthers beat 49ers 30-24. Carolina Panthers defensive back Pat Terrell (40) lines up to tackle San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Terrell Owens (81). (AP Photo/Al Golub)
San Francisco 49ers vs. Carolina Panthers at Candlestick Park Sunday, December 8, 1996. Panthers beat 49ers 30-24. Carolina Panthers linebacker Kevin Greene (91) tackles San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Terrell Owens (81). (AP Photo/Al Golub)
San Francisco 49ers vs. Carolina Panthers at Candlestick Park Sunday, December 8, 1996. Panthers beat 49ers 30-24. Carolina Panthers running back Anthony Johnson (23). (AP Photo/Al Golub)
San Francisco 49ers vs. Carolina Panthers at Candlestick Park Sunday, December 8, 1996. Panthers beat 49ers 30-24. Carolina Panthers linebacker Sam Mills (51) stops San Francisco 49ers quarterback Steve Young (8) and causes fumble. (AP Photo/Al Golub)
San Francisco 49ers vs. Carolina Panthers at Candlestick Park Sunday, November 5, 1995. Panthers beat 49ers 13-7. Carolina Panthers defensive back Pat Terrell (40) makes interception and San Francisco 49ers guard Jessie Sapolu (61) attempts to tackle. (AP Photo/Al Golub)
San Francisco 49ers vs. Carolina Panthers at Candlestick Park Sunday, December 8, 1996. Panthers beat 49ers 30-24. San Francisco 49ers quarterback Steve Young (8) passes under pressure. (AP Photo/Al Golub)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Steve Beuerlein throws a pass as San Francisco 49ers Dana Stubblefield leans in during first quarter action at Ericsson Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Sept. 22, 1996. The Panthers won 23-7. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond)
San Francisco 49ers vs. Carolina Panthers at Candlestick Park Sunday, November 5, 1995. Panthers beat 49ers 13-7. Carolina Panthers defensive back Pat Terrell (40) knocks San Francisco 49ers tight end Brent Jones (84) out of bounds. (AP Photo/Al Golub)
Carolina Panthers Tre Boston (33) during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, Sept.18,2016, in Charlotte.
( Tom DiPace via AP)
San Francisco 49ers vs. Carolina Panthers at Candlestick Park Sunday, November 5, 1995. Panthers beat 49ers 13-7. Carolina Panthers quarterback Kerry Collins (12). (AP Photo/Al Golub)
San Francisco 49ers' Trent Dilfer (12) is sacked by Carolina Panthers' Kris Jenkins (77) during the second quarter of NFL football game action in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 2, 2007. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
San Francisco 49ers' Frank Gore (21) is tackled by Carolina Panthers' Jon Beason, left, during the third quarter of the Panthers' 31-14 win in an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 2, 2007. (AP Photo/Jason E. Miczek)
Carolina Panthers' Steve Smith (89) reacts after making a catch during the second quarter against the San Francisco 49ers in NFL football game action in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 2, 2007. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers' DeShaun Foster, top, dives over for a touchdown as San Francisco 49ers' Derek Smith (50) and Patrick Willis (52) defend during the third quarter of the Panthers' 31-14 win in an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 2, 2007. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers' Vinny Testaverde (16) throws a pass during the first half of their 31-14 win over the San Francisco 49ers in an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 2, 2007. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme, right, talks with teammate Vinny Testaverde (16) before an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Nov. 25, 2007. Delhomme's injury has left the Panthers (4-7) in disarray. They've since used three quarterbacks, have lost five straight games and are hoping 44-year-old Testaverde will be healthy enough to start Sunday against San Francisco. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Carolina Panthers' Richard Marshall (31) returns an interception for a touchdown as San Francisco 49ers' Arnaz Battle (83) chases during the second quarter in an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 2, 2007. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Carolina Panthers Cam Newton (1) during an N.F.L. game against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park in San Francisco,CA. Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013.
(AP Photo/Tom DiPace)
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jerry Rice (8) rests during an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, Sept. 10, 2000, in San Francisco. The Panthers won the game, 38-22. (AP Photo/Greg Trott)
Carolina Panthers' Dante Rosario, right, catches a touchdown pass in the first quarter as San Francisco 49ers' Michael Lewis (32) defends in NFL football game action in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 2, 2007. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
San Francisco 49ers vs. Carolina Panthers at Candlestick Park Sunday, October 17, 1999. Panthers beat 49ers 31-29. Carolina Panthers running back Tim Biakabutuka (21) is tackle by 4 49er defenders. (AP Photo/Al Golub)
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Tim Rattay (13) scrambles out of the pocket in the second half against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, Nov. 14, 2004, in San Francisco. Carolina won 37-27. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Carolina Panthers receiver Muhsin Muhammad, left, celebrates after a touchdown reception in front of San Francisco 49ers cornerback Shantae Spencer during the second half Sunday, Nov. 14, 2004, in San Francisco. Carolina won, 37-27. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
San Francisco 49ers vs. Carolina Panthers at Candlestick Park Sunday, October 17, 1999. Panthers beat 49ers 31-29. Carolina Panthers linebacker Kevin Greene (91) sacks San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jeff Garcia (5). (AP Photo/Al Golub)
Carolina Panthers receiver Muhsin Muhammad (87) is hugged by quarterback Jake Delhomme, right, after making a touchdown reception against the San Francisco 49ers in the second half Sunday, Nov. 14, 2004, in San Francisco. Carolina won, 37-27. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
San Francisco 49ers running back Kevan Barlow (32) is tackled by Carolina Panthers' Colin Branch (28) and Eddie Jackson (34) in the first half Sunday, Nov. 14, 2004, in San Francisco. Carolina won, 37-27. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Carolina Panthers tight end Wesley Walls scores a touchdown on a pass from quarterback Chris Weinke in the second quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at 3COM Park in San Francisco, Sunday, Oct. 7, 2001. (AP Photo/John Todd)
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Mushin Muhammad (87) makes a catch during an NFL game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Sept. 10, 2000 in San Francisco. The Panthers won the game, 38-22. (AP Photo/Greg Trott)
San Francisco 49ers' Terrell Owens (81) catches a touchdown pass as Carolina Panthers' Rashard Anderson (46) defends in the final seconds of regulation as the 49ers defeated the Panthers 25-22 in overtime Sunday, Nov. 18, 2001, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Muhsin Muhammad breaks away from San Francisco 49ers cornerback Ahmed Plummer in the first quarter Sunday, Oct. 7, 2001, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)
Carolina Panthers' Reggie White (92) sacks San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jeff Garcia (5) in the fourth quarter of the Panthers' 34-16 win at Ericsson Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 22, 2000. The Panthers won 34-16. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Chris Weinke (16) is hit by San Francisco 49ers' Chike Okeafor (91) in the third quarter of the 49ers' 25-22 overtime win in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday Nov. 18, 2001. (AP Photo/Rusty Burroughs)
San Francisco 49ers vs. Carolina Panthers at Candlestick Park Sunday, September 10, 2000. Panthers beat 49ers 38-22. Carolina Panthers full back William Floyd (40). (AP Photo/Al Golub)
Carolina Panthers linebacker Lester Towns (57) uses his head to cause a fumble during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, Sept. 10, 2000, in San Francisco. The Panthers won the game, 38-22. (AP Photo/Greg Trott)
Carolina Panthers running back Richard Huntley (34) goes for a short gain as San Francisco 49ers linebacker Jamie Winborn (55) attempts to tackle him in the first quarter Sunday, Oct. 7, 2001, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)
Cam Newton celebrates a touchdown during the Panthers game against the 49ers on Sunday, Sep. 10, 2017.
San Francisco 49ers vs. Carolina Panthers at Candlestick Park Sunday, September 10, 2000. Panthers beat 49ers 38-22. Carolina Panthers tight end Wesley Walls (85) celebrates touchdown. (AP Photo/Al Golub)
San Francisco 49ers vs. Carolina Panthers at Candlestick Park Sunday, September 10, 2000. Panthers beat 49ers 38-22. San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle Brentson Buckner (99) catches up with Carolina Panthers running back Tim Biakabutuka (21). (AP Photo/Al Golub)
Carolina Panthers defensive lineman Reggie White (92) rushes the quarterback during an NFL game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Sept. 10, 2000 in San Francisco. The Panthers won the game, 38 to 22. (AP Photo/Greg Trott)
San Francisco 49ers vs. Carolina Panthers at Candlestick Park Sunday, September 10, 2000. Panthers beat 49ers 38-22. Carolina Panthers defensive back Eric Davis (25) and San Francisco 49ers full back Fred Beasley (40). (AP Photo/Al Golub)
Christian McCaffrey carries the football against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on Sunday, September 10, 2017.
Shaq Thompson during the Panthers game against the 49ers on Sunday, Sep. 10, 2017.
Jonathan Stewart scores a touchdown during the Panthers game against the 49ers on Sunday, Sep. 10, 2017.
Russell Shepard The Panthers against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on Sunday, September 10, 2017.
