Friday Mailbag: Is it concerning that vets skipped out on Carolina Panthers OTA?

After a promising rookie season playing for his hometown team, Ickey Ekwonu regressed at left tackle for the Carolina Panthers in 2023. Ekwonu went 10 weeks during his rookie campaign without giving up a sack. In 2023, Ekwonu nearly doubled his rookie sack total by allowing 11 last season. Despite his sophomore slump, Panthers GM Dan Morgan opted to stick with Ekwonu once again at left tackle in 2024. Can Ickey reestablish himself as the Panthers franchise left tackle and consistently protect Bryce Young's blindside?Taylor Moton has been the model of consistency for the Panthers the past six years. Moton carries an ironman streak of 115 consecutive games played into the 2024 season. Despite Moton's consistent play, he's never earned Pro Bowl or All-Pro honors. Will 2024 be the first time he's recognized by the NFL media?The Panthers lived dangerously last year as the team didn't have a veteran tackle to backup Moton and Ekwonu. This year, the team will have former Packers swing tackle Yosh Nijman to handle those duties. Could Nijman also be considered insurance if Ekwonu struggles again. Second-year tackle Ricky Lee made the initial 53-man roster after signing a free agent deal out of North Carolina A&T. Can Lee make the roster back-to-back seasons?Julian Council continues his annual position breakdowns by evaluating the Panthers tackles. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!eBay MotorsFor parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit at eBayMotors.com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply.GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNFL for $20 off your first purchase. Terms Apply.FanDuelFanDuel, America’s Number One Sportsbook. Right now, NEW customers get TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS BETS with any winning FIVE DOLLAR BET. That’s TWO HUNDRED BUCKS you can use to bet everything from the Finals MVP to who's going to hit one out of the park! Visit FANDUEL.COM/LOCKEDON and add a big win to your summer bucket list!FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Since Greg Olsen left the Carolina Panthers, following the 2019 season, the organization has posted the lowest numbers from the tight end position. Ian Thomas was originally thought to be a suitable replacement for Olsen, but he has failed to live up to those expectations after six years of service. Tommy Tremble has shown promise but questions remain whether he can be a mid-tier pass catcher at the tight end position in the NFL. Just last year, the Panthers signed Hayden Hurst to a free agent deal but a combination of injuries and low production led Hurst to be a one-and-done in Carolina. Despite having a major need at the position during free agency, the Panthers didn't address the hole at tight end until the 2024 NFL Draft, where the team selected Texas tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders. Sanders comes to Carolina with the reputation of being a playmaker in the pass game at the position. Will Sanders finally prove to be the replacement for Greg Olsen? How does the rest of the TE room shape up with the addition of Sanders? Will Tommy Tremble take another step forward? Can Ian Thomas be more than a blocking TE?Julian Council continues his positional breakdowns of the Carolina Panthers by focusing in on the TE room. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!eBay MotorsFor parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit at eBayMotors.com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply.GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNFL for $20 off your first purchase. Terms Apply.FanDuelFanDuel, America’s Number One Sportsbook. Right now, NEW customers get TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS BETS with any winning FIVE DOLLAR BET. That’s TWO HUNDRED BUCKS you can use to bet everything from the Finals MVP to who's going to hit one out of the park! Visit FANDUEL.COM/LOCKEDON and add a big win to your summer bucket list!FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Following a disastrous 2023 season, the Carolina Panthers were in desperate need of playmakers at the wide receiver position. Panthers GM Dan Morgan made his first trade in the position by sending Donte Jackson and a sixth-round pick to Pittsburgh for Diontae Johnson and a seventh-round pick. By completing that trade, Morgan brought in a player to Carolina in exchange for a player the team was planning to cut. The Panthers also received a player who is expected to be their X receiver and Bryce Young's first read. Julian Council discusses whether Diontae Johnson can fulfill the role as WR1. Julian also takes a look at the WR depth chart. How big of a role will Xavier Legette play during his rookie season? What should the expectations for Adam Thielen be following a late-career renaissance in 2023? Has time already run out for Jonathan Mingo?Last year, under Frank Reich, the Panthers kept seven receivers on their initial 53-man roster. How many receivers will Dave Canales keep?Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!eBay MotorsFor parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit at eBayMotors.com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply.GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNFL for $20 off your first purchase. Terms Apply.FanDuelFanDuel, America’s Number One Sportsbook. Right now, NEW customers get TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS BETS with any winning FIVE DOLLAR BET. That’s TWO HUNDRED BUCKS you can use to bet everything from the Finals MVP to who's going to hit one out of the park! Visit FANDUEL.COM/LOCKEDON and add a big win to your summer bucket list!FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales has said on multiple occasions that he plans to be "stubborn" about running the football in 2024. That should spell good news for fourth-year running back Chuba Hubbard as he heads into Training Camp atop of the depth chart. Julian Council explains why 2024 could be a breakout season for Hubbard in Canales' run-first offense. Hubbard will be joined in the backfield by second-round draft pick Jonathon Brooks, who is currently rehabbing from a torn ACL. What will Brooks' role be once he is healthy? Miles Sanders returns for a second season in Carolina following a disappointing debut campaign. With the ascension of Hubbard and arrival of Brooks, where does Sanders land in the pecking order?Last year in Tampa Bay, Canales' Buccaneers offense kept four running backs on the roster following the initial roster cutdown. The same for the Seattle Seahawks, where a plethora of Canales staff came from this offseason. Should the expectation be that the Panthers keep four backs on the roster in 2024?Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!eBay MotorsFor parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit at eBayMotors.com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply.GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNFL for $20 off your first purchase. Terms Apply.FanDuelFanDuel, America’s Number One Sportsbook. Right now, NEW customers get TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS BETS with any winning FIVE DOLLAR BET. That’s TWO HUNDRED BUCKS you can use to bet everything from the Finals MVP to who's going to hit one out of the park! Visit FANDUEL.COM/LOCKEDON and add a big win to your summer bucket list!FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

The Carolina Panthers 2023 season was all about the development of their rookie QB Bryce Young. Due to the poor job Frank Reich and is coaching staff did in developing Young, the Panthers 2024 season will once again be about Bryce Young's development, but more so finding out whether Dave Canales is the right man for that job. Can Canales save Young? Julian Council looks back at Young's rookie season and the job Canales has done with Geno Smith and Baker Mayfield the past two seasons. Andy Dalton returns as the Panthers backup QB. If Young struggles in 2024, will Dalton play a bigger role than he did last season? For now, undrafted free agent QB Jack Plummer sits in the QB3 spot. While Canales has expressed interest in adding a veteran in that emergency QB role, will Plummer be able to hold on to the role? Should the Panthers use a roster spot to carry a third QB? Julian begins his annual position breakdowns by looking at everything about the Panthers QB room.Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!eBay MotorsFor parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit at eBayMotors.com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply.GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNFL for $20 off your first purchase. Terms Apply.FanDuelFanDuel, America’s Number One Sportsbook. Right now, NEW customers get TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS BETS with any winning FIVE DOLLAR BET. That’s TWO HUNDRED BUCKS you can use to bet everything from the Finals MVP to who's going to hit one out of the park! Visit FANDUEL.COM/LOCKEDON and add a big win to your summer bucket list!FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Now that the Carolina Panthers are off to summer break, Julian Council answers listener questions to take the pulse of the fan base as we begin to countdown the days to Training Camp. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!eBay MotorsFor parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit at eBayMotors.com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply.GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNFL for $20 off your first purchase. Terms Apply.FanDuelFanDuel, America’s Number One Sportsbook. Right now, NEW customers get TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS BETS with any winning FIVE DOLLAR BET. That’sTWO HUNDRED BUCKS you can use to bet everything from the Finals MVP to who's going to hit one out of the park!Visit FANDUEL.COM/LOCKEDONand add a big win to your summer bucket list! FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

The Carolina Panthers conclude a two-day mandatory minicamp on Wednesday afternoon. The team will now take the next six weeks off before returning for Training Camp ahead of the 2024 regular season. Panthers head coach Dave Canales, edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney, quarterback Bryce Young, and linebacker Shaq Thompson addressed the media following minicamp practice. Julian Council provides one thing that stood out to him during their availabilities. After skipping out on the voluntary portion of the offseason, Panthers kicker Eddy Pineiro was present for both days of the minicamp. Pineiro didn't kick on Tuesday but was a part of team special teams drills on Wednesday. During his session with the local media, Pineiro declined to answer questions about why he wasn't in town for OTAs and his contract situation. Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson is also another player who could be in for a new deal. Julian breaks down each of their situations heading into the summer break. Panthers players will get a little bit of time to recover prior to Training Camp but for a few their recovery may be longer. Julian takes a look at the Panthers injury report heading into the summer break.Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!eBay MotorsFor parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit at eBayMotors.com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply.GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNFL for $20 off your first purchase. Terms Apply.FanDuelFanDuel, America’s Number One Sportsbook. Right now, NEW customers get TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS BETS with any winning FIVE DOLLAR BET. That’sTWO HUNDRED BUCKS you can use to bet everything from the Finals MVP to who's going to hit one out of the park!Visit FANDUEL.COM/LOCKEDONand add a big win to your summer bucket list! FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

The Carolina Panthers will wrap up their offseason program this week with a three day mandatory minicamp. Heading into minicamp there still remain a few unanswered questions as several players have been absent during the voluntary portion of the offseason. Julian Council discusses what questions he wants answered this week. Minicamp will offer Dave Canales and his staff one last look at the roster before heading off for a six-week summer break ahead of training camp in Charlotte. Julian discusses what he'd like to see out of Panthers minicamp. Plus, the Panthers have been on the hunt for playmakers all offseason and they'll bring in another for a workout this week. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!eBay MotorsFor parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit at eBayMotors.com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply.GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNFL for $20 off your first purchase. Terms Apply.FanDuelFanDuel, America’s Number One Sportsbook. Right now, NEW customers get TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS BETS with any winning FIVE DOLLAR BET. That’sTWO HUNDRED BUCKS you can use to bet everything from the Finals MVP to who's going to hit one out of the park!Visit FANDUEL.COM/LOCKEDONand add a big win to your summer bucket list! FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Through the past seven years, the Carolina Panthers have developed a culture of losing. Is this due in part to the temperament of the recent Panthers coaches. Matt Rhule and Frank Reich are both seen to be "nice guys" but were they too nice to get through to the players and lead this team to long-term success. Now that Dave Canales has arrived, is he just another "nice guy" or will Canales be able to buck whatever perceived trend there is in Carolina and finally win big?Julian Council answers this question among other listener questions in this week's edition of the Weekly Friday Mailbag.Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!BetterHelpThis episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Make your brain your friend, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDON today to get 10% off your first month.eBay MotorsFor parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit at eBayMotors.com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply.GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNFL for $20 off your first purchase. Terms Apply.FanDuelFanDuel, America’s Number One Sportsbook. Right now, NEW customers get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS with any winning GUARANTEED That’s A HUNDRED AND FIFTY BUCKS – with any winning FIVE DOLLAR BET! Visit FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON to get started.FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

The Carolina Panthers will wrap up OTAs on Thursday afternoon. Next week, the team will hold a mandatory minicamp prior to the taking a six week summer break ahead of training camp. Panthers head coach Dave Canales met with the media on Tuesday to provide updates on where the team is at as OTA conclude. Julian provides his takeaways from what Canales had to say. On Tuesday, the Panthers released episode one of the Blueprint, detailing the team's offseason. Julian reveals what stood out to him.The Panthers preseason schedule is finally out. Julian goes through the three game slate. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!BetterHelpThis episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Make your brain your friend, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDON today to get 10% off your first month.eBay MotorsFor parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit at eBayMotors.com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply.GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNFL for $20 off your first purchase. Terms Apply.FanDuelFanDuel, America’s Number One Sportsbook. Right now, NEW customers get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS with any winning GUARANTEED That’s A HUNDRED AND FIFTY BUCKS – with any winning FIVE DOLLAR BET! Visit FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON to get started.FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)