Panthers general manager Dan Morgan addressed several key topics as the team prepares for the upcoming NFL season. One of the main issues was the recent trade of veteran wide receiver Adam Thielen to the Minnesota Vikings. Morgan acknowledged that trading Thielen so close to the start of the season carries risks, but he expressed confidence in younger receivers Tetairoa McMillan, Xavier Legette, and Jalen Coker.
“Anytime you lose a receiver like Adam, it’s a big loss,” Morgan said. “But at the same time, we’re really excited about our young core of receivers. Jalen Coker is going to step into the slot. We spent a lot of resources with XL and TMac, so you know we have guys that we’re really excited about, and I think that definitely made me feel more comfortable pulling the trigger and trading him.”
Morgan also mentioned other receivers on the roster such as David Moore and Jimmy Horn Jr., emphasizing their maturity and readiness to contribute this season.
“You all have kind of been out on the practice field every day,” he said. “I think when you see the way TMac works out there, when you see the way XL works out there, Jalen Coker, David Moore, Jimmy Horn, like all these guys out there like we feel like we have a really good young stable of wideouts that were mentored by a guy like Adam Thielen.
“They’re more mature than their age, and I would say even like they’re they’re more polished than their age too. I don’t see any reason why they can’t go out there and step up and have a great season, and I have full confidence in them.”
Regarding former Clemson receiver Hunter Renfrow’s release earlier in the week, Morgan said he remains open to bringing Renfrow back.
“I was even texting with him last night, I told him I want him back here,” Morgan said. “I talked to his agent, I talked to him. We’re in constant communication. Nothing’s imminent, but we’re going to stay in contact with him, and we’ll try to figure something out to bring him back here.”
When asked whether Renfrow would return on the 53-man roster or practice squad: “I think we’re still trying to decide that,” he said. “Hunter, I think, is thinking through things, looking at different options, so I think right now it’s really up to him with what he wants to do, but we would definitely like to have him back here at some point.”
Morgan explained how discussions began with Minnesota about Thielen’s availability after being approached by representatives from his former team.
“As the GM and as a former player, I like to be open and honest and transparent with the players, so I called Adam to my office and I let him know that they called… He said that he would [be interested]. Once he told me that…he was very intrigued…of ending his career where it first started.” Morgan continued: “I told him I’d do my best…We’re going to have to get something…So we wanted to make sure that we got compensation…I’m glad it worked out…So I guess you can say it’s a little bit of a win-win for both sides…”
Another topic was right tackle Taylor Moton’s contract extension last week which ensures continuity among four starters on Carolina’s offensive line through 2027.
“T-Mo…doesn’t get talked about enough,” Morgan said. “He’s consistently on that right side…protecting quarterback.” He added: “Nobody pays attention because nobody’s getting [past] … He’s just a great player…[and] everything we want in a Carolina Panther.”
The move aligns with previous extensions given under Morgan’s leadership—Derrick Brown, Chuba Hubbard[https://www.panthers.com/news/chuba-hubbard-signs-contract-extension-2024], Jaycee Horn—highlighting an organizational focus on rewarding performance.
“When you perform around here,…you’re going be rewarded,” Morgan stated.
Morgan admitted depth across positions remains an ongoing concern despite adding talent over two offseasons: “I feel like we’re still building,…we’re never going be content…” He stressed building depth is necessary for success during long seasons against strong competition.
With 11 rookies making Carolina’s initial 53-man roster plus one waiver claim addition this week (Dalevon Campbell), questions remain if this signals long-term rebuilding or immediate competitiveness.
“We’re always going be competing,…this season is no different,” Morgan noted. He emphasized hard work will determine results: “…how we write [our story] depends on what we do…”
On defense—specifically safeties—free agent Tre’von Moehrig leads alongside Nick Scott (veteran), Lathan Ransom (rookie), Demani Richardson (second-year). While Carolina explored other veterans during offseason moves[https://www.panthers.com/news/panthers-2024-free-agency-tracker-updates], Morgan voiced support for current personnel:
“Alongside Moehrig,…three guys can go out there…[and] play winning football…” He praised Ransom’s intensity; Richardson’s ball skills; Scott’s experience: “…he knows exactly where be….”
Carolina opens its regular season following this weekend break.
