North Charlotte Today

Dan Morgan has been part of the Carolina Panthers organization as a player during their Super Bowl appearance and high-expectation seasons. Now, as the general manager, he is focused on long-term goals to bring the team back to that level.

The Panthers have not made the playoffs in six seasons. On Tuesday, Morgan expressed optimism about progress toward breaking that streak but refrained from setting specific expectations. "I'm not going to put any expectations on anything right now," Morgan said as the team reported to camp. "What I do know is that there's a lot of work ahead of us, not only from a personnel standpoint, but the players know that they've got to put the work in out there."

Morgan emphasized teamwork and gradual improvement. "We have a lot of new players that have got to gel together out there and become a team. So in terms of playoffs, we'll reach that when we're ready. But I think right now we're focused on today and tomorrow, and we're just trying to get better as a team."

The Panthers aggressively revamped their defense during the offseason and quickly moved in free agency and the draft to bolster protection for quarterback Bryce Young, taken first overall last year. Despite last season's 2-15 record leading to changes in management with Morgan and head coach Dave Canales taking over, both are focusing on immediate tasks rather than long-term visions.

"Like I said before, we have a plan; we have a plan in place," Morgan stated. "We have a process. We're aligned in that plan and we're going to stick to it and I feel like if we're disciplined and we stick to our plan on building this thing that we will build a winner eventually."

Players began practice Wednesday at Bank of America Stadium's new grass fields equipped with player-friendly amenities such as cooling trailers. Morgan noted an advantage in practicing at home: "Definitely, it was a place that I hold dear to my heart; it was, it was a fun place down there," he said about Wofford College where training camps were previously held. "But being here in Charlotte ... I think that our players will be able to be at home in their environment."

Projected starting outside linebacker D.J. Wonnum is currently on the physically unable-to-perform list due to complications following offseason surgery. The team is looking for young players like DJ Johnson, Eku Leota, and K'Lavon Chaisson or external help until Wonnum returns.

"We're just going to try to add as many pieces as we can and create as much competition as we can," Morgan explained.

Veteran Jadeveon Clowney has been preparing for his first training camp near home after power outages affected his Houston residence post-Hurricane Beryl. Clowney brings experience from several teams including the Ravens who went 13-4 last season.

"I've been on six teams, and I've never been a loser," Clowney remarked regarding his stints with various NFL teams. "I never went to one and just lost and I don't plan on coming here and just losing." He emphasized daily preparation: "I think that's what it's going to come down to... show up every day... let the chips fall."