The Carolina Panthers' offense needs to take a step forward this season, but ESPN isn't buying it.
As the Summer break rolls on, the Carolina Panthers will be on the practice field for training camp before we know it. This is one of the more anticipated training camps for the Panthers, coming off an NFC South title in 2025.
But even with that playoff appearance, the Panthers have a lot to prove.
They got into the playoffs with an 8-9 record, winning a tiebreaker over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The 2026 season will be one where they need to take a step forward in terms of being a contender in the NFC.
While the defense got better through upgrades in free agency, it's the offense that needs to improve the most.
Quarterback Bryce Young faces a prove-it year in terms of his future with the franchise beyond 2026 and 2027. It won't be all on him, however. His playmakers need to improve as well and help out the quarterback.
But where do those offensive players rank in terms of playmaking abilities? ESPN isn't very high on them going into 2026.
ESPN disrespects Carolina Panthers' offense ahead of 2026 season
ESPN's Bill Barnwell ranked all of the offensive playmakers in the NFL. For the Panthers, he had them at No. 28, which is an improvement from last season's ranking of 31 but still not where it needs to be.
Here is what Barnwell said about the Panthers' playmakers:
The Panthers got most of what they were hoping for from 2025 eighth pick Tetairoa McMillan, whose athleticism translated in separating from and running past even high-end cornerbacks for touchdowns... But everyone else didn't budge or fell backward... Xavier Legette ranked 110th in yards per route run. The Panthers also ranked 30th in receiving yards from their tight ends. This is still a young group, but everyone besides McMillan requires some small-sample extrapolation or selective sampling to peg as an average-or-better contributor.
There are questions at a few key positions including running back and tight end. Those are areas the Panthers really need to improve in.
In terms of their best playmaker, that's easily wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan who won the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year award. Behind him the depth is thin, barring a surprise or two this season.
