For years, the Carolina Panthers have felt like a team stuck in transition — always looking for answers but rarely finding any. Fans have watched the revolving door at head coach, the struggles under center, and the constant rebuild with no clear end in sight.
But in 2025, there’s something new in the air.
Not just optimism — urgency.
And for several Panthers, it’s personal.
This season, a number of key players are entering contract years, and they know this might be their last chance to secure their future, in Carolina or anywhere else. The pressure is real. The stakes are high. And the window is closing.
Derrick Brown Isn’t Asking Anymore — He’s Earned It
Derrick Brown had a standout season in 2024. He set an NFL record with 103 total tackles by a defensive lineman, added four sacks, and was named to the Pro Bowl. He was dominant. Disruptive. And consistent.
And now, he’s getting paid like it.
The former seventh-overall pick of the 2020 draft has agreed to terms with the Panthers on a four-year, $96 million extension with more than $63 million in guarantees.
Brown isn’t the kind of player you gamble with. He’s the core of this defense, and the locker room knows it.
You don’t replace Derrick Brown. You build around him.
Josey Jewell Brings Value — But Change May Be Coming
Linebacker Josey Jewell signed with Carolina in 2024 on a three-year deal and immediately became a leader on defense.
But 2026 will be the final year of his contract. Jewell remains an effective player, but the Panthers have invested in youth at the position, including drafting Trevin Wallace in the third round.
While his leadership is still valued, Jewell is playing for more than just tackles this season. He’s playing to prove that experience still matters in a defense that’s evolving.
Donte Jackson’s Loss Comes with Pressure
After being traded to Pittsburgh in 2024, Donte Jackson signed with the Chargers for a two-year, $13 million contract.
With that significant loss how will the team cope without him for the 2025 season?
Tommy Tremble. A Final Shot at Breaking Through
Tommy Tremble has shown flashes of success, but entering the final year of his rookie deal, consistency has eluded him.
Tremble scored two touchdowns in 2024 and made strides as a blocker, but hasn’t become a featured part in the offense. .
He is still young and capable. But the 2025 season will be crucial if he hopes to stay in Carolina or even remain in his starting role in the league.
Potential only lasts so long — eventually, production has to follow.
What It All Means
The Panthers aren’t finished rebuilding. But they’re no longer at rock bottom, either.
With a more stable coaching staff, a maturing Bryce Young, and new weapons on both sides of the ball, the team is trending up. But that momentum depends on who rises and who’s ready to earn their next deal.
Derrick Brown deserves his contract. Josey Jewell is battling to extend his career. Tremble is running out of chances.
And in a league where job security is never promised, that urgency will define Carolina’s season. Because when contracts are on the line, effort means more.
Execution means everything.
And every snap could be a career defining moment.
