Dan Morgan quickly adopted a ruthless roster-building strategy upon becoming Carolina Panthers general manager.
There was a business-first model with more professionalism attached. He wants to re-establish the culture that made this organization great once upon a time. Anyone not fitting into this new way of thinking was shown the door.
This raises the stakes for everyone involved. Players know that standards have increased exponentially under new head coach Dave Canales and must respond accordingly. There is no room for passengers on their route back to respectability. Morgan is just getting started, so expect to see the same trend continue moving forward.
The Panthers have a plethora of established figures out of contract in 2025. Morgan stated an intent to reward those who prove their worth. But it’s a precarious situation for many that could go either way.
With this in mind, here are four Panthers players facing a fight to secure contract extensions during the 2024 season.
Austin Corbett – Carolina Panthers C
With Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis becoming the Carolina Panthers’ new starting offensive guard tandem following their high-profile arrivals in free agency, Austin Corbett is embarking on a crucial position switch. How he fares will likely determine his future with the franchise beyond 2024.
The Panthers seem confident that Corbett can thrive with newfound responsibilities at the center spot. He’s not got much experience as the protection’s anchor and the recent injury history is concerning. However, early signs are positive regarding the Nevada product.
If Corbett gets a clean bill of health throughout the campaign and performs well, Dan Morgan could offer the former second-round selection an extension next spring. Should the veteran fail to meet expectations, the Panthers will seek alternative options.
Corbett counts $7.76 million against the cap next season due to the voided years on his deal regardless of whether he stays or not. That’s not a bad position to be in.
Shaq Thompson – Carolina Panthers LB
Shaq Thompson’s presence was sorely missed last season. The Carolina Panthers were expecting the veteran linebacker to be an influential presence within defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero’s creative 3-4 base scheme. But an unfortunate injury after just two games ended his 2023 campaign way ahead of time.
Thompson remained around the setup and tried to keep spirits high as another season spiraled into oblivion, but it wasn’t the same. The former first-round selection took another pay cut to stick around in 2024, but what comes after that is less certain.
This is a fascinating dynamic between Thompson and the Panthers. He’s one of the team’s longest-serving players – one of two remaining from Carolina’s sensational 15-1 season in 2015 en route to the Super Bowl. That carries a ton of weight and holds complete respect in the locker room. Whether it’s enough to guarantee another deal beyond the 2024 season remains to be seen.
As previously mentioned, general manager Dan Morgan is doing things differently. He’s running the front office in the team’s best interest. There is no loyalty to any player. Thompson has to prove himself just like everybody else, so it could genuinely go either way.
It’s also worth remembering that the Panthers spent a third-round selection on Trevin Wallace during the 2024 NFL Draft. He came into the organization on Morgan’s recommendation, who knows a thing or two about productive linebackers. After all, he was one himself.
Many believe Wallace is the heir apparent to Thompson if he transitions smoothly. This increases the urgency to perform well and have no ill effects from the broken fibula suffered during the 2023 season.
Thompson outlined his desire to finish his career in Carolina. He cares deeply about the franchise and is embodied in the Keep Pounding mantra. However, getting the job done in a competitive environment is the only way he’ll get another contract.
Chuba Hubbard – Carolina Panthers RB
Giving running backs a second contract without a fight has almost been phased out entirely around the NFL. Only the truly elite playmakers get lucrative deals no questions asked. The franchise tag is becoming more prominent as teams become increasingly wary of giving money to a position that takes more punishment than most.
The Carolina Panthers might approach their situation with Chuba Hubbard in a similar fashion. While the former fourth-round selection demonstrated impressive growth once again last season, his long-term fortunes are still hanging in the balance.
Hubbard went over 1,100 all-purpose yards last season once he stepped into the starting breach at the expense of Miles Sanders. He looked like a genuine three-down presence and improved as a blocker. This was incredibly positive for someone who was all but written off after a lackluster rookie campaign in 2021.
However, that didn’t stop those in power from adding to the running back dynamic this offseason.
The Panthers traded up to land Jonathon Brooks at No. 46 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. He looks like a potential superstar if there are no further complications from the torn ACL suffered during his final season at Texas. Many analysts believe he’ll step into the No. 1 role once fitness levels reach 100 percent.
This is another challenge for Hubbard to overcome. Nothing new for the Oklahoma State product, so it’s a fight he’ll be sure to relish in pursuit of carving out a longer-term future in Carolina.
It’s also a contract year for Hubbard. That should be motivation enough to keep the same mindset and take advantage of every opportunity coming his way.
Dave Canales praised Hubbard for his tone-setting work ethic and emerging leadership over early workouts. If the same trend continues and the money is right, a new contract won’t be too far behind.
Diontae Johnson – Carolina Panthers WR
Dan Morgan made his biggest priority this offseason clear from a long way out. The Carolina Panthers were going to move heaven and earth to surround quarterback Bryce Young with the right supporting cast following a turbulent rookie campaign from the No. 1 overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft.
We’ve already spoken about the offensive line reinforcements that should help enormously. The Panthers also secured the services of wide receiver Diontae Johnson via trade from the Pittsburgh Steelers. This move comes with a significant amount of intrigue attached.
Johnson is one of the slickest route-runners anywhere in the NFL. He knows how to manipulate defensive backs and create separation quickly. This is something the Panthers didn’t have last season aside from veteran free-agent signing Adam Thielen.
This didn’t cost the Panthers much, which was another bonus. They gave up veteran cornerback Donte Jackson – who was going to be released as part of Morgan’s cost-cutting measures – and a late-round pick swap. It’s a low-risk acquisition that can reap substantial rewards if the former third-round pick performs as expected.
There’s plenty of added motivation for Johnson to flourish in 2024. He left Pittsburgh under a cloud with accusations of being a disruptive presence within the locker room. He’s also entering the final year of his deal to further raise urgency.
Johnson seems highly motivated to silence his doubters. The Toledo product wasted no time in setting the tone and developing chemistry with Young. Dave Canales also has a plan in place for how best to deploy the outstanding attributes he brings to the table.
If Johnson thrives, the Panthers will reward him accordingly with a lucrative extension. If the wideout cannot meet specific targets and becomes a distraction, Morgan will move on swiftly given the fact he didn’t part ways with much to bring him into the organization.
