2024 Carolina Panthers Fantasy Preview 2023 will go down as one of the most disastrous seasons for any franchise in NFL history. After going all in to acquire the top overall pick, Frank Reich’s tenure lasted all of 11 games, […]
Young was unequivocally awful in Year One, averaging the fewest fantasy points per start for any signal-caller who started more than 12 games. Coaching, lack of supporting cast, and a poor offensive line played a big part, but the Panthers ranked dead last in passing and total offense. Young ranked 40th in adjusted completion rate and surpassed 250 yards once all season.
It is too soon to write Young off, but his career trajectory is in trouble. He is only a middling dynasty QB2 in Superflex leagues and should be left on the waiver wire in all other formats.
The Panthers had more success running the ball. Carolina ranked 20th in rushing, led by Chuba Hubbard's 1,135 scrimmage yards and team-high five scores. However, second-round rookie RB Jonathon Brooks was the first running back selected in the 2024 NFL Draft and will be the heavy favorite to lead the backfield in touches when he is healthy.
Surrounding Young with better weapons was paramount for Canales. In March, the Panthers acquired disgruntled WR Diontae Johnson from the Steelers. Johnson was a target magnet in his first four seasons and enters 2024 motivated to ball out in a contract season.
Johnson will likely play from the perimeter as incumbent slot man Adam Thielen ranked fourth in the NFL with 82 slot targets. Carolina's top two wideouts should warrant enough targets to be fantasy-relevant as potential flex options.
Carolina traded back up into the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft to select promising South Carolina WR Xavier Legette. The No. 32 pick has sub-4.4 speed and projects to be a perimeter threat once he can consistently defeat press coverage.
At tight end, Carolina will stick with a committee approach that is far from fantasy-friendly. Hayden Hurst and Tommy Tremble led the group with a meager 32 targets. Fourth-round rookie Ja'Tavion Sanders has a real shot at leading the way in 2024, mixing in with Tremble.
Carolina is in a full-blown rebuild with more questions than answers. That makes the Panthers an undesirable roster to target in fantasy football drafts. Some mid-to-late-round options offer some volume appeal on this roster, but Bryce Young must make huge strides in his second season.
