Underdog report: 2024 Carolina Panthers

Free agent target: OT Mekhi Becton, New York Jets

The six-foot-seven, 363-pound tackle hasn’t had the career most expected when New York took him 11th overall in the 2020 NFL Draft. After missing the previous two seasons with injury and dropping 50 pounds, Becton played well for the Jets but won’t break the bank if the Panthers bring him in.

Draft target: OT Tyler Guyton

Without a first-round pick thanks to last year’s trade with Chicago, the Panthers need to hope a player like Guyton falls to No. 33. The six-foot-seven, 328-pound tackle started just one season with the Sooners after transferring from TCU, but recently played well at the Senior Bowl.

Reason for optimism: Dave Canales

Carolina’s new head coach spent 13 years as an NFL assistant before joining the Buccaneers as their offensive coordinator in 2023. Under his leadership, quarterback Baker Mayfield had a career year, throwing for 4,044 yards and 28 touchdowns while leading Tampa Bay to the divisional round of the playoffs. 

Reason for concern: David Tepper

When he’s not throwing drinks at NFL fans, Tepper spends a great deal of time hiring and firing coaches. Since buying the team in 2018, the billionaire hedge fund manager has managed to burn through three head coaches. Good luck, Canales.