The Carolina Panthers may have started to turn the corner late in 2024, with Bryce Young reviving his career after being benched early in the season. The Panthers looked like a different team once Young returned, finishing 4-7 down the stretch and securing the No. 8 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Carolina kept several of its offensive free agents, including restructuring veteran Adam Thielen’s contract to lead the receiver room. Now, they’re predicted to add another slot receiver — Tyler Boyd, a 30-year-old veteran who played for the Tennessee Titans last season.
Panthers Predicted To Sign Tyler Boyd in Free Agency
Head coach Dave Canales’ bold move to bench Young after Week 2 in favor of veteran Andy Dalton could have derailed Young’s career. But after Dalton was injured in a car accident a few weeks later, Young returned and found new life.
He finished No. 28 in PFSN’s QB+ metric but looked far more confident. Young posted a 0.58 EPA/DB and a 50% third-down conversion rate for the season. He was also excellent from a clean pocket (0.60 EPA/DB, fourth), under pressure (0.46 EPA/DB, fifth), and in clutch moments (0.63 EPA/DB, fifth).
It wasn’t all perfect — Young converted just 31.8% of third downs (33rd), had a 5.8 nYPA (34th), and a 1.7 TD-to-INT ratio (23rd). He completed 60.9% of his passes (35th) and averaged 171.6 passing yards per game (35th).
There’s work to do, but the foundation is there heading into Year 3.
Thielen’s return to leading Carolina’s receiver room is a boost, and Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox predicts the Panthers could sign Boyd, who could work in rotation or serve as depth behind Thielen.
“Quarterback Bryce Young appeared to finally turn a corner late last season, and it would behoove the Carolina Panthers to continue improving his supporting cast.
“While Carolina may target a receiver early in the draft—the B/R Scouting Department recently mocked Arizona wideout Tetairoa McMillan to the Panthers—adding another veteran to the mix beforehand would be wise.
“Tyler Boyd had just 39 catches and 390 receiving yards with the Titans last season, but he was also stuck in a very underwhelming passing attack. The 30-year-old is a crafty nine-year vet who could help fill out the depth chart and provide leadership in the locker room.”
Boyd started eight games for the Titans and was targeted 57 times, five less than Thielen. However, the latter finished with more than 215 additional yards receiving and five touchdowns compared to Boyd’s zero.
Boyd would likely be a backup behind Thielen, but his past production suggests he could be a solid rotational option. Given that he’s projected to cost just over $2 million on a one-year deal, it could be a smart, low-risk move for Carolina.