The Carolina Panthers are now focusing on free agency and the upcoming draft after concluding their season. Key decisions need to be made regarding several players, and predictions are being made about which pending free agents will remain with the team.

Quarterback Andy Dalton, who played a vital mentoring role for Bryce Young, is expected to depart. Tight end Ian Thomas, known for his blocking skills, is predicted to re-sign. Similarly, Tommy Tremble is anticipated to stay, contributing as a solid backup tight end. Versatile offensive lineman Brady Christensen may be let go, while Austin Corbett, despite injury concerns, is likely to re-sign due to his leadership. Linebacker Shaq Thompson is also expected to re-sign, providing essential guidance on defense.

On the other hand, safety Xavier Woods is predicted to leave, while punter Johnny Hekker is expected to remain if he wishes to continue his career. However, kicker Eddy Pineiro may not reach a new agreement with the team. Other notable free agents include wide receiver David Moore and safety Jordan Fuller, among others.

The Carolina Panthers will head into Week 18 without their standout cornerback, Jaycee Horn, who has been ruled out due to a hip injury. Horn, the only Panthers player selected for the Pro Bowl this season, did not participate in practice throughout the week and also missed the previous game. Despite his absence, Horn's impressive 2024 season included 68 combined tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 13 pass defenses, and 1 interception, marking a significant milestone in his career.

With Horn sidelined, the Panthers will likely rely on cornerbacks Michael Jackson and Caleb Farley during their matchup against the Atlanta Falcons on January 5. The Panthers have also listed four other players as inactive for the game, including linebackers Amare Barno, DJ Johnson, and Josey Jewell, along with cornerback Lonnie Johnson. Notably, Jewell has been a key player for the Panthers, starting 12 games and recording 97 combined tackles this season.

As the Panthers prepare for the crucial game against the Falcons, they face additional injury concerns. Offensive tackle Robert Hunt is questionable due to a knee injury, while fellow offensive tackle Taylor Moton and defensive tackle A'Shawn Robinson are also uncertain after limited participation in practice. However, running back Miles Sanders has returned to full practice and is also listed as questionable.

The Falcons, needing a win to secure a playoff spot, will face the Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. They must win and hope for a loss from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to clinch their first postseason berth since 2017. The game is set to kick off at 1 pm ET, coinciding with the Buccaneers' matchup against the New Orleans Saints.

The Carolina Panthers faced a heavy defeat against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, ending the game at 48-14 and dropping their season record to 4-12. This loss not only signifies a challenging season for the Panthers but also inches them closer to a potential record for the most points allowed in a single season. Despite the overwhelming defeat, there were some bright spots worth noting.

Quarterback Bryce Young stood out as a significant positive for the Panthers. In his second year, Young demonstrated his growth by connecting well with veteran wide receiver Adam Thielen, completing several impressive passes, including two touchdown throws. Young's final stats of 15 completions on 28 attempts for 204 yards and a passer rating of 100.9 reflect his potential, despite the overall team struggles.

Thielen, at 34 years old, continues to be a reliable target, showcasing his skills as a route runner and pass catcher. He led the team with five receptions for 110 yards and two touchdowns, solidifying his role as the primary receiving threat. However, not all receivers fared as well; rookie Xavier Legette struggled to find his footing, managing only five catches for 28 yards on nine targets, indicating a disconnect with Young.

The running game also suffered, with Raheem Blackshear averaging just 2.5 yards per carry, lacking support from the injured running backs on the roster. Additionally, the defensive unit faced challenges, particularly in the secondary, where Caleb Farley struggled to contain star receiver Mike Evans, who had a standout performance with eight receptions and two touchdowns.

In a light-hearted moment during the game, a duck wandered onto the field, capturing attention and humor amidst the Panthers' struggles. The incident served as a reminder of the lightheartedness that can sometimes be found in the midst of a tough season.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are striving to keep their playoff hopes alive, needing assistance from the Atlanta Falcons while securing a strong lead against the Carolina Panthers with a score of 27-7 in the first half. The game began with a 2-yard touchdown reception by Mike Evans from quarterback Baker Mayfield, setting the tone for a dominant performance.

Rookie running back Bucky Irving made a significant impact, executing a 42-yard screen pass that brought the Buccaneers to the Carolina 1-yard line. Evans continued to shine, catching another pass for a touchdown, this time from just 1 yard out, as he faced off against Caleb Farley.

Before the halftime break, rookie wide receiver Jalen McMillan added to the scoreboard with a 10-yard touchdown reception, marking his fourth consecutive game with a touchdown, which ties him for the fourth longest streak by a rookie in NFL history. Evans' performance also stood out, as he recorded his 24th career game with multiple receiving touchdowns, equaling Davante Adams for the most such games since 2014. Furthermore, Irving's 1,377 scrimmage yards lead all NFL rookies, while Evans surpassed legends Tim Brown and Don Hutson in total touchdowns, now ranking 21st in NFL history.

The Carolina Panthers are preparing for their matchup against the Dallas Cowboys without rookie linebacker Trevin Wallace, who is sidelined due to a shoulder injury. Claudin Cherelus is set to start in his place alongside Josey Jewell.

Several players are listed as questionable, including Jadeveon Clowney, who has returned to practice, and Jaycee Horn, whose status remains uncertain. However, rookie wide receiver Jalen Coker is expected to return after missing three games, potentially impacting the team's target distribution.