Five takeaways from Dan Morgan as he wraps up the 2025 season and previews the Panthers future
Housekeeping Notes
Over the course of a nearly 40-minute press conference, there was plenty for Morgan to address. A few other notes of importance that arose on Tuesday:
— Morgan wanted to add to the offensive line even before Ikem Ekwonu’s injury, just to “keep our strengths strong” and stay ahead of a need by developing and creating a succession plan. But for now, “we feel good about our O-line.”
— Other than Ekwonu, Morgan doesn’t anticipate any major offseason surgeries needed, saying, “maybe a few guys here and there, but nothing really major.”
— Receiver Jalen Coker put on a show Saturday night against the Rams, finishing with nine receptions for 134 yards and a touchdown. Despite not playing in the first six games while rehabbing a quad injury, Coker finished his second season with 33 receptions for 394 yards, three touchdowns, and a two-point conversion. Canales told reporters on Sunday that Coker had solidified himself as a starter for next season.
“I’m really proud of Jalen, just another guy that has been through adversity with injuries and has overcome it, and a credit to him,” said Morgan.
Coker, who originally signed as an undrafted free agent out of college, is an exclusive rights free agent this offseason, meaning he will either be offered and accept a contract from the Panthers or not be offered a contract and become a free agent. As to whether that is a short-term deal for now, with an eye on the future, or a long-term deal locked in this offseason, Morgan knows he and executive vice president of football operations Brandt Tilis will have to decide soon.
“Jalen’s a prime example of that, just put the work in and he’s a resilient guy,” continued Morgan. “He came back, and he played great. So, in terms of the contract and stuff like that, again, me and Brandt are talking through timing on when to extend him and give him a deal. That’s all stuff we’re going to talk about.”
