The Carolina Panthers are looking to the Seattle Seahawks as a model for building a sustainable and successful football team, following the Seahawks’ recent Super Bowl victory. The approach taken by Seattle—balancing strong drafting with targeted free agency and trade moves—has caught the attention of Panthers management.
Seattle’s general manager John Schneider and head coach Mike Macdonald constructed a roster that did not rely on any single unit for success. Their team featured both an accomplished defense and an effective offense, including quarterback Sam Darnold, leading receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and running back Kenneth Walker, who was named Super Bowl MVP after rushing for 135 yards.
Panthers general manager Dan Morgan previously worked under Schneider in Seattle. Since joining Carolina, Morgan has used similar strategies: strengthening weak areas through free agency while focusing on drafting foundational players. For example, after identifying deficiencies on the interior line in 2023, he acquired guards Rob Hunt and Damien. The next year, to address run defense issues, Morgan invested in front-seven defenders and safety Tre’von.
Morgan’s draft picks have also been impactful; offensive rookie of the year Tetairoa McMillan is one such addition as the team seeks to improve its talent base.
Head coach Dave Canales also spent time with the Seahawks organization before coming to Carolina. He highlighted how Seattle succeeded in the Super Bowl through their running game: “Good things happen when you run the ball; you run the ball when good things happen,” said Canales. “It works both ways, and it’s a part of who we are.”
The article notes that while Carolina still has work ahead to reach Seattle’s level of stability and performance, their leadership is committed to patient building through smart acquisitions and player development.
Carolina plays its home games in downtown Charlotte, North Carolina (official website). Since forming as an NFL expansion franchise in 1995 representing both North and South Carolina (official website), they have earned multiple division titles and playoff appearances (official website). The organization places importance on fostering a championship culture while engaging with local communities across both states (official website).
As Morgan and Canales plan future moves for 2026 and beyond, they draw from a blueprint proven successful elsewhere. With careful decision-making over time, there is optimism that Carolina can achieve similar results.
“Good things happen when you run the ball; you run the ball when good things happen,” said Canales. “It works both ways, and it’s a part of who we are.”