The Carolina Panthers are up to something interesting this offseason, and it looks like they’re all in on giving Bryce Young the support he needs to shine. As they prep for the 2025 season, they’re making sure their squad has all the right pieces—and they just brought back a familiar face to help take things to the next level.
Raheem Blackshear is back! The Panthers have locked him in on a one-year deal, bringing the 26-year-old running back and return specialist back into the fold. Blackshear’s been with the Panthers for a minute now, and he’s proven himself in both the backfield and on special teams. Over the past three seasons, he’s notched 203 rushing yards and three touchdowns.
We have agreed to terms with Raheem Blackshear
Learn more https://t.co/iBzGso9VSS@Verizon | #KeepPounding pic.twitter.com/upmjGZ28OB
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) April 1, 2025
But it’s his kick-return game that really gets people talking—he racked up 791 yards last season, ranking second in the NFL, and added 8.5 yards per punt return.
Reid’s take: A masterclass in coaching on the fly
Kansas City’s Andy Reid couldn’t help but tip his hat to Dave Canales for his bold move with Bryce Young. During the AFC head coaches’ meeting, Reid, who’s no stranger to high-stakes decision-making, was all praises for how Canales handled a tricky situation. After a nail-biter against the Panthers that almost had him on the edge, Reid noted that benching a star first-round pick isn’t something you do lightly, but Canales managed to pull it off with style.
Reid was impressed by how Canales read the room—knowing exactly when to hit pause and let Bryce take a breather, only to come back swinging even stronger. “It’s tough to sideline someone with that much talent, but sometimes you’ve got to let them regroup,” Reid remarked. In his eyes, this was more than just a benching; it was a masterclass in managing player development under pressure, showing that even tough calls can lead to amazing comebacks.
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