The Carolina Panthers have officially opened their 2025 training camp, and all eyes are locked onto one of the most surprising, tension-filled battles unfolding on the field. As veterans report, rookies settle in, and coaches crank up the intensity, there’s one position fight drawing more attention than any other—and it might just decide how this team starts the season.
While the quarterback situation is settled with Bryce Young entering the year with full command of the offense, the same cannot be said for other key spots. And the most intriguing of them all? The battle at edge rusher. With Brian Burns gone to free agency and Frankie Luvu now the leader of the linebacker group, the door is wide open for a new star to emerge.
Enter third-year man DJ Johnson, returning with added bulk and improved technique, now facing off against a wave of younger talent hungry for a breakout. Among them is second-year defensive end Eku Leota and, notably, a hyped undrafted rookie who’s been turning heads in early reps.
But don’t overlook the coaching influence here. New defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero is known for creativity, and he’s implementing a scheme that rewards explosiveness, versatility, and intelligence. That means this isn’t just about strength—it’s about discipline, awareness, and decision-making in split seconds. Every drill has consequence. Every snap is a chance to earn reps—or lose them.
Coaches have remained tight-lipped about who’s in the lead, but observers at Wofford College say the difference between the top performers is razor-thin. The Panthers may have just found themselves in the middle of a three-man race where no one’s backing down.
This competition is so heated that even veterans on other parts of the roster have started commenting on it during media availability. One veteran lineman said, “I’ve never seen a camp open with this much fire, especially for that spot. Every play looks like a final audition.”
With the first preseason game just around the corner, the pressure is building. Fans are buzzing online, and Panthers Nation is waiting to see who rises to the moment. As Carolina prepares for a season of redemption, the identity of this team could hinge on which warrior wins this fight for…