The Carolina Panthers suffered a disappointing season, as they finished with a poor 5-11 record. The already-terrible season got worse when Luke Kuchly announced his retirement from the NFL after eight successful years.

While it may seem like he's only walking away from the game, his retirement came at a time when there are key players entering free agency in the offseason. This raises the question of whether the team will blow it up and rebuild under new head coach Matt Rhule.

There are multiple signs that point towards this becoming a possibility. One of the signs involves team owner David Tepper during Rhule's introductory press conference. The owner claimed that he and his new head coach have shared visions for the club's future.

Per Pro Football Talk's Darin Gantt:

Article Continues Below
More Carolina Panthers News
Kyle Pitts photoshopped in Panthers jersey
Panthers trade proposal for Kyle Pitts amid Falcons trade rumorsBailey Bassett ·
Lathan Ransom, Panthers
3 Panthers hidden gems on 2025 roster you need to knowDouglas Fritz ·
image thumbnail
1 Carolina Panthers rookie who stood out most in 2025 minicampEnzo Flojo ·
Dec 20, 2021; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) exits the field after the game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images. Panthers Dave Canales raves about Renfrow.
Dave Canales’ Hunter Renfrow update will fire up Panthers fansMike Gianakos ·
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Xavier Legette (17) with the ball as Dallas Cowboys cornerback Amani Oruwariye (27) defefends in the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium.
Xavier Legette dishes on relationship with Panthers first-round pick Tetairoa McMillanBenjamin Adducchio ·
image thumbnail
Panthers’ riskiest move in 2025 NFL offseasonDouglas Fritz ·

“We have a shared vision,” Tepper said that afternoon. “We know it’s not going to be a fast process. We’re willing to build something for the long-term.

“Things could happen fast, and maybe they will because we’re so aligned. But we’re in a building process here, and sometimes you have to tear things down to build them up.”

Moreover, the future of Cam Newton with the team is up in the air. The signal-caller spent almost the entire season on the bench, and it wouldn't be surprising if the team does pull the plug on his time with the Panthers. Moreover, there is a large class of free agents surrounding the team, and the Panthers may decide to not renew any of them to the team.

If the Panthers do decide to rebuild, it ends a time of success that the team enjoyed under Ron Rivera. It may not bring the team to the desired place next season, but the Panthers should become good in the long run if their rebuild is a success.