The Athletic’s annual NFL agents survey has once again provided a revealing look at how various franchises are perceived by those who represent the players. This survey, which polled 31 sports agents, offers a fascinating contrast when compared to the NFLPA’s survey that directly polls the players. The differences in perception between these two groups can be stark, particularly when looking at the Kansas City Chiefs and the Carolina Panthers.
In the NFLPA survey, the Kansas City Chiefs were heavily criticized, receiving poor grades across multiple categories. They scored an F for their Training Staff, Nutrition/Dietician, and Team Travel, an F- for Ownership, and a D+ for Treatment of Families. These results painted a bleak picture of the organization from the players’ perspective, raising concerns about the team’s internal operations and how they treat those within their ranks.
However, the narrative shifts dramatically in The Athletic’s survey of NFL agents. Despite the harsh reviews from players, the Kansas City Chiefs received high praise from agents, who ranked them as the third-best-run franchise in the NFL. Agents highlighted the Chiefs’ Hall of Fame coach Andy Reid, General Manager Brett Veach, star tight end Travis Kelce, and the ownership under Clark Hunt as key factors in their success. Additionally, six agents noted that quarterback Patrick Mahomes would likely command over $100 million per year if he were to hit the free-agent market, underscoring his immense value.
RELATED: NFL Insider: Tensions High in Jets’ Locker Room as Aaron Rodgers Seen as ‘Not a Team Player
While the Chiefs were celebrated by agents, the Carolina Panthers emerged as the franchise in the most turmoil, earning the dubious distinction of being labeled the “most unstable” organization in the NFL. Nine agents singled out the Panthers as the most dysfunctional team, placing them ahead of the Las Vegas Raiders, who received seven votes, and the New York Jets, Jacksonville Jaguars, Dallas Cowboys, and Arizona Cardinals, each of whom received three votes.
One agent’s response encapsulated the general sentiment, stating, “The Panthers. Organizational stability comes from the owner, and the front office needs more time than the owner (David Tepper) gives. A strong QB can keep a team viable regardless of the front office, but what’s the plan?” Another agent echoed this concern, noting, “The Panthers. I think the headline for this section should be that for the first time in my career, most NFL organizations are relatively competent. I can only think of a few that aren’t run well, starting with Carolina because of Tepper’s involvement. They didn’t get a big haul in the Brian Burns trade, either.”
The criticism aimed at the Panthers highlights significant concerns about ownership and management under David Tepper. Tepper’s involvement in football operations and his perceived impatience with the front office have raised red flags for agents, who see these issues as major impediments to the team’s long-term success.
The failure to secure significant value in potential trades, such as the Brian Burns situation, further underscores the belief that the franchise is struggling to make sound strategic decisions.
For professional athletes, particularly those who reach free agency and have control over where they sign, these perceptions matter. Teams that are viewed as unstable or poorly managed are less likely to attract top-tier talent, especially for long-term deals.
The feedback from The Athletic’s NFL agents survey suggests that the Carolina Panthers have significant work to do if they hope to build a stable, competitive team capable of contending in the NFC South.
Without addressing these concerns, the Panthers risk remaining a franchise mired in mediocrity, unable to attract and retain the talent needed to achieve success on the field.
