With the flurry of free agency over, it is time to take a look back at how the Carolina Panthers have helped or hurt the team ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft. 

Free agency was all about finding "playmakers," Panthers general manager Dan Morgan said when he was first hired at the start of the offseason. 

In many ways he did. However, in several ways, he still came up short. With all that being said, let's look at some free agency grades for the Panthers. 

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Panthers' trades

Panthers traded away: Brian Burns to the New York Giants and a 2024 fifth-round pick (166th overall). 

Panthers received: a 2024 second-round pick (39th overall), a 2024 fifth-round pick (141st overall), a 2025 fifth-round pick

Analysis: This was a deal that stunk of desperation. The Panthers could have traded Burns a season ago and received far more than what they received from the Giants in dealing a Pro Bowl-caliber outside linebacker. However, we can't adjudicate the past. The Panthers made the decision they made with Burns and now they pay the price. 

Grade: F

READ MORE: "Brian Burns trade is the first step toward fixing Bryce Young and the Panthers."

Panthers trade away: CB Donte Jackson and 2024 sixth-round pick (178th overall) to the Pittsburgh Steelers. 

Panthers receive: WR Diontae Johnson and a 2024 seventh-round pick (240th overall).

Analysis: Carolina needed a good wide receiver. That is exactly what they got in landing Johnson for Jackson in a trade. The Panthers were planning to cut Jackson if a trade partner couldn't be found. Morgan somehow turned him into a speedy wide receiver, who has a history of being consistent when paired with competent quarterback play. 

Grade: B

READ MORE: "Diontae Johnson shows exactly what Carolina Panthers fans want to see following major trade."

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Panthers' free agent signings

Player: Guard Robert Hunt

Deal: Five-year, $100 million

Analysis: The Panthers needed to protect Bryce Young. That is why they went out and paid a premium for Hunt. It hasn't always led to wins directly. But it is clear that the Panthers are following the New Orleans Saints' model for success with a smaller quarterback – protect them with great offensive line play. Hunt gave up one sack and three pressures in 2023. Young must be celebrating. 

Grade: A

Player: Guard Damien Lewis

Deal: Four-year, $53 million

Analysis: The signing of Lewis shows that the Panthers are all in on building the team from the front life out. Signing Lewis doubled up on the addition of a big guard. He has allowed only seven sacks in nearly 1,700 pass-block snaps the past three seasons.

Grade: B-plus

Player: Defensive tackle A’Shawn Robinson

Deal: Three-year, $22.5 million

Analysis: Robinson isn't much of a pass-rush threat. But he does eat up the run. He also has ties to defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero, whom he played for in 2021. Robinson will compliment Derrick Brown, who the Panthers plan on extending during the 2024 NFL season.  

Grade: B-minus

Player: Linebacker Josey Jewell

Deal: Three-year, $18.75 million

Analysis: Jewell wasn't the Panthers' first option at linebacker, but he is a good one. He is also a player who has ties to Evero. Jewell's most productive season came in 2022 when Evero was the Denver Broncos' defensive coordinator. Now, he gets another chance to contribute to another Evero defense. 

Grade: C-plus

Player: Outside linebacker D.J. Wonnum

Deal: Two-year, $12.5 million

Analysis: Wonnum is a viable replacement for Burns at a relatively cheaper price. At 26 years old, he has high potential and big play tendencies. Though the Panthers looked tied to Burns, after trading him, finding a replacement came relatively easy for the Panthers. 

Grade: A 

READ MORE: "Carolina Panthers roster is already better than it was a year ago with the signing of Wonnum."

Player: Cornerback Dane Jackson

Deal: Two-year, $8.5 million

Analysis: Jackson and Morgan have ties to each other that date back to 2020. The Panthers signing him to a two-year deal adds depth to the cornerback position, which is critical to Evero's plan for success. However, he may lack the talent to compete for a starting spot. 

Grade: C-minus

READ MORE: "Panthers bolster secondary with the addition of former Bills CB Dane Jackson."

Player: Safety Jordan Fuller

Deal: One year, $5.25 million

Analysis: With Vonn Bell out the door, Fuller fills the absence seamlessly. Fuller knows Evero, the two were with each other when Evero was with the Los Angeles Rams. He is also coming off a career year with the Rams, collecting three interceptions and forcing three fumbles. 

Grade: B-plus 

Player: Outside linebacker K’Lavon Chaisson

Deal: One year, $5 million

Analysis: Chaisson is a bust. But the Panthers see a reclamation project in him. The deal does not have much commitment. However, it could pay off if Chaisson becomes the player he was initially expected to be when he was selected in the first round of the NFL draft. 

Grade: C-plus

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Panthers overall grade

It was a busy start to the 2024 NFL free agency period. The Panthers focused on adding defensive contributors and beefing up the offensive line. For Morgan's first go around, it wasn't half bad. 

Grade: B-plus

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