If the object of the 2023 season for the Carolina Panthers is making the NFL Playoffs, some roster improvements still need to be made. 

One of those improvement areas is pass rush opposite Brian Burns. 

Though the team's general manager Scott Fitterer believes in players like Marquis Haynes Sr. and Yetur Gross-Matos, that hasn't stopped him from exploring alternative options that could add depth and contribute to winning right away. 

"We like it, but we always need to add more," Fitterer said of the current outside linebacker group. "You can never have enough pass rush. So if there's a pass rusher out there that upgrades our roster, we're going to pursue that. That's just our style. We're aggressive and we're always looking to add."

On the market still are names that include Jadeveon Clowney, Justin Houston, Carlos Dunlap, and Robert Quinn. If the Panthers are looking for a veteran pass rusher, that is what they will find. Most pass rushers still on the market are in the twilight years of their careers. 

But, arguably before the Panthers can look to navigate adding a pass rusher, the organization should try to work out a long-term extension from its lone Pro Bowl representative last season in Burns. 

Fitterer said the goal remains to bring Burns, who is in the final year of his rookie contract, back on a long-term extension, but the two sides haven't found the right deal. 

"They've been good conversations," Fitterer said Tuesday of discussions with Burns' agent. "It's not like we have to say it has to be done by this time or that time. We just keep talking. And when the time's right, and we make a deal that's right for him and right for us, that'd be great.

"He's a big part of the organization. We love having Brian around. He's really grown as a leader. Not just as a player but as a leader. He's one of those guys you just love being around."

What is shocking about Burns' situation is that despite the current contract dispute, he still chose to show up to training camp. He says it's because he missed being around his teammates and playing football, but it also shows his leadership. Though it's not a crime for a player to hold out, seeking to get paid what they are worth, Burns choosing to play when he didn't have to, is representative of his approach to football and the organization. He will never short the Panthers on effort. 

"I was going to show up," Burns said. I would say mainly just because I missed it. I missed being with my defense.

"And I kind of feel like what we've got going is bigger than – I don't want to say it's bigger than my individual goals, because those matter, of course – but I feel like what we've got building is bigger than that. And I feel like I'm a key piece to what we need to get done. So I feel like I need to be here. Whether or not I'm going through negotiations, or whatever."

The Panthers may not be done adding to the pass rush. And Burns isn't done showing the organization how he is the unquestioned leader of the defense with an unquestionable attitude. 

NFC South up for grabs: Panthers will try to claim the division as their own

There is a noticeable optimism with the Carolina Panthers.

Panthers double-down, Bryce Young is the starter for the foreseeable future

As if everyone didn’t already know.

Feature image via Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports.