Multiple insiders believe the Panthers will be aggressive during free agency pursuing upgrades for one specific unit
The Carolina Panthers are facing a very important offseason. They played much better in the second half of the 2024 season, coming up just short in several one possession games, and winning two of their final three. Carolina will look to make significant progress next season, and that starts with giving its roster an infusion […]
The Carolina Panthers are facing a very important offseason.
They played much better in the second half of the 2024 season, coming up just short in several one possession games, and winning two of their final three. Carolina will look to make significant progress next season, and that starts with giving its roster an infusion of top end talent.
According to NFL insiders Dan Graziano and Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, the Panthers are expected to be aggressive in pursuing upgrades on the defensive side of the ball during free agency. Graziano named some potential targets who Carolina could be going after.
"Expect the Panthers to be seeking big-name players in free agency," Graziano said. "I think Carolina could be in on the top safeties — Jevon Holland, Camryn Bynum, etc. — and might be one of the teams willing to spend big to lure defensive tackle Milton Williams away from the Super Bowl champion Eagles. The Panthers will also look to add edge rush help, with Chase Young being one of the intriguing options there.
Fowler added that the Panthers will also take care of one of their own cornerstone defensive pieces.
"I'm hearing the same sort of stuff on the Panthers, and they also want to complete an extension with star corner Jaycee Horn sooner rather than later," Fowler said. "That market is due for an explosion, with looming deals for Derek Stingley Jr. and Sauce Gardner. So the Panthers are working to get ahead of that."
After ranking dead last in total defense in 2024, the unit could definitely use a makeover. The front seven specifically needs to be upgraded, as Carolina finished 32nd against the run and 29th in sacks with just 32. If the Panthers could land Milton or Young, or perhaps both, to pair with the returning defensive end Derrick Brown, they could suddenly have a one of the most talented defensive fronts in the league.
