Panthers Shift Focus to Free Agency After NFL Combine

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Carolina Panthers are quickly transitioning from the NFL Combine to free agency preparations as they seek to bolster their roster. Fresh off a week in Indianapolis, general manager Dan Morgan, head coach Dave Canales, and VP of football operations Brandt Tilis are eyeing potential acquisitions to enhance a defense that set a dubious record in 2024 by allowing the most points in NFL history.

Despite not having significant salary cap room, ranked 22nd among the 32 teams, the Panthers are committed to filling crucial gaps. The goal is to adopt a best-player-available philosophy heading into the draft, which begins in April. “We are open to trying to make any moves at every position,” Canales said at the combine. “We’re always looking for impact players, whether they come from development, free agency, the draft, or trades.”

With that in mind, The Athletic has identified five potential free-agent targets for the Panthers to address their pressing needs across various positions. These include guards Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis, along with cornerback Dane Jackson, who previously had a brief stint with the team. Other notable targets include pass rushers Josh Sweat from Philadelphia and Chase Young from New Orleans, as well as Baron Browning of Arizona.

Josh Sweat showcased his capabilities during the Super Bowl, pressuring Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes and providing a strong case for a lucrative contract. Alongside established pass rushers Jadeveon Clowney and D.J. Wonnum, the Panthers are in need of a third to ease Clowney’s workload, especially as his future beyond the 2025 season remains uncertain.

Chase Young, the second overall pick in 2020, ranked ninth in the league with 66 pressures last season despite a modest total of 5.5 sacks. Browning, who had a productive stint with the Denver Broncos before his performances dipped, might appeal to Carolina due to his connection with defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero.

In the interior defensive line, the Panthers will likely explore options such as Milton Williams and D.J. Jones. Both players excelled in their respective roles during the Super Bowl and represent potential upgrades to a front that allowed 3,000 rushing yards in 2024, becoming just the fourth team in NFL history to do so. Jones, along with Poona Ford and Jarran Reed, could help solidify the three-man front.

The secondary is another area where Carolina could make significant changes. Safety options include Jevon Holland from Miami and Justin Reid from Kansas City. Holland was among the NFL’s highest-graded safeties in his first three seasons but had a decrease in production last year due to multiple coaching changes.

Additionally, the Panthers are on the hunt for cornerback depth, particularly to replace Dane Jackson. Potential targets include Byron Murphy and Carlton Davis, each of whom has proven reliability in their respective roles.

Wide receiver will likely remain a lower priority, but players like Chris Godwin and Darius Slayton could be under consideration. Their familiarity with Canales’ offensive system could prove beneficial, although it’s more probable the Panthers will focus on filling key defensive positions before addressing the receiving core.

As free agency approaches, the Panthers are poised to make calculated moves to enhance their team, ultimately aiming for a more formidable defense as they gear up for the 2025 NFL season.