Carolina Panthers sign middle linebacker Denzel Perryman in NFL free agency
The Carolina Panthers have begun to address the defensive side of the ball.
Middle linebacker Denzel Perryman is signing a two-year deal with the Panthers, per multiple league sources. Perryman, 28, had previously been with the Los Angeles Chargers organization since he was drafted in the second round of the 2015 NFL draft out of Miami.
He has never played a full 16-game season, having dealt with a variety of injuries throughout his career. Staying on the field will be one of the biggest question marks for Perryman, who has never played 500 defensive snaps in a season. In 2019, he signed a two-year, $12.05 million extension with the Chargers, but elected to explore free agency this offseason.
Perryman is coming off of one of the lowest statistical seasons of his career, finishing 2020 with 48 tackles, one sack, three tackles for loss and two quarterback hits while playing in 13 games and starting six. Pro Football Focus, however, awarded him the best grade of his career in 2020 (83.3 out of 100). The linebacker had only three missed tackles and 22 stops, per PFF.
In his six seasons with the Chargers, he totaled 349 tackles, five sacks, 26 tackles for loss and three interceptions. Perryman is known as a tough run stopper and someone who brings an energy to the field. His coverage skills also improved last year.
Perryman will replace veteran Tahir Whitehead, who is an unrestricted free agent and ended the season on the bench. Whitehead’s one year with the Panthers did not work out overall. He earned $2.5 million, while starting nine games and playing in 14. Whitehead had 51 tackles, one interception and zero sacks.
The Panthers were missing a linebacker who had the capability to go sideline-to-sideline and play more than one role, which would come in useful in coordinator Phil Snow’s defense, especially with hybrid defender Jeremy Chinn, who may be in line to play more safety this upcoming season.
The team continues to try and fill the hole left behind by Luke Kuechly’s retirement following the 2019 season. Although Perryman may not be a long-term solution, he will fill a void on the roster and provide some much needed help in stopping the run. Linebacker Jermaine Carter filled in at Whitehead’s spot after he was benched and earned praise from head coach Matt Rhule at the conclusion of the 2020 season. He will compete for playing time, as well.
Perryman joins outside linebacker Haason Reddick and defensive lineman Morgan Fox as the first defensive players the Panthers added in free agency this year. The team previously agreed to deals with two offensive linemen — guard/center Pat Elflein and tackle Cam Erving.
This story was originally published March 17, 2021 at 4:10 PM.
