Panthers free agency tracker: Bradley Bozeman re-signs, key defensive players agree to terms
As the NFL’s legal tampering period began on Monday at noon, the Carolina Panthers wasted little time signing multiple free agents at key positions of need.
The two-day negotiating window started with Carolina agreeing to terms with New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Shy Little. A few hours later, former Cincinnati Bengals safety Vonn Bell agreed to a contract with the Panthers. The team also announced it re-signed center Bradley Bozeman and tendered restricted free agent safety Sam Franklin.
Several free agents signed elsewhere that will influence the Panthers’ off-season plans, most notably quarterback Sam Darnold who is reportedly joining the San Francisco 49ers. No deals can become official until 4 p.m. on Wednesday, when the new league year begins.
Let’s break down what it all means for the Panthers after Day 1 of NFL free agency. Here is an updated list of the Panthers’ free-agent moves.
Free agents joining the Panthers
S Vonn Bell
Carolina reached a contract agreement with Bell on Monday, a league source confirmed to The Observer.
Bell joining the Panthers’ defense signals a few things about how new defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero is crafting his unit. First, Bell will likely play alongside fellow safeties Xavier Woods and Jeremy Chinn. The Panthers’ base defense could feature three starting safeties, allowing Chinn to play closer to the line of scrimmage as a hybrid linebacker and rover player.
With Woods at free safety, Bell at strong safety, and Chinn as an additional defensive back, Carolina can remain versatile while still being stout enough to defend the run. Bell, 28, was a pillar of the Bengals’ defense during the past three seasons. Bell played more defensive snaps (1,024) than any other Bengal last season. He’s a hard-hitting, down-hill safety with a quick trigger thanks to his dedication to film study and familiarity with two-high safety schemes.
Bell recorded four interceptions this season and also blitzed 30 times.
DT Shy Tuttle
Tuttle is a 6-foot-3, 300-pound defense tackle who is capable of playing both nose tackle and the three-technique. He projects as a starter alongside fellow defensive tackle Derrick Brown. Tuttle played four years with the Saints after going undrafted in 2019 and helped New Orleans finish with a top-10 run defense in 2020 and 2021.
He’ll play as an early-down run defender. Tuttle has never played more than 49% of a team’s defensive snaps, meaning he comes off the field in obvious passing situations like third down and two-minute drills.
Players leaving the Panthers for other teams
QB Sam Darnold
The San Francisco 49ers agreed to a one-year deal with quarterback Sam Darnold, according to a report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Darnold was in the mix to return to Carolina as a veteran presence in what will be a young Panthers quarterback room. But he has an opportunity to start for the 49ers and should compete with Trey Lance and Brock Purdy. Darnold likely earned ringing endorsements from San Francisco running back Christian McCaffrey and new defensive coordinator Steve Wilks.
With Darnold off the market and Jimmy Garoppolo signing with the Las Vegas Raiders, the veteran quarterback market is shrinking. Quarterbacks Case Keenum (Texans), Mike White (Dolphins), and Jarrett Stidham (Broncos) all signed with new teams as well.
Free agent Jacoby Brissett is still available and spent three seasons with Panthers head coach Frank Reich while both were in Indianapolis.
Free agents re-signed by the Panthers
C Bradley Bozeman
Late Monday night, the team announced Bozeman’s re-signing. His return ensures all five starting offensive linemen from last season’s team will be back.
Before the deal was announced, The Observer’s Mike Kaye reported that the price range for available centers is settling below expectations. Centers who are looking for about $10 million per year would likely have to have to compromise for around $6 million APY (average per year).
Hours later, Bozeman and the Panthers agreed to a three-year deal worth $18 million.
Signing Bozeman to a fair deal is ideal for Carolina. The team prioritized Bozeman more than running back D’Onta Foreman, though general manager Scott Fitterer has made clear he’d like to retain both.
S Sam Franklin
Franklin is returning to the Panthers on a one-year, $2.6 million deal. As a restricted free agent, the Panthers can match any offer sheet Franklin receives.
Last season, Franklin led the Panthers in special teams tackles and was the third unit’s nominee for the Pro Bowl. He has quickly become a favorite among his teammates and coaches. Franklin’s work on special teams led to an enhanced role on defense.
He played a career-high 36 defensive snaps in Week 12 versus Denver, helping Carolina win. He’ll remain a special teams ace while having an opportunity to expand his defensive role under Evero.
Panthers free agents who haven’t signed yet
Several key Panthers starters from last season remain on the market. Panthers.com reported that the team made offers to running back D’Onta Foreman and Bozeman ahead of Monday. Foreman remains available while Bozeman signed late Monday night.
The team signing Tuttle could signal defensive tackle Matthew Ioannidis is unlikely to return. Carolina has kicker Zane Gonzalez under contract for next season but could still re-sign Eddy Piñeiro, the league’s leader in field goal percentage last seaosn.
Thirteen Panthers remain unsigned:
RB D’Onta Foreman
DT Matthew Ioannidis
K Eddy Piñeiro
OT Cam Erving
WR/KR Andre Roberts
WR Rashard Higgins
G Michael Jordan
LB Cory Littleton
S Sean Chandler
CB T.J. Carrie
DE Henry Anderson
S Juston Burris
LB Joel Iyiegbuniwe
This story was originally published March 14, 2023 at 7:00 AM.
