NFL free agency: Panthers’ biggest remaining roster needs after defensive signing surge
The Carolina Panthers focused on their defense and special teams during the early days of contract negotiations ahead of free agency. But with the market set to open in earnest at 4 p.m. Wednesday, GM Dan Morgan and EVP of Football Operations Brandt Tilis still have some work to do.
The front office has added — via contract agreements — safety Tre’von Moehrig, linebacker Patrick Jones II, punter Sam Martin and defensive linemen Tershawn Wharton and Bobby Brown III. The team also re-signed starting cornerback Mike Jackson, tight end Tommy Tremble and offensive linemen Austin Corbett and Brady Christensen in the days before the start of free agency.
Still, the roster has holes worth filling in all three phases. While those moves won’t all be plugged in during free agency, there are some notable veterans that are sticking around the open market.
Here are the Panthers’ biggest remaining needs as the team enters free agency:
Safety: The Panthers have just two players at the position entering the middle of the week: Moehrig and second-year DB Demani Richardson. While Moehrig, based on his contract, is the crown jewel of the Panthers’ free-agent haul, Richardson is still a bit of a mystery. At best, the Panthers need at least three more players at safety, with at least one of them being good enough to compete with Richardson for a starting job. It’s pretty likely the Panthers add another external free agent at the position before the NFL Draft.
Outside linebacker: The Panthers brought in Jones to raise the floor of the depth chart on the edge. Jones, D.J. Wonnum and Jadeveon Clowney are currently the top three players on the depth chart. From there, the unit has D.J. Johnson and not much else. And one could argue that Johnson will need to have a very strong summer to stick around for a third year. The Panthers need to get better here, whether in free agency or the draft.
Running back: Carolina cut veteran running back Miles Sanders on Tuesday. While Sanders was a disappointment during his two years in Charlotte, his release leaves the depth chart pretty light behind Chuba Hubbard. The Panthers only have Hubbard, Jonathon Brooks (coming off a second ACL surgery in as many offseasons) and Emani Bailey on the depth chart. There are plenty of options available in free agency at the running back position.
Wide receiver: The Panthers like the trio of Adam Thielen, Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker, but they simply aren’t good enough to contend as a starting group. The Panthers need to raise the ceiling and the floor at the position, similar to the way they double dipped on defensive linemen on Monday. The options were somewhat limited in free agency at the position, but Carolina might have some hope coming in the draft or the trade market down the line.
Tight end: While Tremble is back in the mix, the Panthers have him, Ja’Tavion Sanders and Jordan Matthews as players of note at the position. Matthews, by the way, hasn’t caught a regular-season pass in several years. So, the Panthers might want to look at the free-agent or trade markets to add depth before the draft. That said, the rookie class at tight end is considered to be major strength of the incoming NFL talent.
Cornerback: Jackson and Jaycee Horn make up a strong pair of starters for the secondary. However, the nickel position is a bit of a mystery with second-year DB Chau Smith-Wade currently penciled into it. The rest of the group is filled with unknowns, and the Panthers could afford to bring in a proven commodity on a one-year deal to expand the experience in the room. Insurance, especially with Horn, is necessary.
Inside linebacker: There isn’t much to write home about behind starters Josey Jewell and Trevin Wallace. Claudin Cherelus, last year’s third inside linebacker for much of the season, is coming off toe surgery. Special teams ace Jon Rhattigan, while strong in his role, was rarely used on defense last year. Upgrades are necessary at this position, whether in the draft or in free agency. (Update: The Panthers agreed to terms with LB Christian Rozeboom on Wednesday.)
Kicker: The team signed Matthew Wright to compete this summer. But with Eddy Piñeiro likely headed elsewhere, the Panthers need to push Wright with a talented specialist.
Kick/punt returner: Raheem Blackshear was fine in his role as a returner last year. However, the Panthers need to do better in that department this season. Blackshear, of note, is also a pending restricted free agent. Though, the expectation is that he won’t be tendered on Wednesday and will become an unrestricted free agent.
This story was originally published March 12, 2025 at 5:00 AM.
