The Carolina Panthers are entering the free agent negotiating period with a clear plan to address team needs, general manager Dan Morgan said on March 9. Morgan, executive vice president of football operations Brandt Tilis, and head coach Dave Canales have emphasized a disciplined yet aggressive approach as they look to improve the roster.
This period is significant for the Panthers as they seek to build on their history of division titles and playoff appearances, according to the official website. The team’s leadership has shown in previous offseasons that they can quickly identify weaknesses and make targeted moves. For example, after struggling with offensive line protection in 2023, the Panthers signed guards Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis early in free agency, which led to a notable reduction in sacks allowed the following season.
Morgan said at the combine, “I mean, we’re aligned in the building. We have a plan. We’re going to stick to that plan. We’re going to stay disciplined. That doesn’t mean we’re not going to be aggressive and take swings, but you know, we’re going to be smart. We’re going to be calculated in what we do in our approach.” He added that he and his colleagues are always discussing ways to improve: “I think between myself, Brandt, and coach Canales, we’re always talking about the roster and ways to get better, and we do have to stay smart and disciplined. But again, that doesn’t mean we’re not going to be aggressive.”
Defensive improvements last year included signing several young players such as safety Tre’von Moehrig and defensive tackles Tershawn Wharton and Bobby Brown III. These moves helped elevate the defense from last place in points allowed up to 15th in the league.
Looking ahead, Morgan identified linebacker as a key position of need: “In terms of free agency in the draft, I think that’s a position that we’ll try to attack,” he said. “We’re looking for guys that…are leaders…playmakers…and culture fits for us.” Pass-rush is another area under consideration after finishing tied for 28th in sacks last season.
The Panthers play home games in downtown Charlotte, North Carolina according to their official website. They also extend their presence throughout North and South Carolina while supporting community outreach efforts across both states.
Ticket options including season tickets, single-game tickets, premium seating and fan experiences are available for fans interested in attending games according to information from their official website.
As free agency begins, Morgan said decisions will depend on market developments: “Again, we’ll see how it goes and see how it plays out…Cade [Mays] is a guy that we would want to bring back if it works out for both sides.” The coming days will reveal how quickly—and effectively—the Panthers can address their offseason priorities.
