Bank of America Stadium | Carolina Panthers
Bank of America Stadium | Carolina Panthers
With the start of the new league year, the Carolina Panthers have begun making significant moves to strengthen their roster. The team has reached agreements with four free agents as part of general manager Dan Morgan's strategy to enhance their defensive lineup. This follows a similar approach taken last year with the offensive line.
The Panthers have agreed to terms with defensive tackles Tershawn Wharton and Bobby Brown III, outside linebacker Patrick Jones II, and safety Tre'von Moehrig. However, these deals will only be finalized once the players arrive in Charlotte to sign their contracts.
The team's focus on bolstering their defense comes after struggles in previous seasons, particularly against the run. With Wharton and Brown joining Derrick Brown and A'Shawn Robinson, along with holdovers like Shy Tuttle, LaBryan Ray, and Jaden Crumedy, there is an expectation for increased competition and depth in the defensive front.
Tershawn Wharton brings experience from his time with the Chiefs, where he recorded 6.5 sacks last season. Originally an undrafted rookie from Missouri S&T, Wharton has played in 72 games and accumulated 13.5 career sacks. Bobby Brown III adds size to the lineup; he started 16 games for the Rams last season and made 44 tackles.
Patrick Jones II had a productive season with seven sacks for the Vikings and will join former teammate D.J. Wonnum at Carolina. Tre'von Moehrig comes from Las Vegas with a record of 104 tackles last season and six interceptions over four years.
In addition to these new acquisitions, the Panthers have secured former Bills punter Sam Martin and retained several of their own free agents including quarterback Andy Dalton and offensive linemen Austin Corbett, Brady Christensen, and Cade Mays among others. Notably, they extended cornerback Jaycee Horn's contract through 2029.
Meanwhile, some Panthers free agents have found new teams: safety Lonnie Johnson has signed with Las Vegas while safety Xavier Woods and punter Johnny Hekker are moving to Tennessee.
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