South Charlotte Today

The Carolina Panthers have taken significant steps to improve their defense during the offseason, according to General Manager Dan Morgan. He outlined his strategy for free agency, emphasizing the need for players with specific qualities rather than focusing on positions.

"I think, ideally, you want those big, long, strong physical guys. It doesn't always turn out that way," Morgan said while discussing free agency with local media. "Maybe they don't have the height, but hey, they're strong, they're physical. They have other redeeming qualities that can outweigh a lack of something."

Following a challenging season in which the Panthers' defense set unwanted records for points and yards allowed, Morgan and Executive Vice President of Football Operations Brandt Tilis focused on strengthening both the defensive line and secondary. The team retained key players such as Mike Jackson and Jaycee Horn while also bringing back Derrick Brown from injury.

Morgan highlighted new additions like Patrick Jones II from the Vikings, Tershawn Wharton from the Chiefs, and Bobby Brown III as part of their effort to bolster the defensive front. "I think it's good. Obviously, the more depth that you have on the defensive side of the ball... it's going to keep guys fresh," he explained.

Bobby Brown III was specifically noted for his potential versatility and youth. "You look at his age; he's still so young... he has a lot of versatility from a position standpoint," Morgan stated.

Tershawn Wharton's talent was also recognized by Tilis due to their previous association in Kansas City. Tilis shared how Wharton made an impression during training camp: "He was so clearly one of our best players that we couldn't do it to the rest of our roster."

To address needs in the secondary, safety Tre'von Moehrig was brought in after a career year with 104 tackles. Morgan expressed optimism about Moehrig's versatility: "He can play deep but he's also really good moving him up into like the nickel position."

Despite these acquisitions, Morgan acknowledged more work is needed at safety: "In terms of a ball hawk on the backside... we're going to look for somebody."

With nine picks in the upcoming draft, including eight within the first five rounds and holding No. 8 overall pick, Morgan feels optimistic about future flexibility: "What we did in free agency is really going to allow us to have some flexibility in draft." He added: "We're far from done... We have nine picks and we're going go attack it."