Just in: The Carolina Panthers are advised to think about adding a cheap free agent.
This offseason, Dan Morgan has conducted business as usual. A well-defined strategy was implemented, focusing on providing quarterback Bryce Young with additional support. Although it was required, there are concerns about the defense’s potential performance with such a big shift in investments.
Ejiro Evero, Carolina’s defensive coordinator, is expected to accomplish more with less. Things are in a perilous position, particularly if certain well-known celebrities continue to experience the same injury difficulties. It helps to find veterans who have prior experience with his schematic needs, although this is only partially effective.
On the margin, this bears greater relevance. Brian Burns was traded by the Panthers to the New York Giants. In free agency, they lost Frankie Luvu and Yetur Gross-Matos. From the experienced pool, Morgan signed Jadeveon Clowney, D.J. Wonnum, and K’Lavon Chaisson; however, it remains to be seen if they can replace the output that was lost.
Morgan has not finished rearranging the roster. According to the general manager, their first objective will be to be active on the waiver wire. Additionally, if the proper possibilities present themselves, Carolina has $6.88 million in salary-cap room to cover any remaining shortfalls.
The Bleacher Report’s scouting department identified one bargain-basement free agent remaining on the market whom they thought the Panthers should pursue. Although Markus Golden is firmly in his career twilight, this could be a decent short-term solution that provides an upgrade in depth at the very least.
“Defensively, the [Carolina] Panthers need to find more pieces to replace the production of Brian Burns, who was traded early in the offseason. Jadeveon Clowney will help, but consistency has never been his biggest asset. Markus Golden, who produced four sacks with the [Pittsburgh] Steelers last season, is another potential bargain option to consider.”
Golden has gone over double-digit sacks three times during his prolific career. He’s had ups and downs like most players, but gaining four quarterback takedowns from 22 percent of Pittsburgh’s defensive snaps last season indicates there could be some good football left in the right environment.
Of course, there is an element of risk attached. One only has to look at how things went with Justin Houston last season to see how these moves could go either way. Morgan was around to see that first-hand, so giving those already around an opportunity to flourish with additional responsibilities before deciding on any further action could be a realistic course of action.
It’s not just edge-rushing possibilities the Panthers must examine. They are in desperate need of cornerback help, but there’s been no movement on the Stephon Gilmore front after both sides appeared to show mutual interest before the 2024 NFL Draft.
Relying on Clowney and Wonnum won’t be enough. Unless someone like Chaisson or D.J. Johnson makes monumental strides forward in the coming months, it would be a big surprise if Morgan didn’t bring in another capable body. Anything less would be organizational malpractice.
Golden might be a possibility if the price is right. At the same time, the former second-round selection out of Missouri might be waiting around for a team with better chances of contending in 2024.
Regardless of which way it goes, the Panthers cannot afford to regress when it comes to putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks. After all, the last thing Morgan needs is skepticism around his personnel decisions when positivity is so high right now.
