After finishing the 2024 season with the NFL’s worst defense, the Carolina Panthers entered the offseason with a clear mission: overhaul the defense. And that’s exactly what general manager Dan Morgan did — in emphatic fashion.
Morgan wasted no time in free agency, spending nearly $250 million to reinforce a faltering defense. The Panthers added defensive tackles Tershawn Wharton and Bobby Brown III, linebackers Pat Jones II and Christian Rozeboom, and safety Tre’Von Moehrig. Additionally, they retained key contributors Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson in the secondary. These bold moves not only upgrade the team’s defensive core but also grant Morgan increased flexibility heading into the 2025 NFL Draft.
Holding the No. 8 overall pick, the Panthers are now free to pivot from solely defensive needs and consider premium offensive weapons. Wide receivers like Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan or Texas’ Matthew Golden could be in play, as well as top tight end prospect Colston Loveland from Michigan — addressing a position Carolina has long struggled to fill.
Still, defense may remain the focus. Carolina allowed a staggering 31.4 points and 179.8 rushing yards per game last season. They also ranked near the bottom of the league with just 32 sacks. That makes Georgia’s edge rusher Jalon Walker a compelling option, offering immediate help to the pass rush. Linebacker Jihaad Campbell (Alabama) and cornerback Jahdae Barron (Texas) are also names to watch on the Panthers’ draft board.
Morgan, overseeing his second draft, emphasized the need to dominate the trenches. The team previously invested in guards Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis and re-signed center Austin Corbett to solidify the offensive line. Now, Morgan hopes to mirror that success on the defensive line. “You have to win the line of scrimmage,” he stated. “We’re building this defense to be tougher, more physical — and it starts up front.”
With multiple picks on Day 2 and three fifth-round selections, Carolina is well-positioned to maneuver up the draft board. A few smart trades could give them more bites at the apple in the second and third rounds.
While quarterback and running back are off the table — with Bryce Young showing signs of growth and veteran Andy Dalton re-signed — the team’s draft strategy will likely focus on edge rushers, cornerbacks, linebackers, and potentially a game-changing pass catcher. With a fortified defense and a young offense in development, the Panthers are quietly building a foundation for long-term success.