On the eve of the first full-squad workout at the new practice facility behind Bank of America Stadium, Carolina Panthers general manager Dan Morgan on Tuesday addressed several training camp issues, some of which “keep me up at night.” Among the details that help lead Morgan to sleep deprivation include risky decisions on compiling competitive depth through free agency. And scouring the NFL landscape for a pass-rush specialist opposite Jadeveon Clowney. It’s enough to keep any GM up throughout the night.
“I’m not going to put any expectations on anything right now,” Morgan said during Tuesday’s press conference. “What I do know is that there is a lot of work ahead of us. Not only from a personnel standpoint, but the players. The players know that they have to put the work in out there. We have a lot of new players that have to jell out there together and become a team. In terms of playoffs, we’ll reach that when we’re ready. I think right now we’re focused on today, tomorrow, and just trying to get better as a team and an organization.”
With @Panthers first full-squad training camp workout Wednesday, workers were putting the final touches on new @NFL practice facility Tuesday … pic.twitter.com/hswlDunv3E
— Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) July 23, 2024
Panthers GM Dan Morgan Seeking Changes
With former All-Pro cornerback Stephon Gilmore remaining on the free-agent wire, Morgan was asked Tuesday if there was any progress to report. Nope. The sides have been linked since Clowney signed his homecoming deal March 27. Rock Hill, S.C., natives, Gilmore and Clowney were teammates in high school and college (South Carolina). Clowney hinted in June that contract figures could be a hurdle in his friend returning to the Panthers.
“I think with all free agents that are on the street, we contact all free agents out on the street,” Morgan said. “Get their status, see where they’re at, from a money perspective.” The 2019 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, Gilmore is entering his age 34 season and remains one of the top free-agent targets still on the market. The Panthers enter training camp with Jaycee Horn and Dane Jackson as the presumptive starters.
When asked about the status of his long-time friend and part-time training partner, Clowney said they speak often, but not much lately on the possibility of reuniting as teammates. “I stay out of their way,” he said with a grin. “I’m looking forward to seeing where he ends up.”
@Panthers OLB Jadeveon Clowney continues the recruitment of @NFL sidekick Stephon Gilmore … #KeepPounding pic.twitter.com/W17tpvN91O
— Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) July 23, 2024
Morgan Counting On Pass-Rush Package To Emerge
Lost in last season’s 2-15 debacle was the defensive effort the Panthers displayed under the direction of defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero. Making the switch to a 3-4 defense, the Panthers, despite failing to generate a consistent pass rush, surrendered 293.9 yards per game, fourth best in the league. While the offensive coaching staff was gutted last season, Evero’s group remained virtually untouched.
Despite employing Brian Burns on the edge last season, the Panthers produced just 27 total sacks. Distracted by the drama of a season-long contract squabble, Burns collected eight sacks, but otherwise failed to generate many impact plays. He was traded to the New York Giants for pennies on the dollar in trade value. But the deal unshackled Morgan financially. Instead of being pinned with an approximate $25 million salary-cap hit over several seasons, he filled various holes, including Clowney’s two-year deal.
If healthy, Clowney could aid the Panthers’ pass-rush woes. To balance Evero’s defense, a second outside linebacker needs to become a sack threat. Morgan listed a few prospects who could seize a starting spot during the preseason. First, though, they need to perform when the pads come on in training camp.
“Yeah, I mean, DJ Johnson,” Morgan replied. “Drafted him last year. He’s a big, physical guy. Eku Leota, another guy that when he had his opportunities last year, he came in and he played good for us. K’Lavon Chaisson, we signed him to a one-year deal. High draft pick, a guy that we’re excited about that maybe people are sleeping on.”
Sleeping? Certainly not Morgan.
@Panthers GM Dan Morgan on his late-night thoughts building an @NFL roster … #KeepPounding pic.twitter.com/zcoJzoRjQ9
— Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) July 24, 2024
Main Image: Jim Dedmon – USA Today Sports
