{"id":269969,"date":"2026-03-24T12:14:47","date_gmt":"2026-03-24T16:14:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/?p=269969"},"modified":"2026-03-24T12:14:47","modified_gmt":"2026-03-24T16:14:47","slug":"carolina-panthers-team-needs-after-free-agency-4-key-areas-to-fix","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2026\/03\/24\/carolina-panthers-team-needs-after-free-agency-4-key-areas-to-fix\/","title":{"rendered":"Carolina Panthers Team Needs After Free Agency: 4 Key Areas to Fix"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Carolina Panthers have been one of the most aggressive teams this offseason. They\u2019ve made noise early with a clear intent to take the next step.\u00a0 Many analysts and podcasts have praised Dan Morgan<\/span><\/span><\/a> and the front office. They have attacked their needs head-on rather than sit back and wait.<\/p>\n

Moves like adding Jaelan Phillips<\/span><\/span><\/a> and Devin Lloyd<\/span><\/span> <\/a>have helped address key areas on defense. While other additions have quietly reinforced depth across the roster.<\/p>\n

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More importantly, this approach has given Carolina something it hasn\u2019t always had: flexibility.<\/p>\n

They\u2019ve avoided being pigeonholed into drafting for need at one position.
That flexibility matters. With time still left before the draft and the possibility of another surprise free agent addition, the Panthers are in a strong spot.<\/p>\n

But even with all the early momentum, this roster is far from complete.<\/p>\n

So, as the next phase of the offseason approaches, here are the key areas Carolina can still improve.<\/p>\n

Edge Rusher: Depth and a Difference Maker<\/h2>\n

The Panthers are clearly focused on improving one of their biggest weaknesses from last season, getting after the quarterback.<\/p>\n

Signing Jaelan Phillips was a major step in the right direction. He\u2019s also a perfect fit for Ejiro Evero\u2019s<\/a> defense. While the team has also made moves to improve the offense, it\u2019s the defense that will ultimately raise this team\u2019s margin for error and allow it to compete at a higher level.<\/p>\n

Improving the pass rush is central to that goal.<\/p>\n

Phillips gives Carolina a much-needed boost, but the Panthers will still need a consistent edge presence. Injuries and inconsistency have made it difficult to rely on one player to anchor the pass rush over a full season.<\/p>\n

The good news? There are still quality options available in free agency, giving Carolina an opportunity to continue strengthening this unit before the draft.<\/p>\n

If the Panthers want to take the next step defensively, they need another player who can consistently win one-on-one matchups and help close out games late.<\/p>\n

Potential Free Agent Fits:<\/strong>
Haason Reddick, Jadeveon Clowney, Joey Bosa<\/p>\n

Potential Draft Targets:<\/strong>
Zion Young, Dani Dennis-Sutton, Romello Height<\/p>\n

Potential Trade Targets:<\/strong>
Kayvon Thibodeaux<\/span><\/a>, Jonathan Greenard<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Defensive Line Depth: A Quiet but Critical Need<\/h3>\n

There\u2019s an old saying in football: great third-down defenses are built on winning first and second down. And at the core of that? Stopping the run.<\/p>\n

For the Carolina Panthers<\/span><\/span>, that starts up front.<\/p>\n

The release of A\u2019Shawn Robinson<\/a> created valuable cap space. It also left a noticeable gap along the defensive line. But gave the team flexibility to address other needs. While Derrick Brown<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/a>, Bobby Brown III, and Tershawn Wharton form a solid starting group, the depth behind them is extremely thin.<\/p>\n

In Ejiro Evero<\/span><\/span><\/strong>\u2019s scheme, rotational defensive linemen may not always be headline names, but they are critical to the unit\u2019s overall success. Without reliable depth, the defense risks wearing down over the course of a game\u2014and a season.<\/p>\n

This is one of those areas that doesn\u2019t always get attention, but it can quietly become a major issue if not addressed.<\/p>\n

The Panthers don\u2019t just need bodies. They need players who can step in, hold the line, and maintain production when the starters come off the field.<\/p>\n

Potential Free Agent Fits:<\/strong>
DJ Reader, Shelby Harris, Christian Wilkins<\/p>\n

Potential Draft Targets:<\/strong>
Peter Woods,<\/a> Domonique Orange<\/a>, Tim Keenan III <\/a><\/p>\n

Potential Trade Targets:<\/strong>
Daron Payne<\/a><\/p>\n

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Tight End: A Missing Piece in the Passing Game<\/h3>\n

Carolina still hasn\u2019t replaced the consistent production they once had with Greg Olsen<\/span><\/span><\/a>. At his peak, Olsen was a reliable, high-volume target who could control the middle of the field, move the chains, and be a true safety valve on critical downs.<\/p>\n

For Bryce Young<\/span><\/span><\/a>, that kind of production is so valuable. Right now, that level of consistency simply isn\u2019t present. There is talent in the current tight end room.
But the production hasn\u2019t matched what the offense needs to take the next step.<\/p>\n

Whether it\u2019s a matter of usage or personnel, the result is the same: the position is not producing at a high enough level.<\/p>\n

Adding a true pass-catching tight end would give the offense more versatility, create easier throws over the middle, and provide Young with a dependable option when plays break down. It\u2019s not just about having a tight end, it\u2019s about having one who consistently produces.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n

Best Free Agents Available:<\/strong>
David Njoku, Jonnu Smith,<\/p>\n

Best Draft Targets:<\/strong>
Kenyon Sadiq<\/a>, Max Klare, Justin Joly<\/p>\n

Developmental Quarterback<\/h3>\n

The Panthers addressed depth by signing Kenny Pickett<\/a>, but there are still long-term questions behind Bryce Young, <\/span><\/span>especially with Andy Dalton<\/span><\/span><\/a> being traded to the Ravens.<\/p>\n

Carolina picked up the fifth-year option for Bryce Young, signaling commitment, but the reality is that he was still ranked in the bottom half of several major statistical categories last season. While his development is trending in the right direction, the Panthers would be wise to create a contingency plan.<\/p>\n

This is where a developmental quarterback becomes valuable, not as a replacement, but as a strategic investment.<\/p>\n

One name that stands out is Taylen Green<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/a>. Green is one of the most intriguing prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft class, bringing elite athleticism and rare physical tools. At 6\u20196\u201d, 227 pounds, he turned heads at the combine with a blazing 4.36-second 40-yard dash and a 43.5-inch vertical\u2014numbers that highlight his explosive, dual-threat potential.<\/p>\n

Green also possesses a strong arm and high upside, making him an ideal developmental prospect. This would be a long-term investment.
It also gives Carolina the chance to develop Green into:<\/p>\n