Panthers' 6 biggest needs after the 1st wave of free agency
The Carolina Panthers were quite busy to kick off the new league year. In fact, some may say that we all had a little fun in the process.
But there's still plenty of work to be done as we move into the next stage of free agency.
Here are the team's six biggest needs as we enter the secondary waves this offseason . . .
Wide receiver
Added: NoneLost: Velus Jones Jr.Retained: Dan ChisenaRemaining free agents: David Moore, Deven Thompkins
Carolina still needs a playmaker in the wideout room, or some real vertical speed at the least. (Bonus points if you have value as a returner on special teams.)
As of now, Chisena would be the fourth option at the position—behind Xavier Legette, Jalen Coker and Adam Thielen, who turns 35 years old in August.
Tight end
Added: NoneLost: NoneRetained: Tommy TrembleRemaining free agents: Ian Thomas, Feleipe Franks, Stephen Sullivan
The offense also needs depth behind Tremble and 2024 fourth-round pick Ja'Tavion Sanders.
Pass rusher
Added: Pat Jones IILost: NoneRetained: NoneRemaining free agents: Cam Gill
Jones II, who's on board with a two-year deal worth up to $20 million, could be a sneaky-good addition. He'll likely be the first man up behind starters Jadeveon Clowney and D.J. Wonnum.
But this defense, which amassed the league's lowest pressure rate in 2024 (16.2 percent), will need a little more firepower off the edge.
Cornerback
Added: NoneLost: Lonnie Johnson Jr.Retained: Mike JacksonRemaining free agents: Caleb Farley
Carolina would probably be okay if they had to go into 2025 with Jackson as their second starter across from Jaycee Horn. He's back on a two-year, $14.5 million pact after a solid 2024.
Even if that's the case, they'll have to add depth at the position—something they've been missing for a few seasons now.
Safety
Added: Tre'von MoehrigLost: Xavier WoodsRetained: NoneRemaining free agents: Jordan Fuller, Nick Scott, Sam Franklin Jr.
The Panthers are clearly looking to revamp the safety spot, and signing the ascending Moehrig was a pretty good start. He'll provide some much-needed run support for a unit that allowed a league-high 179.8 rushing yards per game.
Other than Moehrig, however, second-year defensive back Demani Richardson is the only other safety on the roster. They'll need a starting free safety to roam the back of the unit.
Kicker
Added: NoneLost: NoneRetained: NoneRemaining free agents: Eddy Piñeiro
"Steady Eddy" may not be back, and the Panthers have prepared for that by already signing Matthew Wright to a reserve/future contract. Is Wright, though, more of an insurance policy than he is a successor at the kicker position?
This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Carolina Panthers' 6 biggest needs after the 1st wave of free agency
Topics
-
Arizona WR Tetairoa McMillan is not a flawless 1st-round prospect for the Panthers
After coming up empty on a WR1 to start the new league year, the Panthers feel like a perfect match for Tetairoa McMillan. But he has his flaws.Yahoo Sports - 20h -
49ers NFL draft needs after 1st wave of free agent signings
The San Francisco 49ers haven't done much in free agency to change their major needs in the 2025 NFL draft.Yahoo Sports - 2d -
15 biggest salary cap hits for the Eagles in 2025 after the first wave of NFL free agency
Updated look at the 15 biggest salary cap hits for the Philadelphia Eagles in 2025 after the first wave of NFL free agencyYahoo Sports - 2h -
15 biggest salary cap hits for the Ravens in 2025 after the first wave of NFL free agency
15 biggest salary cap hits for the Baltimore Ravens in 2025 after the first wave of NFL free agencyYahoo Sports - 1h -
Best remaining players after the 1st wave of NFL free agency
Now that the first wave of free agency has crashed, who are the best remaining players out on the open market? Here are 55 notable names . . .Yahoo Sports - 1d -
Lions' mock draft roundup after first wave of free agency
Lions mock draft roundup: What experts are projecting Detroit to do after the first wave of free agency.Yahoo Sports - 1d -
The Broncos have one big need left after free agency splashes
The Broncos have one big need after their free agency splashes: running back.Yahoo Sports - 1d -
Best free agents available for Colts after first wave of NFL signings
After the first wave of free agency, who are the best available free agents still out there for the Indianapolis Colts?Yahoo Sports - 1d -
Huge mock draft update after 1st wave of free agency
Where does Shedeur Sanders land in our new mock draft update?Yahoo Sports - 11h
More from Yahoo Sports
-
2025 March Madness printable bracket for men's, women's NCAA Tournament
March is upon us, which means it's time to fill out our brackets. Here are printable brackets for the men's and women's NCAA Tournaments.Yahoo Sports - 12m -
Newcastle stun Liverpool in League Cup final to end 56-year trophy drought
Newcastle ended their 56-year trophy drought in stunning style as Dan Burn and Alexander Isak sealed a 2-1 win against Liverpool in the League Cup final on Sunday.But despite failing to win their ...Yahoo Sports - 1h -
Magic snap Cavaliers' franchise-best 16-game win streak with 108-103 win
The Cavs were on a 16-game run, which marked the best win streak in franchise history.Yahoo Sports - 15m -
Mick Maynard's Shoes: What's next for Roman Dolidze after UFC Fight Night 254 win?
(ALSO SEE: Mick Maynard's Shoes: What's next for Marvin Vettori after UFC Fight Night 254 loss?) Roman Dolidze avenged a key loss in his career Saturday when he defeated Marvin Vettori in their UFC ...Yahoo Sports - 18m -
Quentin Grimes scores 28 as Sixers beat Mavs 130-125 in matchup of injury-depleted teams
Quentin Grimes scored 28 points in his first game against his former team and the Philadelphia 76ers beat the Dallas Mavericks 130-125 in a matchup of injury-depleted clubs Sunday. Jalen ...Yahoo Sports - 18m
More in Sports
-
Men's Bracketology: Indiana, Xavier, Boise State must play the waiting game
With two final spots available, the fates of Indiana, Xavier and Boise State rest in the hands of the American and A-10 title games. Watch the men's bracket reveal starting at 6 p.m. ET on ESPN.ESPN - 10m -
2025 March Madness printable bracket for men's, women's NCAA Tournament
March is upon us, which means it's time to fill out our brackets. Here are printable brackets for the men's and women's NCAA Tournaments.Yahoo Sports - 12m -
2025 March Madness: Conference tournament scores, automatic bids, tickets punched to Big Dance, brackets
With Selection Sunday here, check out the the teams who have earned AQ bids to the NCAA TournamentCBS Sports - 13m -
Magic snap Cavaliers' franchise-best 16-game win streak with 108-103 win
The Cavs were on a 16-game run, which marked the best win streak in franchise history.Yahoo Sports - 15m -
The wait is over: Newcastle beat Liverpool to end 70-year domestic trophy drought
Newcastle United have won the Carabao Cup, their first major trophy in over half a century, beating Liverpool at the end of a woeful week for the Reds.ESPN - 16m