Carolina Panthers Invest Heavily in Defense Amid Overpaid Player Concerns

The Carolina Panthers have aggressively addressed their historically poor defense from 2024 through free agency and the draft, signing key defensive players like edge rushers Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen as well as linebacker Patrick Jones and defensive linemen Tershawn Wharton and Bobby Brown III. They also made a significant investment in safety Tre'von Moehrig, signing him to a three-year, $51 million deal despite some criticism labeling him as the most overpaid safety in the league due to inconsistent past performance. The Panthers retained cornerbacks Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson with lucrative contracts while missing out on top cornerback Byron Murphy, who re-signed with the Vikings. Meanwhile, rookie quarterback Bryce Young showed signs of improvement in 2024, generating renewed hope for the franchise, though the team still faces significant defensive challenges. Analysts suggest the Panthers should continue focusing on defensive talent, particularly in the trenches, to complement Young and wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan, whom they drafted to bolster the offense. Overall, while the Panthers have made important roster moves, their defense remains a work in progress with some high-risk investments.