Cat Scratch Reader
The Carolina Panthers brought in seven new players so far. Here’s how each projects to help out the squad.
With a lot of work to do this offseason, the Carolina Panthers entered free agency with a plan and a truckload of money to spend. They did not disappoint, as they have brought in one of the larger free agency crops in the NFL and spent a pretty penny in the process.
In the first week of free agency, the Panthers have brought in seven new players who all project to have notable roles on the team. Let’s take a quick look at each new acquisition through some interesting stats and takeaways.
There are a number of reasons for the Panthers having one of the worst run defenses in NFL history, and the the inability for the safeties to bring down a running back once they made it to the second level of the defense was certainly one of them. On the Las Vegas Raider’s defense, Moehrig was consistently one of their top performing run defenders. Moehrig finished the season with 87.5 run defense grade according to PFF. In contrast, the Panthers Xavier Woods has 59.7 grade. Against running plays in 2024, Woods’ 16.2% miss tackle percentage was almost double Moehrig’s 8.5%. Moehrig’s 22 run stops was more than double Wood’s 10. In fact, Moehrig had the same number of run stops as A’Shawn Robinson in 2024.
Take a look at this compilation of explosive runs against the Panthers defense and pay careful attention to Woods (#25).
During his last year with the Minnesota Vikings, Jones was a rotational edge defender who was productive in multiple areas, but was especially effective against the run. Jones played 112 snaps against the run and racked up 15 run stops for a stop percentage of 13.8. Among edge defenders with at least 30 snaps against the run, that 13.8% was the 3rd best mark.
If you have not noticed yet, the major theme of the Panthers 2025 free agent class so far is run defense. Brown may not have gaudy statistics, but he might be the most important acquisition for the Panthers run defense. Brown is a nose tackle, which means that those duties can now belong to him instead of Shy Tuttle, who has been miscast in that role the last couple years. In 261 snaps against the run in 2024, Brown was not credited with a single missed tackle. Brown insists that he also has some pass rushing upside and with his athletic profile I’m curious to see how he’ll develop there.
DI Tershawn Wharton | Effective interior rusher
Thankfully the Panthers took some notice of the Panthers lack of pass rush in 2024 and made a move to address it. PFF credits Wharton with 9 sacks and a win...
