Panthers’ free agent additions reveal depth of need

KENNY RICHMOND | CAROLINA PANTHERS

The Carolina Panthers added an asset on the perimeter by trading with Pittsburgh to acquire Pro Bowl receiver Diontae Johnson.

The Carolina Panthers spent the first week of the NFL’s new year shoring up their weaknesses, especially on offense.

Carolina, which went a league-worst 2-15 in 2023, needed to get busy on overhauling the roster, especially at need areas. Based on the first week of free agency, they’ve done that, although not with big name players.

The Panthers went for help up the middle on offense and the perimeter on both sides of the ball, which makes them the most worthwhile investments.

More needs – and Carolina has plenty – will be addressed in the draft, likely at receiver and offensive where the class of 2025 is stacked – but here’s what stood out with free agency.

• Guards. Carolina spent big on the interior in free agency by signing Robert Hunt (five years, $100 million) and Damien Lewis to protect quarterback Bryce Young.

Putting Young in a better place as a passer is paramount for Carolina after he absorbed 62 sacks as a rookie and was forced to run away from pressure along the way. Hunt and Lewis – both of whom are going into their fifth year – are experienced starters and an immediate upgrade on either side of Austin Corbett, who moves back to center. Lewis, who played in Seattle, is familiar with new Carolina coach Dave Canales.

The Panthers didn’t add a tackle in free agency, and if that remains the case, right tackle Taylor Moton and Ickey Ekwonu, who regressed in his second season, will enter training camp as starters. Carolina cut center Bradley Bozeman to make room for Corbett, who has split time at guard and center.

• Receiver. Carolina added a playmaker on the edge by acquiring Diontae Johnson and a 2024 seventh-round draft pick from Pittsburgh in exchange for cornerback Donte Jackson and a sixth rounder.

Johnson, a third-round pick by the Steelers in 2019, earned a Pro Bowl berth in 2021, but his productivity suffered the last two seasons as Pittsburgh underperformed at quarterback. Johnson, who caught 51 passes for 717 yards and five touchdowns last year, now has an opportunity to earn the Panthers’ top receiver role (and a big payday) in the final year of his rookie contract.

“I feel like I can help Bryce out a lot,” Johnson told the Panthers’ team website. “I mean, and I know it’s going to take time, but I just got to have patience. I know things aren’t going to be smooth just out the gate. (But) I kind of know like what to expect.”

Adam Thielen lived up to what he’s always done in terms of productivity, but Carolina needs someone to stretch defenses. Johnson does that.

• Pass rush. Carolina also turned the page on its pass rush by trading away linebacker Brian Burns to the New York Giants for picks 39 and 141 in next month’s draft and a fifth rounder next year.

They addressed that opening as well as Frankie Luvu’s move to Washington with a pair of free agent linebackers in D.J. Wonnum, who came over from Minnesota, and K’Lavon Chaisson from Jacksonville.

Wonnum, who played college ball at South Carolina, tallied eight sacks and a touchdown in 2023. His score came on a 51-yard fumble return against the Panthers in October. Carolina also reportedly will host visits by Chase Young and Jadeveon Clowney, but in the event they miss on both, Wonnum and Chaisson give the Panthers a starting point.

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