4 free agents/practice squad players to boost Panthers DL depth

Marcell Dareus – DT (free agent)

One of the more prominent names that jump out from the current free-agent options remaining is Marcell Dareus. The veteran defensive tackle is still looking for a new home despite a strong NFL career and there is little doubt he could benefit the Carolina Panthers considerably in Kawann Short’s absence.

The ceiling could not have been higher for Dareus entering the league. He was selected No. 3 overall by the Buffalo Bills following a standout college career at Alabama and has one All-Pro selection and two Pro Bowl trips to show for his efforts.

Dareus has recorded 37.5 sacks, 365 combined tackles, 255 solo tackles, 61 quarterback hits, 50 tackles for loss, 15 passes defended, and three forced fumbles during his career. This sort of experience would come in very handy alongside No. 7 overall pick Derrick Brown, who is going through some growing pains at the next level in addition to showing a significant amount of promise.

This would not only give the Panthers a reliable presence on the interior. But it would also provide them with a prominent locker room leader with Short out of the picture. His play for the struggling Jacksonville Jaguars in 2019 was good enough to get a 62.7 grade from Pro Football Focus and Carolina could do far worse if they went in this particular direction.