6 free agents who could help the Panthers pass-rush in 2021

Which free agents should the Carolina Panthers take a look at to boost their pass-rush in 2021?

With free agency just a few short weeks away, the Carolina Panthers front office is operating in full swing behind new general manager Scott Fitterer. The team’s quarterback situation has taken most of the spotlight, but it’s also important to note that one of Matt Rhule’s first goals was to rebuild the defense.

After drafting stars in Jeremy Chinn and Derrick Brown, the Carolina Panthers are well on their way to doing just that. Brian Burns is another stud in the making, and in just his second year in the league, he proved himself as one of the best young edge rushers in the game.

The soon-to-be third-year pro will only be 23-years-old when the 2021 season begins, so it stands to reason that Burns is only going to get better as he continues to gain more experience. He has already gotten the seal of approval from Panthers legend Julius Peppers and established himself as one of the league’s quickest and most athletic players at his position.

However, in order for his sack totals to rival those of the league’s best, the Panthers need to pair him with another serious pass-rushing threat. Carolina signed Stephen Weatherly last spring in an attempt to accomplish that, but the signing turned out to be a failure.

Fortunately for the Panthers, this year’s free-agent class is loaded with star pass rushers.

This year’s market will see a host of former first-rounders available, as well as one of the game’s most dominant rushers in its history. The options will be plenty heading into the new season, and if Carolina can run up its sack numbers, the playmakers behind them should help make the Panthers’ defense a formidable unit.

Many fans would like to see Efe Obada return in 2021. But at this point in his career, he likely won’t be the high-end rusher that the Panthers need. The same can be said about Marquis Haynes and Christian Miller, despite each being solid rotational pieces.

So without further ado, here are six options the Carolina Panthers should look to sign this offseason to play on the opposite end from Burns.