5 Panthers players who could become nice surprises in 2021
By Dean Jones
Morgan Fox – Carolina Panthers DL
The Carolina Panthers used the majority of their resources in free agency on boosting their defensive options, which was the smart play considering the abundance of talent on the offensive side of the football. This was especially evident within the front seven, with the likes of Denzel Perryman, Haason Reddick, and DaQuan Jones sure to bolster a group that already has some promising young players to call upon.
One free-agent signing that went somewhat overlooked was Morgan Fox. The versatile defensive linemen performed well for the Los Angeles Rams in 2020 and comes with the sort of versatility that the Panthers clearly love in all their new recruits.
Fox can operate either as a defensive end coming off the edge. But it was his eye-catching production as a three-technique on the interior alongside Aaron Donald that could fill a major need where Carolina is concerned after Efe Obada left for the Buffalo Bills this spring.
There shouldn’t be a great deal of pressure on Fox. But that should not detract from what an essential piece of the puzzle he might become.
The Panthers are hoping his arrival can bring something a little bit different to a defensive line that has boundless potential going into the campaign. Working next to another dominant interior presence in Derrick Brown should also help Fox enormously.