What exactly do the Carolina Panthers have at DT in 2021?
By Dean Jones
Morgan Fox – Carolina Panthers DL
The Carolina Panthers decided to part ways with fan-favorite Efe Obada in free agency, who eventually signed for the Buffalo Bills on a deal that wouldn’t exactly have broken the bank.
This left the Panthers short of options at the three-technique, with Obada’s strong production over the second half of the campaign playing a leading role in a turnaround in fortunes from a pressure standpoint down the stretch.
Carolina moved quickly in free agency to secure the services of Morgan Fox, who caught the eye for the Los Angeles Rams alongside Aaron Donald in 2020 on his way to six sacks, eight tackles for loss, nine quarterback hits, and 13 pressures from just 39 percent of the team’s defensive snaps.
Fox’s arrival might not just offset Obada’s departure. It could represent an upgrade providing there is more to come from the player who is now approaching his prime years.
Much like most of Carolina’s signings this offseason, this comes at low risk with not much in the way of financial commitment this year.
The upside where Fox is concerned cannot be disputed after a breakout campaign last season. What comes next will be equally as important for the player if he wants a bigger commitment from the Panthers or elsewhere next spring.