6 inside linebackers the Carolina Panthers must consider in free agency

Carolina Panthers should consider Anthony Walker Jr.

If the Carolina Panthers are looking for an instant difference-maker who represents a substantial upgrade on Jermaine Carter, then they should look no further than Anthony Walker Jr. The linebacker has been at the top of his game almost from the moment he entered the league as a fifth-round pick, with a free-agent move to the Cleveland Browns in 2021 bringing about even more in the way of outstanding production.

Walker has everything one looks for in a premier middle linebacker. He communicates well, is dominant against the run, and is also athletic enough to assist from a coverage standpoint.

The Northwestern product racked up 113 tackles, one sack, two passes defended, and two tackles for loss from just 12 starts last season en route to a 69.1 grade from Pro Football Focus. Walker makes a ton of sense for the Panthers and should the Browns let him walk, they should pick up the phone immediately.

It’s been a long slog for Carolina to find the right man to succeed Luke Kuechly – an iconic figure who brought so much to the organization both on and off the field.

However, Walker might be the best free agent out there based on production and the fact he still has a lot of his career left. But considering how up against it the Panthers are from a financial point of view, whether they could offer him a good enough package is another matter.