Grading the 5 latest Carolina Panthers signings in 2022 free agency

Damien Wilson – Carolina Panthers LB

Back to the drawing board once again. For the third time in as many seasons, the Carolina Panthers look to start a different player at middle linebacker and this time around it is the intriguing Damien Wilson.

Wilson spent the majority of his early career as a backup that saw little action before becoming a key contributor to the Kansas City Chiefs during their Super Bowl run. Turning that performance into a deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Ever the run-stopper, Wilson struggles at times in coverage. But the team had this in mind when signing the budding star coming off of his best season as a pro.

The instincts are there against the run and the linebacker even shows promise as a pass rusher. These are all desirable traits, even with some liabilities on the back end.

Wilson’s run vision alone is remarkable to watch at times. Something the Panthers sorely lacked late in the season last year.

While the team would love to have a more complete player at the position, there simply aren’t that many quality options available right now. A player that can do one side really well is an asset, especially with the coverage ability of Shaq Thompson.

Grade: C-

This is a very risky move for the Panthers. The team needs a true leader in the middle of the defense and taking their third flyer on a player that has yet to prove they can handle that responsibility could go any number of ways. We can only hope it turns out well this time.