5 dream free-agent targets for the Carolina Panthers in 2023

Carolina Panthers could target Poona Ford

• Defensive Tackle | Seattle Seahawks

Depth across the defensive line is an absolute must for the Carolina Panthers in 2023. The team is counting on Derrick Brown and Matt Ioannidis to help Brian Burns in the pass-rushing game, with questions also surrounding this unit when it comes to run-stopping next season.

Brown is going into his third year and has yet to live up to his No. 7 overall selection in 2020. If he doesn’t take that next step this year, general manager Scott Fitterer will look for an upgrade on the interior if the right opportunity comes along.

Poona Ford would provide immediate help in the run game. He is a space-eater that commands respect on a Seattle Seahawks front that will be heavily reliant on the Texas product in 2022.

Should Ford produce the goods in a contract year, the Panthers could look into his signature as they still have not fixed the run defense heading into Year 3 under defensive coordinator Phil Snow.

Ford might not be adept at generating pressure in passing situations, but there is enough explosiveness to free up space for those coming off the edge in Carolina.

If the Panthers can stop the run, they could be a top-five defense real quick. This is the biggest problem right now and if their current options don’t improve, then Carolina could examine Ford’s capabilities a little closer.