4 Carolina Panthers players Ejiro Evero might want to let go in 2023
By Dean Jones
Damien Wilson – Carolina Panthers LB
Perhaps the introduction of Ejiro Evero into the Carolina Panthers will finally see the team secure a long-term successor for Luke Kuechly. This is something the previous regime led by Matt Rhule couldn’t do and it showed almost weekly before David Tepper finally ended his disastrous coaching experiment.
Securing the second-level interior will be a two-person job if Evero switches to a 3-4 base as anticipated. Frankie Luvu and Brian Burns could serve as outside linebackers, with the prospect of Jeremy Chinn reverting back to the position where he starred as a rookie something else to consider.
Regardless of which route the Panthers go down, it’s unlikely Damien Wilson will be part of Evero’s plans. The free-agent signing just didn’t meet expectations and lost reps to rookie Brandon Smith before his campaign was cut short due to injury.
Wilson was a yard off in run support and offered very little in pass coverage. Considering the talent emerging from the college ranks and the veterans set to be available in free agency, all signs point to the Minnesota product not seeing out the final year of his deal.
Cutting Wilson represents a cap saving of $3.61 million with $1.07 million in dead money. This is money the Panthers could put to better use in pursuit of making a bigger splash with Frank Reich.