5 free-agent linebackers the Carolina Panthers could sign in 2023

Carolina Panthers could sign Mack Wilson Sr.

Mack Wilson Sr. played last season with the New England Patriots. He was a decent piece on their defense but also played on their special teams’ coverage units, which is high praise for anyone working for Bill Belichick.

The Alabama product played well enough in college to be a fifth-round pick. Wilson eventually became a starter as a rookie with the Cleveland Browns, but he struggled to stick and was traded to New England for Chase Winovich in the 2022 off-season.

Even though Wilson did not start many games with the Patriots, he is young and has the athletic potential to be a solid starting linebacker in the NFL under the right coaching. But it’s time the player starts fulfilling that potential on the field.

At the very least, he is a good depth option that adds value to special teams. Something the Carolina Panthers could benefit from under Chris Tabor.

The market for Wilson is not a large one all things considered. This means Carolina could sign him for relatively cheap and without a long-term commitment.

If the Panthers want to spend less money on linebacker depth to keep cap space open for off-season targets at other positions, Wilson is a solid option to pursue.