5 free-agent defensive linemen the Carolina Panthers could sign in 2023
By Luke Gray
Which free-agent defensive linemen could the Carolina Panthers potentially have their eye on in 2023?
This offseason has been nothing short of a roaring success for the Carolina Panthers. Hiring Frank Reich as the team’s first offensive head coach set the ball in motion as David Tepper gave his new man in charge an open checkbook in order for him to build a star-studded staff.
Under new defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero, the Panthers will likely switch to a base 3-4 system. This puts more emphasis on the three defensive linemen as it’s necessary for them to occupy space, allowing the outside linebackers to rush the passer.
Last season the Panthers saw decent production across the defensive line. Derrick Brown took a huge jump in Year 3 to cement himself as one of the top 10 defensive tackles in the league, and it’ll be interesting to see where Evero deploys him across the line, which might see the former first-round pick on the edge as a 3-4 defensive end.
Matt Ioannidis, the free agent acquisition from the Washington Commanders, formed a solid partnership alongside Brown. But he only came in on a one-year deal.
Marquis Haynes Sr. came on late in the season, ending the campaign with five sacks. The Panthers even saw good production from undrafted free agent Marquan McCall, who was a real surprise during camp and found a spot on the 53-man roster.
At a monstrous 379 pounds, McCall may find game time as a nose tackle in Evero’s 3-4 system.
The less said about the production of Yetur Gross-Matos the better quite frankly as the former Penn-State man struggled massively in a larger role.
Without further ado, let’s look at seven defensive linemen the Panthers may look to add in free agency.