5 free-agent defensive linemen the Carolina Panthers could sign in 2023
By Luke Gray
Carolina Panthers could sign David Onyemata
If the Carolina Panthers want to make a big move on the defensive line in free agency, they may look to a divisional foe. David Onyemata certainly had an abnormal route to the league, but he’s one of the more intriguing names set to hit the market.
Born in Lagos, Nigeria, he emigrated to Canada in 2011 to play football for the first time. Onyemata went on to attend the University of Manitoba and quickly became a standout player for the Bisons.
He was drafted by New Orleans Saints in the fourth round of the 2016 NFL Draft, becoming the first player from the program to be drafted.
Onyemata has become a solid contributor in the league, producing 4.5 sacks three times in his seven NFL seasons. After a slightly down year in 2021, the player rebounded well last time around, finishing the season with 43 tackles and five sacks.
Spotrac estimates Onyemata to command an annual salary of $9.6 million on a three-year, $29 million deal. With Derrick Brown not being known as a pass rusher, signing a player who has shown he can get to the quarterback will only be a positive for Carolina.
At 6-foot-4 and 300 pounds, Onyemata provides good size to beef up the line under defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero.