Ejiro Evero is out as defensive coordinator. The Carolina Panthers are now trusting their defense to Todd Wash, and though the scheme will mostly stay the same, there will be room for a few alterations.
That could come quickly on the personnel side.
This would be the best way for Wash to shake things up. The Panthers are severely depleted on defense due to injuries, but that won't stop the interim coordinator from making his presence felt by raising the unit's urgency.
Easier said than done, of course. But it must be considered, and a few defenders are probably looking nervously over their shoulders now that Evero isn't running the show.
With that in mind, here are three Panthers defenders who could be on the chopping block after head coach Dave Canales fired Evero.
Carolina Panthers players on the chopping block after Ejiro Evero's firing
Bobby Brown III, DL
The Panthers reunited Bobby Brown III and Evero during 2025 free agency. The pair worked together on the Los Angeles Rams, and this was seen as a tremendous piece of business to finally give Carolina's 3-4 front the nose tackle it needed.
Brown has had some nice moments. Consistency has often been lacking, and the interior defensive lineman has also spent too much time off the field due to injury.
And now, his safety net has vanished.
The Panthers drafted Lee Hunter in the second round. Tershawn Wharton is also back from injury, so Evero's departure could see the Texas A&M product move to the fringes. And in this scenario, an early release this offseason saves Carolina $8 million on its salary cap.
Chau Smith-Wade, CB
Carolina drafted Chau Smith-Wade after reportedly getting a seal of approval from Evero in the process. There were concerns about his size and lack of physicality, and despite holding down the starting nickel cornerback job for most of last season, he just wasn't growing.
Even with the Panthers so decimated by injuries in their cornerback room, Evero was reluctant to put Smith-Wade on the field until Will Lee III went out and he had no other choice. The play-caller gave up on him, and there may be no way back now.
Obviously, the Panthers are stretched incredibly thin at corner. That could be Smith-Wade's one saving grace, but it doesn't look especially promising.
Nick Scott, S
The Panthers haven't gotten much from Nick Scott this season. Evero trusted him fully, even though he hasn't given the best account of himself overall since joining the club. But with his biggest fan no longer around, it might be time for a change of the guard.
Carolina should take this opportunity to give Scott's snaps to Lathan Ransom and Zakee Wheatley. Both young players have shown real promise, cementing their status as potential long-term pieces. They are quicker, more athletic, and more productive than the veteran this offseason, so Wash has no real excuse.
Evero is gone. Scott is now living on borrowed time, and his usage might be the first thing to decrease as the Panthers move toward a new defensive era.
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