General manager Dan Morgan is a man of action. The Carolina Panthers have a lot at stake this season, and even though they were willing to give those around a chance to stake a claim, the front-office leader doesn't hesitate if he believes more is required.
The latest example was the acquisition of linebacker Bobby Okereke on a one-year deal. He's got the experience and proven production needed to provide an upgrade, and even though it'll be a crash course to get him up to speed before Week 1 against the Chicago Bears, it's another sign of Morgan's unrelenting ambition to take the next step.
It'll be fascinating to see how quickly Okereke can adjust over the next fortnight. But for now, here are three winners and two losers from the team's decision to bring him on board.
Winners and losers from the Carolina Panthers' bold Bobby Okereke signing
Winner: Ejiro Evero, DC
The Panthers' defense made encouraging strides last season, and fans are expecting even more this time around. Defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero remains a polarizing figure in some sections of the fan base, but the fact that he finished runner-up for the Las Vegas Raiders' head-coaching job is a testament to the esteem in which he is held around the league.
Evero now has two experienced, productive linebackers at the second level of his 3-4 defensive front after Okereke's arrival. It's the first time he can say that in three years, so there are no excuses left.
Loser: Claudin Cherelus, LB
One of the players embroiled in a battle for the LB2 job this summer was Claudin Cherelus. The Panthers felt that drastic action was needed to create urgency, which was the right call. Unfortunately, the Alcorn State product didn't do enough to convince the primary decision-makers he was worthy of starting responsibilities.
Cherelus' place on the squad doesn't seem to be under any threat. But his role might be confined to special teams after Okereke joined the ranks.
Winner: Devin Lloyd, LB
The Panthers pulled off a massive coup with the signing of second-team All-Pro linebacker Devin Lloyd in free agency. He's a tone-setter, easily the best second-level presence Carolina's had since Luke Kuechly. But he cannot do it alone.
Now, Lloyd has another strong communicator and tackler alongside him. Okereke did display some frailties with the New York Giants last season, but he won't need to be an alpha in Carolina with the former Utah standout around.
Loser: Trevin Lloyd, LB
Morgan thought a lot of Wallace. He surprised almost everyone by taking the Kentucky product at No. 72 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, believing he could become a valuable contributor over time within Evero's 3-4 system.
This faith has not been repaid.
Wallace hasn't shown the desired growth in his first two seasons, and this development hasn't accelerated over the summer. Morgan held off for as long as he could, but signing Okereke now condemns the third-round pick to a rotational role in Year 3 of his professional career.
Winner: Panthers edge rushers
Not having 2025 second-round pick Nic Scourton is a blow. The edge rusher will miss the entire 2026 campaign after tearing his ACL on the first day of training camp, but there is confidence in the unit regardless.
Jaelan Phillips, Patrick Jones II, and Princely Umanmielen will lead the charge. Several others, such as Thomas Incoom and Trevis Gipson, could offer rotational value and a strong special-teams presence. And now that the Panthers have a potentially prolific linebacker duo in Lloyd and Okereke on the second-level interior, that should make life on the edge a lot easier.
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