Improving at the linebacker position this offseason was vital for general manager Dan Morgan and the Carolina Panthers. And he might not be done yet.
Heading into free agency, the Panthers were expected to be aggressive in pursuit of a new man at the defensive second level. As a former linebacker himself, it must have been sickening for Morgan to watch Carolina continue to produce such subpar play at the position since the surprise retirement of Luke Kuechly. Â
The Panthers secured arguably the top free agent available this offseason. Devin Lloyd was a sought-after name, coming off a second-team All-Pro campaign with the Jacksonville Jaguars. His acquisition is a real coup for Ejiro Evero and his defense, but finding someone else is imperative.
Carolina Panthers could have a dynamic linebacker pairing in Devin Lloyd and Jacob Rodriguez
With the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh just around the corner, Carolina will look to add another linebacker at some stage, likely early in proceedings. A name being constantly mentioned as a good fit for the Panthers is Jacob Rodriguez.
Rodriguez was the captain of the Texas Tech Red Raiders' defense as they dominated the Big 12, earning a spot in the college football playoffs. Despite some lingering concerns about his size, he plays with a nastiness the Panthers desperately need. This past season, the former Virginia Caviller posted 117 tackles, four interceptions, and an NCAA record seven forced fumbles. Â
With the Panthers' well-noted struggles in forcing turnovers at the linebacker position since Kuechly abruptly called time on his Pro Football Hall of Fame career, adding someone like Rodriguez would be a great fit alongside another ball hawk in Lloyd. While he is far from the prototypical height and weight for a second-level presence in the NFL, it’s a struggle to see how he won’t succeed at the next level. Â
The question for Morgan, Evero, and head coach Dave Canales centers on where they select the prospect. Picking him at No. 19 overall would be a reach despite the immense talent. However, it’s uncertain if Rodriguez will be available for the Panthers' next pick at No. 51. Â
One potential scenario is the Panthers trading back a few spots in the first round and then using the picks acquired to trade up in the second to select Rodriguez, who would be in immediate contention for a starting role. Â
Photos emerged recently of Morgan and Rodriguez chopping it up at Texas Tech’s pro day, only adding fuel to the fire that Carolina will look to the player and pair him alongside Lloyd.
And for some Panthers fans, it's a dream scenario.Â