Dan Morgan has put the Carolina Panthers on the map this offseason. The third-year general manager made the biggest splashes of any team in free agency, gaining attention from around the league.
Most of the moves have come on defense. The unit flashed last season, posting immense improvements after a historically underwhelming 2024. Now, it's about taking the next step.
It is an important season for defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero, and a key draft class for Morgan. With improved talent, the defensive coordinator will look to turn an average defense in 2025 into a great one next season. Their rivals are taking notice, whether in the NFC South or further afield.
The annual league meetings in Arizona have helped fans understand what the Panthers may do in the upcoming draft, according to head coach Dave Canales. However, an AFC South rival and the sister team of Carolina are praising the move of adding one of its former players to improve the defense.
Liam Coen discusses Carolina Panthers' emphasis on takeaways and Devin Lloyd's impact
Liam Coen and Canales faced off in Week 1 last year, with the former having an advantage in a lightning-delayed 20-9 Panthers defeat to the Jacksonville Jaguars. However, Carolina was able to register a couple of takeaways in this game, including a one-handed interception from Jaycee Horn on a Trevor Lawrence pass intended for Travis Hunter.
Coen spoke highly of the Panthers, explaining that the improved defense from the 2025 draft class and having played them twice the year before, as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' offensive coordinator. He also noted how his former quarterback, Matthew Stafford, did not enjoy playing against Carolina in his two games against them last season.
"I thought that they had made some draft picks, especially in that spring to improve their defense, playing it twice a year in Tampa, knowing those guys, seeing them in Week 1. But also, following them throughout the year, I know [Los Angeles Rams quarterback] Matthew Stafford didn't love playing against the Panthers and I know they improved in a lot of ways and I think it started with personnel and the scheme matching each other."
The Panthers' defensive scheme got an upgrade in personnel this offseason with the splash signing of linebacker Devin Lloyd. Coen said his length brings an advantage when it comes to creating takeaways, considering his five interceptions for the Jaguars last season, along with Morgan's eye for the position.
"Devin, definitely, the length helps him. A lot of those interceptions, whether it's a tip, overthrow—he can get his hands on balls. So, I think that they will continue to probably—I mean, Dan Morgan was a linebacker, [a] pretty good one. I'm sure they appreciate and respect some of the traits and tools that come with that position.”
Coen is one of the most respected football minds in the NFL. His first season in Jacksonville went as well as it could have gone, with 13 wins and an AFC South title. Lloyd was a massive impact player the Jaguars will miss, but the Panthers are adding a stout defender of their own with the second-team All-Pro linebacker.
The Jaguars' head coach seems to be hinting that Lloyd's addition to Carolina's defense could allow them to play more dynamically at all three levels, with more aggression and thoroughness across the board. That is the type of impact the former Utah Utes enforcer is expected to bring.
And if he meets expectations, he will give the Panthers their best player at the position since Luke Kuechly retired six years ago.