Dan Morgan entered his second offseason at the helm with a clear purpose for making his team better. The Carolina Panthers needed to urgently improve their historically bad defense, and they went big-game hunting when free agency began.
Much of the focus centered on the defensive trenches, and rightfully so. However, Morgan also made a $51 million gamble to bolster the secondary that went largely unnoticed in comparison.
The Panthers identified Tre'von Moehrig as a high-priority target. He was among the top safeties available, which typically means you have to pay a premium. Morgan obliged, and it looks like another shrewd investment from Carolina's front-office leader through the opening 11 games of the campaign.
Carolina Panthers struck gold with Tre'von Moehrig as gamble pays off handsomely
Moehrig provided an extra level of physicality and urgency that was sorely lacking previously. The defensive back slotted in seamlessly, with an aggressive style that inspired others to raise their performance levels. He's made a significant difference closer to the line of scrimmage, and his coverage support on the backend has also improved as the campaign went on.
Carolina was a defensive pushover for too long last season. Pro Bowl defensive lineman Derrick Brown's return to health helped turn the tide. But make no mistake, Moehrig's contribution has also helped the Panthers remove their laughingstock tag on this side of the football.
This was once again evident during Carolina's thrilling overtime win over the Atlanta Falcons in Week 11. Moehrig was flying all over the field with reckless abandon. He led the team with 11 tackles, taking his tally to 73 on the season. He's on course to surpass his career best of 104 achieved with the Las Vegas Raiders last year, but the former TCU star's influence goes way beyond the numbers.
Moehrig is an extra linebacker on early downs. He's bringing along younger safeties through mentorship and leadership. He is also an exceptional communicator and motivator, a feature of his contribution that deserves recognition.
Paying a safety so much money raised a few eyebrows around the league. It was a lot, but to get the best, you have to pay. And Morgan deserves credit for recognizing how important it was to have a prolific, tone-setting force with the versatility and instincts to help all over the field after a campaign that will go down in NFL history for all the wrong reasons.
It's also worth remembering that Moehrig is still just 26. He's only entering his prime, so the best is yet to come.
And if Moehrig continues his outstanding start in Carolina, he'll be a focal point for many years to come.