There is normally another flurry of free agency moves after teams around the league conclude their NFL Draft engagements. This not only includes the wave of undrafted free-agent signings featuring prospects who failed to hear their names called, but veterans seeking employment can also get opportunities to plug holes or improve depth.
The Carolina Panthers once again placed an onus on surrounding quarterback Bryce Young with better weapons during the draft. They traded up to acquire wide receiver Xavier Legette and running back Jonathon Brooks with their opening two selections. Intriguing tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders kicked off Day 3 at No. 101 overall, so there is a fresh injection of energy and dynamism around last year's No. 1 pick in pursuit of better fortunes next time around.
Carolina doesn't have much money to spend. According to Spotrac, just $8.97 million is available currently. That will make signings difficult, although the possibility of further contract restructures, trades, or releases couldn't be completely dismissed if general manager Dan Morgan feels like it's the right thing for the franchise.
With this in mind, here are four free agents the Panthers must consider after an eventful first draft with Morgan leading the charge.
Carolina Panthers could sign Quandre Diggs
The Carolina Panthers are a little light of safety options within Ejiro Evero's 3-4 base defensive scheme. They lost Jeremy Chinn to the Washington Commanders in free agency, released veteran Vonn Bell after just one season, and signed Jordan Fuller. After ignoring the position with their seven draft picks, adding another productive veteran wouldn't be the worst idea in the world.
Much will depend on the money involved, but Quandre Diggs is an option to consider. The former sixth-round selection gained 95 tackles and five forced fumbles for the Seattle Seahawks last season but was deemed a salary-cap casualty by the new coaching regime. He still looks like someone who could provide a helping hand, but much will depend on his contract demands given the diminishing financial resources at Carolina's disposal.
Diggs knows Dave Canales and some other staff well from their time together in Seattle. However, he might be waiting around for a team with better chances to contend immediately at this late stage of his playing career.
Carolina Panthers could sign Stephon Gilmore
This is the one almost every Carolina Panthers fan is waiting for.
Dan Morgan stated before the draft that the Panthers would reach out to Stephon Gilmore following the selection process depending on which prospects are acquired from the college ranks. Carolina waited until midway through Day 3 to bring in another cornerback - Washington State's undersized defensive back Chau Smith-Wade - so the need for another stable option to place alongside Jaycee Horn and Dane Jackson on the starting rotation is there for all to see.
Gilmore is biding his time and unlikely to be short of offers now the draft is in the history books. However, veteran edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney's revelation that his former high school and South Carolina college teammate is eager to return means Morgan might be in pole position to land the All-Pro in the not-too-distant future.
While Glmore's first spell with the franchise ended on a sour note, the player seems willing to put any remaining animosity to one side. After all, the incompetent regime that let him go - led by Matt Rhule and Scott Fitterer - is no longer around. Whether the Panthers can put together a financial package that tempts the NFL Defensive Player of the Year is another matter.
Even though Gilmore is firmly in the twilight of his glittering career, his production for the Dallas Cowboys last season suggests a couple more good years await before he hangs up his cleats for good. There's just no telling what his experience and football acumen would do for young players on the roster, which is another benefit to this potential acquisition that shouldn't go overlooked.
Although this shouldn't be classed as a done deal by any stretch of the imagination, there is momentum attached. There is mutual interest if reports are accurate, Gilmore wants to play closer to home, and the Panthers have a significant need at the cornerback spot despite drafting Smith-Wade.
The stars have aligned, it seems.
Carolina Panthers could sign Brian Allen
The Carolina Panthers reaffirmed their confidence in Austin Corbett making a successful transition to the center position during the 2024 NFL Draft. Despite a host of intriguing prospects available from a deep class of offensive linemen, general manager Dan Morgan didn't add any with one of his seven selections. He fully believes in the options available, but whether it pays off or not is up for debate.
Corbett has the experience and overall talent to make this move go according to plan. However, it's also worth noting that the former second-round pick out of Nevada hasn't taken a competitive NFL snap at the position and is coming off two consecutive knee surgeries. This means a contingency option must be identified by those in power.
Morgan stated during his post-draft media availability that Brady Christensen had been taking snaps at the center spot throughout early off-season workouts, too. The college left tackle transitioned to the left guard position after one season, but his chances were cruelly cut short ahead of time following a torn bicep in Week 1 of the previous campaign.
He's now further down the pecking order than ever after the Panthers signed Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis in free agency to form their new starting guard tandem. Therefore, the more versatility Christensen has, the better his chances will be.
Brian Allen didn't play much football last season and was subsequently released by the Los Angeles Rams as a result. He was their starting center during a memorable Super Bowl triumph in 2021 and looks like a dependable understudy at the very least if the price is right.
The Panthers might have plenty of faith in Corbett, but preparing for every eventuality is paramount if head coach Dave Canaes wants to hit the ground running as head coach. Adding someone with Allen's credentials gives the Panthers another dependable veteran who can step in at a moment's notice and ensure no momentum is lost.
Carolina Panthers could sign Emmanuel Ogbah
This final option could easily be a nose tackle, although the Carolina Panthers seem happy enough to give Shy Tuttle another chance and hope the presence of A'Shawn Robinson next to Derrick Brown as the 3-4 defensive end tandem can increase production. But after ignoring the position during the 2024 NFL Draft, acquiring another edge rusher should be a top remaining priority for those in power.
The Panthers signed D.J. Wonnum and Jadeveon Clowney in free agency, but it's not enough. Depth behind the projected starting duo is lacking unless someone like K'Lavon Chaisson, Amare Barno, or D.J. Johnson takes a significant leap forward. Therefore, getting another veteran with proven production could make a big difference.
It won't be easy to find the right guy at the right price, but someone like Emmanuel Ogbah fits the mold of what Carolina could be looking for. The Nigerian-born player is experienced, has credentials as both a starting piece or a key rotational pass-rusher, and can operate with his hand in the dirt or standing up as an outside rush linebacker.
Ogbah made a successful return from injury last season with the Miami Dolphins, but it wasn't enough to avoid becoming a salary-cap casualty. With 42.5 sacks and 101 quarterback hits over his eight NFL seasons, there are far worse avenues the Panthers could explore if a team-friendly deal can be worked out.
Dan Morgan might also decide to wait a little longer. Players will be cut throughout the offseason - especially when the time comes to confirm 53-man rosters around the league. That said, adding someone like Ogbah now gives them a full offseason to immerse themselves into Ejiro Evero's defensive scheme and develop a rapport with teammates that can stand them in good stead when competitive games arrive.
It's an option. Whether the Panthers have the financial means to pull off such a deal is another matter.