Which Carolina Panthers news stories are hitting the headlines as the organization finally pulled the trigger on another edge rushing option?
Another week begins for the Carolina Panthers and just a few practices remain before training camp breaks. There should be a high-profile name making the trip to Spartanburg today, with the New York Jets also coming to Wofford College for two joint sessions that are expected to draw a significant audience.
Until then, among the stories causing conversation recently include the Panthers finally signing an edge rusher, Bryce Young set for live NFL fire for the first time this weekend, Shy Tuttle on the defensive line, and Kobe Jones feeling confident about his chances.
Let's delve into each topic in more detail.
Carolina Panthers sign Justin Houston
There's been a real sense of urgency among the fanbase to find another edge rusher to put alongside Bran Burns next season. The Carolina Panthers gave everyone a fair shake throughout camp, but they decided to pull the trigger on Justin Houston, who signed a one-year, $7 million deal that also comes with $6 million guaranteed according to ESPN's senior insider Adam Schefter.
Houston might be a little long in the tooth at 34 years old, but he is still highly productive. The three-time Pro Bowler and All-Pro notched 9.5 sacks for the Baltimore Ravens in 2022 and also has experience working with Frank Reich on the Indianapolis Colts, where he gained 19 quarterback takedowns in two seasons.
This is decent money for Houston - one that indicates he could get a starting role despite his advancing years. The move doesn't inspire the greatest confidence in players such as Marquis Haynes Sr. and Yetur Gross-Matos, who could be settling for rotational roles at best in the wake of this acquisition.
Shy Tuttle on Carolina Panthers DL
The Carolina Panthers needed to solidify the defensive front given their pending transition to a 3-4 base scheme under Ejiro Evero. This came with adjustment from those already around and acquiring the experienced reinforcements with the athletic profile needed to ensure this shift in ethos goes off without a hitch.
Shy Tuttle fits the mold and then some after making a big splash following his free-agent switch from the New Orleans Saints. Many expected the signing to slot in at nose tackle, but Marquan McCall's exceptional emergence throughout the offseason indicates that he could occupy a 3-4 defensive end role opposite Derrick Brown, instead.
When asked about the mood within the defensive line room currently, Tuttle lifted the lid on its vibrant nature via USA Today Sports. The former Tennessee star also revealed that Brown is the biggest trash talker and is always on his case.
"One word?!? We can’t be described off one word. Funny, maybe? Yeah, let’s say funny. Derrick Brown is probably the biggest [expletive] talker amongst the D-line,” he said, perhaps regrettably. “I wasn’t allowed to say that word? I can’t come in the meeting room without him talking about me. Like, it’s crazy. And you guys, ‘Derrick is so quiet.’ I’m like, ‘No, he’s not.' He calls me fat, every day. Every day he see me, he calls me fat. He weigh more than me, that’s the thing."Shy Tuttle via USA Today Sports
Having such a positive atmosphere in this critical area of play is only going to translate well onto the field. Strong bonds are being built quickly, which only increases the optimism about Tuttle's chances of becoming influential in 2023.
Kobe Jones wants Carolina Panthers roster spot
Even though the Carolina Panthers bolstered their edge rushing options with the signing of Justin Houston, those in power still need to make some important decisions further down the depth chart. Much will depend on how many 3-4 outside linebackers they take through onto the 53-man roster, but a couple of unheralded individuals are staking a strong claim for involvement heading into the final week of camp.
Kobe Jones is one that's drawing widespread praise for his performance levels, even seeing some time with the first sting and not looking out of place whatsoever. Whether it's enough to make the team remains to be seen, but the former Mississippi State standout stated via Carolina's website that he's drawing on coaches' advice and his high energy to attain an unlikely place on the 53.
"I feel like that really displayed my ability to be a presence in the run game also. A lot of people (are) emphasizing the pass rush, but I really want to make it known that I'm a presence in the run game too. That was one of the emphasis (areas) that the coaches wanted to see, so I was just happy to put it on film. None of us look at it as competition within each other, but more so within ourselves. We're all just really competing to be the best us, and of course, those other talented guys beside us are pushing us to another degree to get that done. I definitely feel like I come alive when the pads come on. It's just another component of that intensity that adds up. People just craving contact – and a lot of people don't do that – so I feel like that gives you an edge automatically."Kobe Jones via Panthers.com
Houston's arrival makes it more difficult for fringe players like Jones and Eku Leota. However, there is no sentiment toward more established players under this regime, so nothing can be ruled out one way or another.
Bryce Young will start Carolina Panthers preseason opener
After an indifferent weekend under center at practice, the frustrations were evident for Bryce Young. The No. 1 overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft was never going to get the better of such a talented defense all the time, but what unfolds in the coming days when the New York Jets visit for joint practices is of paramount importance.
Frank Reich also delivered what was surprising news to many after Sunday's practice. The head coach confirmed via David Newton of ESPN that Young will start Saturday's preseason game against the Jets, although he didn't reveal how many snaps he'd be allocated given the need to keep him out of harm's way before Week 1 at the Atlanta Falcons arrives.
"I do have an idea. There is flexibility in the plan. There has to be. That's just being smart about it. We have a general idea how many plays we want to get through the whole preseason, but that can be adjusted by 10 or 20 percent depending on how things go."Frank Reich via ESPN
While there is a definite need for Young to get live NFL fire in the coming weeks, the Panthers have to be smart about his usage. Under no circumstance should the former Alabama phenom be out there without the starting offensive line or his primary playmakers, so one wouldn't expect to see anything more than a series from him this weekend.
Perhaps this might increase in the second preseason game before sitting out the third. But it depends on how the coaching staff feels he's coming along when presented with different in-game situations - albeit in a more relaxed setting than a regular season encounter.
It's a fine line, that's for sure. Fortunately for the Panthers, they have some top-level minds making the decisions this time around.