Grading four more major moves by the Carolina Panthers during what's been a busy start to 2024 free agency as expected.
It was an emotional rollercoaster to begin legal tampering. Some popular faces were removed from the equation. The Carolina Panthers decimated their defense after deciding to transition significant investment to the offensive side of the football. Questions were being asked about the franchise's direction under new general manager Dan Morgan.
Looking at the moves made up to now, there is a definite plan in place. Miracles aren't going to happen overnight, but everyone seems to be on the same page in pursuit of one common goal at long last. No personal agendas are coming into play and - at least for now - people are not fighting for their jobs.
Plenty of twists and turns are upcoming, but the Panthers are relaying the foundations. It'll take time, but maximizing Bryce Young's rookie contract is also desirable.
With that being said, we graded the latest four major moves from what's been a dramatic start to Carolina's recruitment period in 2024.
Carolina Panthers signed A'Shawn Robinson
It's no secret that the Carolina Panthers were short of decent options on their defensive front. Derrick Brown is a core foundational piece ascending into one of the league's best after a record-breaking 2023 campaign. Aside from that, the cupboard was relatively bare heading into the offseason.
The Panthers looked to improve the options at Ejiro Evero's disposal with someone he knows well and reportedly banged the table hard to acquire. A'Shawn Robinson has agreed to terms on a three-year deal worth $22.5 million. He brings dependability and his previous familiarity with the defensive coordinator's system should make for a smooth transition.
Grade: B
Robinson has played just six percent of his career snaps as a true nose tackle, which is where Evero could deploy him. That's a little concerning, but his experience and run-stopping ability should be an asset. Especially as it allows Shy Tuttle to potentially make a switch to a 3-4 defensive end where his physical traits are best suited.
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Carolina Panthers signed Josey Jewell
After Frankie Luvu opted to depart in favor of the Washington Commanders, the Carolina Panthers had a gaping hole at their defensive second level. Once again, Ejiro Evero turned to someone he'd worked with previously for a potential solution.
Josey Jewell agreed to terms on a three-year deal. The ferocious linebacker played the best football of his career under Evero with the Denver Broncos in 2022. He's got proven starting credentials and is a well-rounded individual capable of assisting in all phases.
Jewell's best asset is stopping runners in their tracks. He's a physical hitter who likes nothing more than laying the wood with ruthless aggression. He's a throwback in that regard, which is probably why general manager Dan Morgan - a former linebacker himself - approved Evero's recommendation.
The Iowa college product does have some deficiencies in coverage that could become complicated, but Evero's player assessment carries a ton of weight here. Jewell also has the sort of personality that Morgan is looking for - someone who takes no prisoners and has a will to win that rubs off on his teammates.
Grade: B+
The Panthers had to act swiftly to replace Luvu's immense contribution. Asking Jewell to reach similar heights is ambitious, but his previous connection to Evero improves his chances.
Carolina Panthers re-signed Ihmir Smith-Marsette
Although his contribution on the offensive rotation was minimal despite others failing to meet expectations, Ihmir Smith-Marsette flashed moments of extreme promise. He's a versatile wide receiver that can line up almost anywhere. His talent as a kick returner is something else that brought a positive outlook heading into free agency.
The Carolina Panthers opted not to tender Smith-Marsette, but reports suggested there was a mutual interest in something getting worked out. As it turned out, the player agreed to sign a one-year extension in the hope he can carve out a bigger role for himself.
Having a progressive offensive mind in Dave Canales leading the charge should help Smith-Marsette. His athleticism and ability to make people miss are traits the new play-caller should utilize more effectively. Asking him to be a legitimate X or Z receiver is a stretch, but lining him up across the line of scrimmage and even in the backfield comes with significant intrigue.
Grade: A
The trade to bring in Smith-Marsette from the Kansas City Chiefs during final roster cuts in 2023 was one of Scott Fitterer's best moves, although the bar isn't exactly high in that regard. If he avoids complacency and uses this extra year to further establish himself, big things could be ahead for the former Iowa star.
Carolina Panthers traded for Diontae Johnson
Bryce Young needs help. The quarterback went through one of the worst rookie seasons of any No. 1 pick in NFL history. Anything less than prioritizing everything around the signal-caller would have been organization malpractice.
Thankfully, the Carolina Panthers have made this their top desire throughout early recruitment. Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis are two imposing interior offensive linemen who should make things easier. Those in power also raised eyebrows by striking a trade for wide receiver Diontae Johnson to further raise optimism.
Carolina is sending cornerback Donte Jackson and a sixth-round pick to the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for Johnson and a seventh-rounder. The compensation makes this a potential steal. More importantly, the former third-round pick is one of the league's best at getting open.
Creating separation quickly on almost every route imaginable is Johnson's specialty. He's a sharp route runner who knows how to identify soft spots effectively. Ball security has been an issue in the past, but this is an outstanding pickup when one factors everything into the equation.
Grade: A
Johnson is going to become Young's best friend in no time at all. The Panthers aren't done in strengthening their wide receiver room, but this was a great place to start.