Ranking the top-five signings made by the Carolina Panthers during an immensely active free agency for the franchise so far in 2023.
It's been a frenzied period of activity for the Carolina Panthers in free agency. Players have come and gone, but the roster looks in pretty good shape with the promise of some landmark arrivals to come that also includes a new franchise quarterback from No. 1 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft.
This is an exciting time for fans. There are sound football minds at work within the building, who left no stone unturned in pursuit of finding the right pieces while also keeping long-term financial stability thanks to some expert wizardry led by Samir Suleiman.
There were already some talented individuals in place for the new coaching staff to work with. Frank Reich's used his connections well throughout the offseason across all fronts, which can hopefully bear fruit in pursuit of an NFC South title challenge next time around.
With that being said, we ranked the top-five free-agent signings made by the Panthers in 2023.
Free Agent Signing No. 5
Andy Dalton - Carolina Panthers QB
While quarterback Andy Dalton might not see the field if a rookie signal-caller makes the necessary adjustment from college to the pros this summer, he'll be an integral part of the Carolina Panthers in 2023.
The veteran will be leaned on heavily to mentor someone like C.J. Stroud and Bryce Young through their transition. This is a role Dalton's already assumed well with the Chicago Bears when Justin Fields entered the league.
If the incoming college recruit needs a little extra time to pick things up, the Panthers have a dependable presence in Dalton to fill the void and ensure no momentum is lost. So this signing is a major win for Carolina at an important time.
Hayden Hurst - Carolina Panthers TE
It's no secret that the Carolina Panthers needed a productive pass-catching presence at the tight end position. Considering the need for their rookie quarterback to hit the ground running, identifying a veteran from the free-agent pool was the best course of action.
Despite the incoming 2023 NFL Draft tight-end class being among the deepest in recent memory, the Panthers need someone with experience who's played at the highest level. Something that led those in power to Hayden Hurst, who signed a three-year, $21.75 million deal that also included a $6.17 million signing bonus and $13 million guaranteed.
Hurst is a proven performer who is renowned for coming up big when the spotlight is brightest. He's coming off the back of two straight AFC Championship games with the Cincinnati Bengals, so he knows how to successfully impact a team with legitimate Super Bowl aspirations.
While the Panthers might not be there just yet, they have grand ambitions to reach this standard under Frank Reich. Hurst's presence will be a massive upgrade on anything Carolina's possessed since Greg Olsen and should be an exceptional security blanket for the No. 1 overall pick during their first season as an NFL starter.
Having played college at South Carolina, the adjustment should be easy for Hurst. His previous experience of NFC South football from his time with the Atlanta Falcons is another thing the player has working in his favor.
Miles Sanders - Carolina Panthers RB
There were a few raised eyebrows when the Carolina Panthers convinced Miles Sanders to join their ambitious project. Paying another running back decent money so soon after trading Christian McCaffrey was deemed a risk worth taking by the front office, which left D'Onta Foreman free to leave in free agency for the Chicago Bears along the way.
Foreman shone in a starting role last season once McCaffrey was shipped to the San Francisco 49ers. But looking at their full body of work, Sanders represents an instant upgrade and can be a true three-down force for the Panthers in 2023.
The former second-round pick arrives in Carolina having played a significant role in the Philadelphia Eagles run to the Super Bowl. Sanders gained 1,347 all-purpose yards and 11 combined touchdowns throughout the campaign, so it's not hard to see why influential figures within the Panthers identified him as a player of interest.
Sanders also has experience of being around a winning franchise - one that Frank Reich was also part of once upon a time. Therefore, he should be fully aware of the standards expected and can help portray this to his teammates throughout the preparation period.
While Foreman possibly earned an extended stay last season, there is no room for sentiment when it comes to building a contender. If the Panthers want to emerge as a surprise playoff hopeful next season, they'll need Sanders firing on all cylinders.
Vonn Bell - Carolina Panthers S
With the Carolina Panthers shifting their defensive ethos under new coordinator Ejiro Evero, some personnel changes were expected. It's been a case of fine-tuning rather than anything drastic, which could be bolstered further if the right prospects become available during the 2023 NFL Draft.
One notable addition in free agency could be among the team's most important when push comes to shove. Vonn Bell is another with legitimate playoff experience and high-level production both on the field and as a supreme motivator of men within the locker room.
This will be invaluable to the Panthers and the young defensive stars at the team's disposal. Bell's partnership on the backend with Xavier Woods comes with undoubted potential, which also allows Evero the opportunity to deploy Jeremy Chinn in a more impactful way all over the field.
Bell is a hard hitter - a no-nonsense individual that makes things happen. His pre-snap communication is first-class and matched by outstanding efficiency in coverage to further raise expectations.
Something special could be brewing for Carolina's defense in 2023. Adding another cornerback and pass-rusher would be wise before the season begins, but having someone like Bell to anchor the safety position could be the key that unlocks this unit's true potential during the upcoming campaign.
Adam Thielen - Carolina Panthers WR
When the Carolina Panthers gave up D.J. Moore in the trade that landed them the No. 1 overall selection, it left the wide receiver room incredibly thin of reliable options. Hope remains that Terrace Marshall Jr. can emerge into a primary weapon, but there's just no telling for sure after some severe mismanagement of the former second-round selection under the previous regime that hindered his early development.
Adding a dynamic weapon via the college ranks is another possible option. But the signings of Adam Thielen and D.J. Chark have the scope to offset Moore's departure if the pair hit it off in a different environment.
Thielen, in particular, is a fascinating acquisition. He resisted overtures from elsewhere to join the Panthers and even though he's 32 years old, could still make a lasting impact during his first season away from the Minnesota Vikings.
The once-unheralded undrafted free agent is one of the slickest route-runners in the business. This makes Thielen a potential difference-maker over intermediate routes and in the red zone, which is exactly what a new rookie quarterback needs right out of the gate.
The fact Thielen believed enough in Carolina's plans to spurn the chance to join a contender shows how much good work is being done behind the scenes. If the wideout stays clear of injury, his first 1,000-yard receiving season since 2018 won't be far behind.