Defensive Game-Changer Coming to Carolina: Panthers Named as Surprise Suitor for Elite Free Agent
The Carolina Panthers were named this week by Pro Football Focus as a potential landing spot for one of the top available free agent defensive linemen.
PFF thinks Arizona Cardinals edge rusher Baron Browning could be a good fit in Carolina.
Browning, a third round selection by the Denver Broncos in the 2021 NFL Draft, was traded by Denver to the Arizona Cardinals in the middle of the 2024 season.
The former Ohio State standout played in 13 games in 2024, totaling 21 tackles, two sacks, and five tackles for loss.
From PFF: Arizona was a team in dire need of pass-rushing production this past season, which prompted the trade to bring in Baron Browning, who finished as the team’s highest-graded pass-rusher (77.2) and is scheduled to hit free agency. That type of immediate production should be rewarded. Should the Cardinals be unable to land one of their top targets, bringing back Browning on a cost-effective deal makes sense.
The Panthers desperately need pass-rushing help after their abysmal 2024, in which they ranked dead last in team PFF pass-rush grade (51.6). Without much cap space to work with, their best option would be to make an early offer to a high-upside player like Browning while other teams are fighting over the Josh Sweats and Khalil Macks of the world.
It’s no secret that Carolina badly needs to address their pass rush this offseason.
The Panthers were dead last in the NFL in raw pressure rate (25.1%) in 2024 — which isn’t a surprise considering that Carolina traded Brian Burns, their top pass rusher, to the New York Giants last spring.
It’s nearly impossible to reach the playoffs win the NFL without an effective pass rush.
Carolina would be wise to spend an early draft pick on a premier edge rusher. Signing Browning would be a cost-effective move that would further solidify that unit for the Panthers even after potentially drafting an edge rusher.
