Panthers' Safety Gap: Draft or Free Agency?

0:00On March 22nd, ESPN analyst Bill Barnwell named 20 NFL teams as contenders for 2026, basing it on playoff appearances in either. 2024 or 2025. The Carolina Panthers earned a spot after clinching the NFC South with an 8-9 record, their first division title since 2015. They swept the season series against rivals, going 3-1 versus the Falcons and Buccaneers. In the wildcard round, though, they fell short in a tight 34-31 loss to the Rams. Under coach Dave Canales and defensive coordinator Edgero Everro, the Panthers turned around a week unit from the prior year. General manager Dan Morgan got aggressive in free agency, signing edge rusher Jalen Phillips from the Eagles and linebacker Devon Lloyd from the YN. Jaguars, both coming off strong 2025 seasons. Barnwell seized the biggest remaining gap at safety. While Trayvon Moay rigged, shown with 14 tackles for loss in his debut year, veteran

1:01Nick Scott struggled against the run and in coverage. Carolina brought Scott back on a one-year deal, positioning him as a special team are competing with young, Lithuanian Ransom. With few top safeties left on the market, Morgan might target the draft, where the Panthers hold the 19th overall pick on April 23rd, plus six more in later rounds. I'm Cory with the story, and you've been listening to NFL News today. AI-powered football coverage.