The Carolina Panthers officially began free agency on Wednesday afternoon, announcing the signings that were reported earlier this week. The Panthers didn't stop there; they also signed former Rams linebacker Christian Rozeboom and former Cowboys running back Rico Dowdle, a native of Asheville, NC, to one-year deals. With the additions of Rozeboom and Dowdle, the Panthers now have three starter-caliber linebackers and two running backs who recently achieved 1,000-yard rushing seasons.

With the new league year beginning, contracts are starting to appear on the Panthers books. Julian Council examines the cap numbers for players recently added to the Panthers roster, along with further details about their contracts.

Now that the Panthers have thoroughly addressed the defense and filled a key backup position on offense, what needs do they have heading into the second wave of free agency?

Julian Council reacts to Day 1 of free agency for the Carolina Panthers. 

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The Carolina Panthers were aggressive in adding pieces to a defensive unit that ranked worst in the NFL in 2024 during the first day of the legal negotiating period. To conclude a busy day of rebuilding the defense, the Panthers re-signed starting cornerback Mike Jackson to a two-year deal, retaining him alongside Jaycee Horn for the next two seasons. On Tuesday, the Panthers secured a deal with Shy Tuttle, reworking his contract and freeing up an additional $3 million in cap space. With Jackson returning and Tuttle back in the fold, have the Panthers met all their defensive needs during free agency?

The Panthers hoped to keep backup running back Miles Sanders for another season but couldn't reach an agreement over a pay cut, leading to the team releasing Sanders and saving $5.3 million against the salary cap. Now that Sanders is gone from Carolina, the Panthers need a running back to back up Chuba Hubbard while Jonathon Brooks recovers from a second ACL tear. Will the Panthers add a veteran running back during free agency or wait until the draft?

Panthers GM Dan Morgan stated that while the team aims to fill defensive needs, they wouldn't neglect the offense. So far, the Panthers haven't made any offensive free-agent signings. Which position on offense could they address next?

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Introducing Sam Darnold to Seattle Seahawks, Justin Fields to New York Jets & Laremy Tunsil TRADED to Commanders from Locked On NFL – Daily Podcast On The National Football League.

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NFL Free Agency went CRAZY on opening day with Sam Darnold heading to the Seattle Seahawks as the headliner. Darnold wasn't the only quarterback to make a move though as Justin Fields took to the big apple to join the New York Jets! Both teams feel entirely different now, but the expectations are the same and they are low. The Washington Commanders are continuing an aggressive offseason with a trade for Laremy Tunsil, but it calls into question what in the world the Houston Texans are doing. Finally, the Chicago Bears and New England Patriots were the most active teams of the day making a number of signings.

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DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to [email protected].

The Carolina Panthers kicked off the first day of the negotiating period by making history, as the franchise signed CB Jaycee Horn to a four-year, $100 million extension, making Horn the highest-paid defensive back in NFL history at an average of $25 million per year. Horn's deal comes just nine months after he played a career-high 15 games and earned Pro Bowl honors. Only a year ago, the Panthers decided to exercise Horn's fifth-year option, despite him having missed 29 games during his first three seasons. Julian Council discusses how Panthers GM Dan Morgan's gamble paid off.

One of the most surprising sagas on the first day of the legal negotiation period for Carolina was the bidding war for Philadelphia Eagles DT Milton Williams. Williams initially seemed to agree to terms with Carolina, but the New England Patriots swooped in with a $26 million per year offer to entice him to Foxborough. The Panthers later responded by signing former Los Angeles Rams DT Bobby Brown III to fill a key spot on the interior of the defensive line.

The Panthers continued to shore up the secondary for 2025 by signing former Las Vegas Raiders safety Tre'von Moehrig to a 3-year, $51 million deal.

Additionally, the Panthers strengthened their EDGE rush by signing former Minnesota Viking Patrick Jones to a multi-year deal.

After addressing the offense on Day 1, will the Panthers aggressively pursue offensive players on Day 2?

Julian Council reacts to all of the Panthers' moves from Day 1 of the legal negotiating period.

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Introducing Las Vegas Raiders TRADE: Geno Smith QB Chaos, Steelers Want Sam Darnold & Josh Allen Monster Deal from Locked On NFL – Daily Podcast On The National Football League.

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NFL Free Agency is HERE and the chaos got started a few days early when the Las Vegas Raiders traded for quarterback Geno Smith! Smith answers the Raiders biggest question, but creates and equally massive one for the Seattle Seahawks, who now turn their attention to Sam Darnold. Darnold will have a bigger market though as the Pittsburgh Steelers also have reported interest in the quarterback. Derek Carr went back to the New Orleans Saints which creates a fight over Justin Fields and Aaron Rodgers. The New York Jets and New York Giants will be players. Josh Allen got a MONSTER extension from the Buffalo Bills. Myles Garrett finally got a resolution with the Cleveland Browns, getting the biggest non-QB deal in NFL history, but the impact his deal has on the NFL is seismic, not just for player payment, but for the NFL Draft as well.

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DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to [email protected].

Can the Carolina Panthers make game-changing moves in free agency? With the NFL offseason heating up, the Panthers are eyeing strategic acquisitions to bolster their roster. Key targets include versatile defensive linemen like Milton Williams and potential trades for star wide receiver DK Metcalf. The Panthers strategy also involves crucial contract decisions for players like Jaycee Horn, as they aim to solidify their defense and enhance their offensive line depth.

Join host Julian Council and guest Mike Kaye from the Charlotte Observer as they break down the Panthers offseason plans. They explore the team's needs at tight end and discuss how these moves could reshape the Panthers' future.

Don't miss this insightful discussion on the Panthers path to success and the potential impact of their offseason strategy. Listen now for expert analysis and insider perspectives!

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The legal negotiating period for contracts in the NFL begins on Monday, and the Carolina Panthers are expected to be active in free agency as they aim to rebuild their league-worst defense while also adding talent to the offense. According to Over The Cap, the Panthers are projected to have just under $29 million in cap space. Given this, how aggressive can the Panthers be during the free agency period?

Cincinnati Bengals edge rusher Trey Hendrickson was informed on Thursday that the team will allow him to seek a trade, as contract negotiations have stalled. Could the Panthers be interested in trading for Hendrickson, despite the likelihood that he will seek a top-of-the-market contract extension this offseason?

With the 8th overall pick, the Panthers will likely have several options. One possibility is selecting a tight end, a position that General Manager Dan Morgan has described as "a little thin" heading into free agency. Could Penn State's Tyler Warren be the solution to the Panthers tight end talent and depth issues?

Julian Council addresses these questions and others from listeners in this week's edition of the Weekly Friday Mailbag on Locked On Panthers.

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Introducing FREE AGENCY MATCHMAKER: Aaron Rodgers to Titans, Justin Fields to Jets & Russell Wilson to Giants from Locked On NFL – Daily Podcast On The National Football League.

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NFL Free Agency starts on Monday and the quarterbacks will be playing a game of musical chairs. Tyler and Ross play matchmaker with the available quarterbacks and teams. The Tennessee Titans and Aaron Rodgers could be a good pairing, but if Kirk Cousins becomes available he is a name to watch. The Las Vegas Raiders could go with a young quarterback like Shedeur Sanders, but also pair him with a veteran like Russell Wilson. Justin Fields is drawing massive interest from the Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Jets, but the Jets will likely pay more to bring in the young project. Finally, the New York Giants and Cleveland Browns are poised to get rookie quarterbacks, but would Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders be a better fit and would either team bring in Sam Darnold?

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DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to [email protected].

In this week's NFL Squad, the crew discusses the veteran wide receiver market ahead of NFL Free Agency after the DK Metcalf trade request, Davante Adams release, and Chris Godwin's pending free agency. Plus, they also dive deep into whether or not Aaron Rodgers will play in 2025 and if he does, do the New York Giants make sense and all of the NFL news, Free Agency rumblings and more.

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Could Metcalf be the missing piece for the Panthers' offense? With the Carolina Panthers eyeing a top-tier wide receiver, Metcalf's move could be a game-changer. Julian Council explores why the Panthers should pursue Metcalf, highlighting his potential impact alongside Bryce Young and Chuba Hubbard. The discussion covers trade compensation, contract details, and competition from teams like the Las Vegas Raiders and Dallas Cowboys. Council's analysis offers a deep dive into how Metcalf could elevate the Panthers offensive strategy. Don't miss this engaging breakdown of Metcalf's potential move and its implications for the Panthers' future.

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