The Carolina Panthers spent aggressively in NFL free agency last offseason, committing more than $150 million alone on guards Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis. With those signings playing a role in a turnaround season for quarterback Bryce Young, the Panthers are expected to take that same approach this offseason.
With Tee Higgins taken off the board and Chris Godwin expected to re-sign with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, there isn’t a No. 1 wide receiver available in NFL free agency. It will likely push the Panthers front office to address the position early in the 2025 NFL Draft.
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However, there are still plenty of glaring needs Carolina will need to address. The Panthers had the worst NFL defense in 2024 and they need help at tight end with more depth at running back and wide receiver. With free agency approaching, the club has specific targets in mind.
ESPN NFL writer Dan Graziano reported on Sunday that the word around the NFL Combine was that the Panthers will be pursuing “big-game players” in NFL free agency. Carolina is reportedly adamant about adding to its defense with a specific list of top targets.
Who will the Carolina Panthers sign in 2025
One of the Panthers top free agent targets is defensive tackle Milton Williams. While he’s never earned a Pro Bowl selection, the reigning Super Bowl champion had the sixth-highest ESPN pass-rush win rate (13 percent) last season. Putting that into context, it was even higher than Pro Bowl selections Vita Vea (12%) and Jeffery Simmons (12%). Williams, who turns 26 in April, is expected to receive multiple contract offers north of $20 million per season.
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In addition to Williams, Carolina is also reportedly targeting much-needed help for its secondary. Former Miami Dolphins safety Jevon Holland and former Minnesota Vikings safety Camryn Bynum are both on the “short list” of Panthers free agent targets.
Holland, who turns 26 this month, was one of the best free safeties in the NFL before a down season in 2024. He won’t be receiving the franchise tag from Miami, giving Carolina a clear path to potentially land the standout defensive back. Bynum, who turns 27 in July, was a three-year starter for Minnesota and is well-regarded for his playmaking ability. Both players are expected to command multi-year deals worth more than $15 million per season.
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Another name on the Panthers’ radar is edge rusher Chase Young. In 17 games last season, he recorded 21 QB hits with 5.5 sacks and was credited with 34 total pressures. It’s possible Carolina could add two of its targets, potentially adding Young and either Williams or Holland to bolster the Panthers defense.