Ranking All 24 of the Panthers' Free Agents

Diving into the Panthers' soon-to-be free agents.

Free agency is just around the corner and this offseason, the Panthers have 24 players from last year's team in need of a new contract. 21 of those free agents are unrestricted.

Here are the Panthers' free agents, ranked 1-24.

1. OLB Brian Burns

Burns is a cornerstone for this franchise and is viewed as one of the top pass rushers in the NFL. It looks like the Panthers are trending toward using the franchise tag but at some point, they must get a long-term deal done.

2. LB Frankie Luvu

Luvu has become one of the best playmaking linebackers in the league, seemingly out of nowhere. He's posted 100+ tackles in consecutive seasons along with a combined 29 tackles for loss and 12.5 sacks.

3. S Jeremy Chinn

This might be a bit high for Chinn, but we are talking overall talent and not so much the fit with Carolina. I believe Chinn will return to form and really thrive, if given the opportunity. I'm not so sure that will be with the Panthers though.

4. OLB Yetur Gross-Matos

Gross-Matos proved a lot of folks wrong in 2023, including myself. I never thought he would make the transition to outside linebacker look as smooth as he did. The hamstring limited him to just 12 games, but he still posted career highs in QB hits (10), tackles for loss (7), and sacks (4.5). 

5. CB Troy Hill

I thought Troy Hill played pretty well at nickel in 2023. With Evero back as the defensive coordinator, I wouldn't be surprised to not only see him back in Carolina, but have a slightly expanded role. 

6. S Sam Franklin Jr.

Franklin is one of the best special teamers in the league and when given the opportunity, he's shown he can make plays at safety. If I'm Dan Morgan, I'd be all for bringing Franklin back.

7. WR DJ Chark

Chark didn't live up to preseason expectations, but he did begin to form a strong connection with Bryce Young down the stretch. I could see the Panthers being 50/50 on bringing him back. If they do, it won't be anything more than a one-year deal and likely as the No. 3 or 4 option.

8. OLB Marquis Haynes Sr.

The back injury is a major concern for me with Haynes. It's a tough injury to come back from and a lot of players never return to their old self. He's always been a situational pass rusher, so it's not like he's irreplaceable.

9. LB Deion Jones

Jones has always been known for his pass coverage and proved to be one of the Panthers' best linebackers in that phase of the game in 2023, finishing with six passes defended and one interception. 

10. WR Ihmir Smith-Marsette (RFA)

Smith-Marsette has the speed and the playmaking ability to be more than just a gadget receiver, but didn't have many chances to prove that due to arriving in late August and the constant change of who was running the offense. Not sure if it will be in Carolina or not, but he's got a chance to stick around in the league. 

The rest:

11. RB Raheem Blackshear (ERFA)

12. LB Kamu Grugier-Hill

13. CB C.J. Henderson

14. WR Laviska Shenault Jr.

15. CB Shaquill Griffin

16. LB Tae Davis

17. LS JJ Jansen

18. DE Deshawn Williams

19. G Gabe Jackson

20. DE Henry Anderson

21. T David Sharpe

22. G Justin McCray

23. TE Giovanni Ricci (RFA)

24. DE Chris Wormley

Panthers Odds to Sign Mike Evans, Calvin Ridley

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