Search for pass-rushers could take many forms
Even with the Ekwonu situation, pass-rush might have been the top priority this offseason. The Panthers managed just 30.0 sacks last year, tied for 28th in the league (only two teams had fewer). They did draft Nic Scourton in the second round, and Princely Umanmielen in the third, and Morgan likes them. But he knows he needs to add there.
“I don’t think you can have too many really good pass-rushers,” Morgan said. “So, you know, the combination of free agency, the combination of draft, there are some good players in both that we’re excited about. So we’ll see how it shakes out. We’re obviously evaluating them. We’re putting the work in, and we’ll see what happens.
“I don’t have a crystal ball and, you know, you never know who you’re going to sign, or who may want to come here.”
Morgan did say that veteran Patrick Jones II was healthy after missing half of last season with back surgery, but he’s cleared and “ready to go next year.”
But there will be a lot of talk about external options.
One of those pass-rushers they’ll consider is former Dolphins outside linebacker Bradley Chubb, who briefly played for defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero in Denver before he was traded to Miami in 2022. The 29-year-old Chubb has 48.0 sacks in seven seasons, but also a torn ACL that cost him the entire 2024 season.
“I don’t think anything is going to be off the table,” Morgan replied when asked specifically about Chubb. “We’ll explore that, we’ll talk to his agent, but I wouldn’t say anything’s upcoming, but we’ll definitely stay on that, and we’ll see where that goes.
I know a lot about them. Obviously, you know, when guys get cut, I watch every guy that gets cut. So do the pro scouts. They do a great job as well. So, still playing at a really good level, has had a lot of sack production throughout his career. Just a really good player, and, you know, that’s something that we’ll stay in, and we’ll explore.”