DONALD WATKINS | THE CHARLOTTE POST


Carolina Panthers linebacker Claudin Cherelus (53) celebrates after making a play against New Orleans Nov. 3, 2024, at Bank of America Stadium. Cherilus, who was among several Panthers linebackers lost to injury in 2024, returns in 2025.  


Carolina Panthers coach Dave Canales never wavered when it came to backing defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero. 

During a 30-14 loss to the Dallas Cowboys at Bank of America Stadium on Dec. 15, 2024, the Panthers’ injury-plagued defense yielded 211 rushing yards.
It was business as usual. 

With several key personnel sidelined with season-ending injuries, Evero’s crippled unit yielded at least 200 yards rushing in each of their final six outings, en route to surrendering 3,057 yards on the ground, third-most in NFL history. 

Following the Week 15 loss to the Cowboys, Canales fielded a post-game question inquiring if he remained confident in Evero’s 3-4 base defense. Without hesitation, Canales said sternly: “Absolutely.” 
A few weeks later, after the Panthers concluded a 5-12 campaign, Canales announced Evero would return for a third season in 2025. 

As the Panthers prepared for their initial training-camp practice Wednesday, Evero started prepping for his last stand.

Panthers give DC Ejiro Evero new assets 

Despite commanding a unit that yielded 534 points, most in NFL history, and 6,877 total yards, the second-most ever, Canales lobbied for Evero to get another chance. He knows from experience the effectiveness of Evero’s defense when all the assets are in place. Canales faced Evero’s defensive schemes as an assistant coach with the Seattle Seahawks and as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ offensive coordinator in 2023.

“I’ve played against this defense,” Canales said Jan. 8. “I’ve played against it in Seattle (against) the Rams for a bunch of years. I played against it twice last year. I know what this defense will look like. And I’m committed to that, Ejiro’s committed to that. 

“So, it’s about developing the players we brought in. It’s about evaluating our schemes, so we have to be able to look at our schemes and be really critical of all those things as well. And it’s about seeing who’s out there to challenge our roster, who can help us to get this defense to the place that we know we can.” 

To get to that place, Carolina general manager Dan Morgan acted swiftly on the first day of free agency, signing defensive linemen Tershawn Wharton and Bobby Brown III, edge Patrick Jones II, linebacker Christian Rozeboom and safety Tre’von Moehrig. 

Morgan also secured multi-year deals with his top two cornerbacks, Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson. 

The Panthers picked nose tackle Cam Jackson, pass-rushers Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen and safety Lathan Ransom in the draft. 

Also, Derrick Brown (knee) was cleared Tuesday to participate in all football activities. The 2023 Pro Bowler missed 16 games last season.

Can a rookie help reshape a beleaguered unit? 

Out of the NFL playoffs since 2017 and losers of at least 10 games in each of the past six seasons, Morgan’s offseason moves were targeted to provide Evero with stronger, healthier starters and dependable depth. 

“It’s hard to win football games when you can’t stop the run,” Morgan said Tuesday. “Obviously, for us, this past offseason was an emphasis for us to build our front.  







JEFF HAWKINS | THE CHARLOTTE POST


Carolina Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero has head coach Dave Canales’ vote of confidence despite a historically poor season in 2024.

“We feel good about (the additions), but long story short, the guys have to put the work in. They all have to come together as a unit, create that continuity.” 


Evero’s linebacker room took a hit Tuesday when the Panthers released projected starter Josey Jewell, who continues to show concussion symptoms. According to a press release, Jewell could return later in the season if his health improves. 

As poor as the Panthers’ rush defense performed last season, their pass rush failed to provide consistent – if any – quarterback pressure. The unit generated just 32 sacks, the third fewest in the league. Since 2023, the Panthers produced just 59 sacks. 

Enter Scourton, a second-round draft pick who signed a four-year contract Saturday. He was the final rookie to sign. 

“I’m just happy to be here,” Scourton said after Tuesday’s walk-through practice. 

Evero is also happy the former Texas A&M and Purdue standout is there.

“We’re certainly looking for everyone in that (outside linebacker) room — and really, on the entire defense, coaches included—to perform better,” Evero said June 28. 

As he adjusted to NFL life during the offseason program, Scourton recognized the opportunity he could earn as rotational asset behind presumed starters Jones and D.J. Wonnum.    

“Two guys I want to give a shout out to is D.J. Wonnum and Pat Jones,” Scourton said. “They helped me out so much. (They have) so much knowledge, so much experience. Even though we’re competing (for playing time), they want to see me get better and help the team.” 

And help Evero reshape one of the NFL’s all-time worst defenses. 

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