The evolution of the Carolina Panthers continues.

On Wednesday, defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero chatted with reporters before heading out for the second session of team organized activities. He was asked about the recent release of outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney, who recorded a team-high 5.5 sacks this past season.

“Dan [Morgan] and Dave [Canales] have been very open and they communicate to me, certainly, the things that I need to know, and I’m very, very appreciative of that,” Evero stated. “Obviously, this was the decision that was made. I’m very, very appreciative of JD, and also Shaquille [Shaq Thompson] as well. I need to mention them as well. But certainly appreciate those guys and sacrifices and what they brought to our program last year.

“But this thing—as you guys all know—this league is always evolving, the teams are always evolving, and we’ve moved forward in this direction. We’re looking forward.”

For the Panthers, looking forward could mean looking towards their youth. Clowney turned 32 years old in February while Thompson, Carolina’s first-round pick back in 2015, will be trying to make it an 11th NFL season after sustaining two serious injuries that ended his ninth and 10th.

Evero was then asked how the dynamic of the pass-rushing group will change without that veteran presence.

“We’re certainly looking for everyone in that room—and really, on the entire defense, coaches included—to perform better,” he replied. “But in terms of leadership, I certainly love what Pat Jones is gonna bring to the table, what D.J. Wonnum is gonna bring to the table, DJ Johnson going into his third year, the leadership of Coach [AC] Carter as well.

“So, at the end of the day, there’s opportunity for everyone in that room. There’s competition for everyone in that room. There’s competition all the way across our defense and we’re excited about that.”

Along with their free-agent signee in Jones, the Panthers also added 2025 second-round picks Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen to the bunch. Scourton and Umanmielen combined for 32.5 sacks at the collegiate level over the last two years.

The early favorites to man the starting outside linebacker jobs should be Jones and Wonnum, who notched 4.0 sacks in eight games for Carolina in 2024. Both previously played together as members of the Minnesota Vikings from 2021 to 2023.

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