Panthers named best fit for top free-agent pass rusher
Although the better part of the free agent market has already been picked through, there are still some gems to be had. And according to a former league executive, one of those gems belongs in Charlotte.
Ex-general manager Rick Spielman—who headed the Miami Dolphins in 2004 and the Minnesota Vikings from 2012 to 2021—recently mapped out the best fits for some of the best remaining free agents. Among the names listed was outside linebacker Leonard Floyd, who could squeeze right into the new-look Carolina Panthers defense.
Spielman writes:
They’re moving to a 3-4 defense under new DC Ejiro Evero, which means both edge rushers have to be a little more undersized and have the quickness to get up the field. They have that in Brian Burns, but Yetur Gross-Matos does not fit that 3-4 edge rusher role. He’s more of a five-technique, so they have to go out and get another edge rusher to pair with Burns.
The Panthers have a solid defense already. Plus, they’ve got an offense with a lot of young players that will help them grow. But their defense will have to keep them in games early. In my opinion, Floyd is the best fit for their defensive scheme and team needs.
While Carolina did draft University of Oregon backer DJ Johnson with the 80th overall pick, the 6-foot-4, 260-pounder is a ways away from locking down that spot across from Burns. So until that clay is molded (if it ever is), Evero and the Panthers will need a proven pass rusher for the present.
That, obviously, is where Floyd would come in. The former ninth overall pick played his best career ball after joining the Los Angeles Rams in 2020, having recorded a combined 29.0 sacks over the past three seasons.
The 30-year-old defender is one of a few intriguing options left out there for the Panthers and general manager Scott Fitterer, who is certainly still on the lookout.
